In the previous step, we covered the authentication process, ensuring that users are verified and authorized to access the system. Now, with authentication completed, users are ready to proceed with their intended tasks. Once authentication is completed, users receive both a user access token and an app access token, granting them uninterrupted access to the system’s functionalities, thus facilitating smoother and more secure interactions. The current window reflects a seamless transition, presenting a clear pathway for users to engage with the system’s functionalities.
Approved templates
You’ve been provided with a comprehensive selection of templates that have been officially approved by Facebook. 
Create Template
To create a template, navigate to the “Template” submenu and click on the “Create Template” button located in the top right corner. After clicking, a new window will appear, prompting you to enter specific details to form your template. This streamlined process ensures efficiency and precision in crafting your desired template for various purposes.
Templates are made up of four primary components that you define when you create a template: header, body, footer, and buttons. The components you choose for each of your templates should be based on your business needs.
- WhatsApp imposes certain limitations on template names to ensure consistency and adherence to their guidelines.
- No Spaces: Template names cannot contain spaces. You should use underscores (_) or camel case to separate words if needed.
- Length Limit: There’s a maximum character limit for template names. Ensure that your template name does not exceed this limit.
- Alphanumeric Characters and Underscores Only: Template names should only consist of alphanumeric characters (letters and numbers) and underscores (_). Special characters, symbols, or emojis are not allowed.
- Descriptive and Relevant: While not a strict limitation, it’s recommended to keep template names descriptive and relevant to the message content they represent. This helps in organizing and managing templates effectively.
- Templates must be categorized as one of the following categories. Categories factor into pricing and the category you designate will be validated at the time of template creation.
- Authentication
- Marketing
- Utility
Refer to our Template Categorization document to determine which category to use when creating templates.
When you send a template creation request, Meta immediately validates its category using our template categorization guidelines. - Language Code: If your template message is multilingual, include the language code in the header section to indicate the language of the message content. This helps WhatsApp route the message to the appropriate users based on their language preferences.
- In the header section, you have the option to include text, video, PDF, or image content. If you choose to use text, you can incorporate only one variable in the header. This flexibility allows you to customize the header according to your preferences and needs, whether you want to convey information, showcase multimedia content, or enhance visual appeal.
- Ensure that when using multiple variables in your WhatsApp template message body, your content sufficiently fills the space without being too sparse. Facebook may reject templates with excessive variables and minimal content. Strike a balance to avoid rejection. Make sure your WhatsApp template message body doesn’t surpass the 1024-character limit, especially when using variables for personalization. Keep it brief and focused to stay within the boundaries.
- The footer section of a WhatsApp template is optional. If you choose to include text, remember that variables are not allowed in this section. Keep it concise and relevant to your message.
- WhatsApp template buttons by Facebook offer Call to Action (CTA) buttons and Quick Replies. CTAs prompt specific actions, while Quick Replies provide predefined response options, streamlining interaction. Both enhance user engagement within the chat interface.
After entering all details correctly and adhering to WhatsApp API guidelines by Facebook, clicking the submit button initiates template approval, typically taking 1 to 3 minutes. Once approved, you can refresh the template table to see the updated status.
Cart Abandoned Settings
- Enable/Disable Abandoned Message:
Toggle to activate or deactivate the feature of sending abandoned cart messages via WhatsApp to users. - Select Template:
Choose from a list of approved templates for the abandoned cart message to be sent to users. - Cart Abandoned Cut-off Time:
Admin-defined duration, in minutes, after which a customer’s cart is considered abandoned. - Automatically Delete Abandoned Orders:
Specify the number of days after which abandoned orders should be automatically removed from the system. - Scheduled Send Time:
Set the timing for when the abandoned cart message will be sent to customers, optimizing the likelihood of engagement. Additionally, admins can choose “Set Custom” from the dropdown menu to define a specific time for sending messages.
Automate Templates
- Enable/Disable Template Messages: Toggle to activate or deactivate the sending of template messages on WooCommerce events such as new coupon creation or order completion.
- Select Template for some Event: Admin can choose a specific template to be sent for each selected event. This allows customization and relevance for different scenarios.
- Preview Template: Click on “View Selected Template” to preview the selected template before final submission, ensuring accuracy and appropriateness.
Campaign/broadcast Message
The campaign broadcast for WhatsApp messages involves two key options: immediate delivery (“Send Now“) and scheduled broadcasts. Immediate delivery is ideal for time-sensitive information, while scheduled broadcasts allow for strategic planning with options such as hourly, daily, etc. This approach ensures efficient time management, consistent communication, and tailored messages based on recipients’ active times.
