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Getting started with selling on WhatsApp using the WhatsApp Business API? You need WhatsApp template messages to initiate conversations with consumers.
WhatsApp Business message templates are essentially the messaging platform’s and Meta’s way of ensuring that businesses comply with all the guidelines set by them, to protect user experience.
If you’re new to WhatsApp template messages, this post will walk you through what they are, types of message templates, why you need them and how to get started - with 35+ free WhatsApp message templates you can customize!
What are WhatsApp message templates?
WhatsApp message templates are predefined messages that can be used by businesses infinitely to converse with consumers once they have opted in to their WhatsApp list.
Unlike free-form messages, WhatsApp template messages are the only type of message that can be sent to customers who have yet to message you, or who have not sent you a message in a window of 24 hours.
These message templates use variables or placeholders that are replaced with dynamic content according to customer or order data, depending on the campaign you’re using it for.
Messages you use templates for, can include appointment reminders, shipping information, issue resolution or payment updates. You can create multiple templates across different categories.
What are the different types of WhatsApp Business message templates?
WhatsApp allows businesses to create and use templates of the following types:
- Product announcements
- Promotional offers
- Account updates
- Order updates
- Alerts
- Appointment updates
- Auto-replies
- Issue resolution
- Payment updates
- Reservation updates
- Shipping updates
How to create a WhatsApp message template?
To create a new message template for your WhatsApp Business account, you need to follow these steps:
- Go to your Business Manager and select business
- Click on the hamburger menu icon
- Click WhatsApp manager
- Select the account you want to create templates for
- Click Manage message templates > Create message template
- Choose category, name and language for the message template
- Click continue to add sample, header, body, footer, buttons, call to action and quick replies
- Once done, click Submit
It typically takes upto 24 hours for your WhatsApp template to get approved. Although, if you’re using a WhatsApp Business API provider like QuickReply.ai, you get access to pre-approved WhatsApp templates for different purposes across the customer lifecycle.
What are some best practices for WhatsApp message templates?
Based on the WhatsApp message templates we have set up for QuickReply.ai users and gotten approved, here are some best practices to follow:
- Understand the different category of WhatsApp messages
- Keep the WhatsApp message simple
- Proofread your messages for errors and grammatical mistakes
- Pay close attention to message formatting (bold, italics, strikethrough)
- Use emojis methodically
- Use full URLs of the links added
- Name the WhatsApp template properly
- Use uniform language throughout the message
- Do not use abusive language
- Do not violate WhatsApp commerce policy
- Use good visuals in your message template
Think that’s too much to follow for creating WhatsApp message templates? We have some message templates ready for you to customize and put to use for WhatsApp automations.
20+ WhatsApp message templates you can customize and use
While we have covered the most popular category of WhatsApp message templates below, feel free to reach out to our team if you’re looking for something specific.
1. Product announcements
Want to promote a new range of products or collection available on your store, or want to share more details about a new product that consumers have shown interest in, use these WhatsApp message templates:
Hey there {name}! Our new range of products is here 🥁🥁🥁
The {collection_name} of products is live on our website!
Order your favorites at an exclusive 20% off: {shopping link}
-----
Hello {name}, thanks for showing interest in {product name}.
The product is now available for {pricing}
🛍️Reply to this message to place an order right away or click {shopping link}!
2. Promotional offers
Running a special discount, deal or offer on your store? You can create a WhatsApp message template to promote them too. Here are some:
Hello, {customer_name}! Looking for a new handbag? 👀
Our range of bags in {collection name} are on 25% off till Sunday!
Check them out now: {shopping link}
-----
🚨Flash sale is live 🚨
50% off on more than 100+ products in our store for 24 hours! ⏰
Use discount code {code} to show now: {shopping link}
3. Order updates
Want to use WhatsApp to ease the post-purchase journey of buyers? Remember to automate order status updates to keep them updated. Here are some WhatsApp templates to use:
Hi {name}! Your order for {product name} is confirmed! ✅
Our delivery partner will bring your order to the doorstep within 3-5 working days.
🚚You can also track your order here: {tracking link}
-----
Hello {name}! Your order for {product name} has been shipped!
You can track the shipping status here: {tracking link}
4. Alerts
Be it delays in the shipping of the orders or alerts that offer important information to the customers, set up a WhatsApp message template for it. Here are some to get you started:
Hello {customer name}, we hate to keep you waiting 😞
Unfortunately, shipping orders are taking longer due to heavy rains in the area.
You can check your order status here: {order tracking link}
-----
Hey {name}, we’re noticing downtime on our website!
Our team is working hard to fix the issues.
Until then, you can place your orders on WhatsApp 🛍️
5. Appointment updates
Be it an in-store appointment or a virtual one, you can use WhatsApp to confirm scheduled times, send alerts and even remind your customers. Here are some WhatsApp message template examples:
🙋Hey {name}! Your appointment for suit fitting at {store name} is confirmed for {date} and {time}.
Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your appointment time!
See you there.
-----
Hello {name}! This is a reminder for your appointment on {date} and {time}.
If you want to make any changes, please select one of the options below:
👉Cancel
👉Reschedule
6. Cart Abandonment
Cart abandonment is a common issue. That’s why we recommend automating abandoned cart reminders on WhatsApp from day zero. Here are some WhatsApp message template examples you can use:
Hi {Name}, Looks like you left some items behind in the cart 👀
We’ll keep {product name} saved for you for the next 24 hours.
Complete the purchase now before it runs out: {checkout link}
-----
Hey {name}, we noticed that you added {product name} to the cart!
We have an additional discount of 15% if you complete the purchase in 24 hours: {checkout link} 🥳
Feel free to reply to this message if you need any help!
7. Order Feedback
One way to keep your customers engaged with the brand in a meaningful way is to continually seek feedback on their experience and purchases from you. Here are some WhatsApp message templates you can use:
Hi {name}! Thank you for placing an order with us.
On a scale of 1-10, how easy was it to purchase from our store?
-----
Hey {name}! Your order for {product name} was just delivered. 🚚
Would you like to share some feedback with us: {feedback link}
8. Payment updates
When it comes to transacting online, it is important to keep customers informed. Use WhatsApp message templates for such notifications and updates.
Hi {name}! Your payment for {product name} has been received ✅
We will be shipping your order in 5-7 business days.
You track the order here {order status link}
-----
Hello {name}, we have received part payment for {product name}. ✅
Your next scheduled payment is in 15 days.
To make an early payment, click here: {payment link}
9. Shipping updates
Once you have handed over the order to a shipping/ delivery partner, we do recommend automating updates to notify the customer. Here are some WhatsApp message templates you can use:
Hello {name}, your order for {product name} has been shipped!
We will update you with a tracking number in the next 24 hours.
For more questions, reply to this message.
-----
Hey {name}, your order for {product name} is out for delivery and will arrive soon.
🚚🚚To reschedule delivery, please reach out to our delivery partner here: {shipping status link}
10. Welcome Messages
Welcome messages are one of the most underrated marketing strategies. We recommend setting up automated messages to welcome new subscribers and customers to build lasting relationships. Here are some examples:
Hey {name}, thank you for subscribing to our WhatsApp list!
We are here to offer you the best prices on the products you love. 🤩
Simply select the category of products you want to check out:
{list of product categories}
-----
Hello {name}, thank you for shopping with us!
You’ve become a part of the {brand name} family.
To welcome you, we have a special discount for your next purchase with us: HAPPY25 🥳
11. Upsell and cross-sell messages
Owing to the two-way conversational nature of WhatsApp marketing, we recommend using the channel for upsell and cross-sell campaigns too. Here are some WhatsApp message templates to use:
Hey {name}! We hope you liked {product name}🤩
Just here to let you know that we think {product name 2} will look really good with it!
Buy now at 25% off: {shopping link}
Ready to use WhatsApp message templates for marketing?
We know that creating the right templates for different WhatsApp marketing campaigns can be time-consuming.
With WhatsApp now charging businesses based on the template used for conversations, it is becoming even more crucial to pay attention to them.
And we want to make it easier for you!
Whether you’re getting started with WhatsApp marketing or are looking for campaign ideas to increase sales, explore our WhatsApp message templates.
Frequently Asked Questions
