How do I create WhatsApp templates

This article explains how to create and submit a WhatsApp message template using the template manager in Saysimple.

Before you start

Make sure that:

• Your WhatsApp Business API account is connected in Saysimple

• You know which category your message belongs to (Marketing or Utility)

• You understand that WhatsApp may reject templates that violate their policies

Step-by-Step: Creating and Submitting Message Templates

Step 1: Go to WhatsApp Templates

1. Open Settings

2. Navigate to Workspace

3. Click WhatsApp templates

4. Select + Create New Template

Step 2: Select the WhatsApp Account

Choose the correct WhatsApp Business Account.

The selected account determines:

• Which phone numbers the template will be available for

• Where the template will be submitted for approval

Step 3: Enter Template Name

• Use lowercase letters, numbers, and underscores only

• No spaces allowed. When using spaces, underscores will automatically be added.

• Example: discount_20_percent

The template name is internal and not visible to customers.

Step 4: Select Language

Choose the language of the template (e.g., English, Dutch, Spanish).

Each language version must be submitted separately.

Step 5: Select Category

Choose the correct template category:

• Marketing – Promotions, offers, campaigns

• Utility – Order updates, reminders, invoices

Step 6: Write the Template Message

Enter the message text.

You can use variables to personalize the message:

• Must use double curly brackets: {{1}}

• Must be numbered sequentially ({{1}}, {{2}}, {{3}})

• Cannot skip numbers

• Cannot contain special formatting

Variable examples
Add an example of each variable in your body text so we can review your chat message template. Do not use real customer data. The Cloud API hosted by Meta reviews templates and parameters for variables to protect the safety and integrity of our services.

Optional message template components

You can enhance your template with additional elements.

Header (Optional)

The Header is optional and serves as the title or header of your template. You can choose one header type:

• Text

• Image

• Video

• Document

• Location

Footer (Optional)

You can use the optional Footer for supplementary text-based information in your message template.

Buttons (Optional)

1. Call-to-Action Button

The Call-to-Action (CTA) button directs your client to take a specific action.

• Can link to a website URL or initiate a phone call

• Maximum of two URLs and one phone number per template

• The URL can include a personalization parameter

2. Quick Reply Button

Quick Reply buttons allow clients to respond quickly with predefined answers.

• Maximum of 10 Quick Reply buttons per template

• Each Quick Reply button can contain up to 20 characters

Step 7: Submit the Template

After completing all fields:

1. Click Submit template

2. The template will be sent to WhatsApp (Meta) for review

3. Approval usually takes a few minutes up to 24 hours

You will see one of the following statuses:

• Pending

• Approved

• Rejected

Common Reasons for Rejection

WhatsApp may reject templates if:

• The category is incorrect

• The content is promotional but marked as Utility

• The message is vague (e.g., only variables without context)

• Variables are not properly formatted

• The template violates WhatsApp commerce or messaging policies

Best Practices for Approval

To increase approval chances:

• Be clear and specific

• Avoid excessive capitalization

• Avoid spam-like language

• Do not include shortened URLs

• Make sure marketing messages include opt-out options

• Ensure variables are logical and meaningful