WhatsApp has become a powerful tool for businesses to communicate with their customers. However, to ensure compliance and prevent spam, WhatsApp enforces strict messaging policies. One such rule is that businesses can freely interact with customers only within a 24-hour window from the last customer message. After this period, companies can only send WhatsApp Template Messages, which require prior approval from WhatsApp.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about WhatsApp Template Messages, including how to create them and get them approved effortlessly using Wetarseel.

What is a WhatsApp Template Message?

A WhatsApp Template Message is a pre-approved message format that businesses use to communicate with customers outside the 24-hour customer service window. These templates are particularly useful for sending:

• Promotional messages
• Product launches
• Newsletters
• Abandoned cart reminders
• Festive greetings
• Payment reminders

WhatsApp strictly regulates these messages to prevent spam and ensure quality communication between businesses and users.

Do WhatsApp Template Messages Need Approval?

Yes, every WhatsApp Template Message undergoes a thorough review by the WhatsApp team before approval. They check for:

• Grammatical correctness
• Compliance with WhatsApp policies
• Clarity and relevance

WhatsApp Template Message Guidelines

If your template does not meet WhatsApp’s requirements, it will be rejected. To get instant approvals, you must adhere to WhatsApp’s template message guidelines, which we will discuss in detail.

Reasons Why WhatsApp May Reject Your Template Message

To ensure your WhatsApp Template Message gets approved, avoid the following:

1- Threatening or abusive content

WhatsApp does not allow messages that include threats or legal warnings.
Example: “If you don’t pay within 24 hours, we will take legal action.” (❌ Not Allowed)

2- Data collection requests

You cannot request sensitive information like credit card numbers, passwords, or ID numbers via a template message.

However, polls and surveys are permitted as long as they don’t collect personal data.

WhatsApp Template Message Formatting Rules

When creating a template message, you must follow specific formatting guidelines:

1. Personalization with Variables

Use dynamic placeholders ({{1}}, {{2}}, etc.) to personalize messages. WhatsApp will replace these placeholders with actual customer data.

✅ Correct Format:
“Hello {{1}}, your order #{{2}} has been shipped!”

❌ Incorrect Format:
“Hello”
{{1}}
“Your order is on the way.”

2. Greetings and Message Purpose

Every message should begin with a greeting and immediately specify the message’s purpose.

✅ Example of a Properly Structured Message:
“Hey {{1}}, we have an exclusive offer for you!”

3. Opt-Out Option in Footer

WhatsApp requires businesses to provide an opt-out option for customers.

✅ Example Footer:
“Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”

Or add stop promotion button

To manage opt-ins and opt-outs, go to Select→ Stop promotion button in Wetarseel.

4. Language Consistency

The language selected for the template must match the message content.
Mixing languages like Hinglish (Hindi + English) or Spanglish (Spanish + English) is not allowed.
❌ Example of Incorrect Language Selection:

Language chosen: Spanish
Message written in: English
Outcome: Rejected

5. Proper Use of Links

Do not use URL shorteners like bit.ly, TinyURL, or goo.gl.
Always use links that belong to your official business domain.
✅ Correct Format:
“Click here to track your order: https://yourbusiness.com/track-order”

❌ Incorrect Format:
“Track your order: https://bit.ly/3xyzabc”

6. Avoid Extra Spaces and Double Line Breaks

Ensure no extra spaces at the end of messages.
Avoid double line spacing in your text, as it may lead to rejection.
✅ Correct Format:
“Hello {{1}}, how can I assist you?”

❌ Incorrect Format:
*”Hello {{1}},

How can I assist you?”*

7. Quick Reply Buttons & Call-to-Action (CTA) Formatting

Do not use emojis in quick reply buttons.
Phone numbers in CTAs must include the country code without the + sign.
✅ Correct Format:
“Call us at 919876543210 to learn more.”

❌ Incorrect Format:
“Call us at +91-9876543210.”

How to Create WhatsApp Template Messages in Wetarseel

Now that you know the rules and formatting requirements, let’s go through the step-by-step process of creating and submitting WhatsApp Template Messages using Wetarseel.

Step 1: Access the Template Creation Section

Log in to your Wetarseel account.
Navigate to Manage → Template Messages.
Click “Create New Template”.

Step 2: Choose a Category & Language

Select the appropriate message category (Transactional, Marketing, OTP, etc.).
Choose the language that matches the message content.

Step 3: Draft the Message

Use the correct formatting discussed earlier.
Ensure greetings, opt-out messages, and variable placeholders are correctly placed.

Step 4: Add Media (If Required)

WhatsApp allows including images, videos, and PDFs in template messages.
Attach relevant files before submitting.

Step 5: Submit for Approval

Double-check for spelling or grammar mistakes.
Click “Submit for Review”.
After submission, WhatsApp will approve or reject the template within 24-48 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does WhatsApp take to approve a template message?

It usually takes 24-48 hours, but it can sometimes be faster.

2. Can I edit a WhatsApp Template Message after submission?

No, once submitted, you cannot edit a template. You must create a new one.

3. What happens if my template message is rejected?

You will receive a rejection reason. Modify your message accordingly and resubmit.

4. Can I use emojis in my WhatsApp Template Messages?

Yes, but not in Quick Reply Buttons.

5. Can I send template messages to users who haven’t opted in?

No, customers must opt-in before you can send them template messages.

6. What is the best way to ensure approval of my template message?

Follow WhatsApp’s guidelines, use correct formatting, and proofread for grammar and spelling errors.

Conclusion

WhatsApp Template Messages are an essential tool for businesses to engage customers beyond the 24-hour chat window. However, strict compliance with WhatsApp’s rules and formatting requirements is necessary to ensure approval.

By using Wetarseel, you can easily create, submit, and manage WhatsApp Template Messages with minimal effort.

Need more help? Start creating WhatsApp Template Messages today with Wetarseel!