Introduction

In today's digital communication landscape, WhatsApp has become an essential platform for businesses to engage with their customers effectively.

One of the most powerful features is the ability to create template messages that can be personalized with dynamic variables, enabling tailored interactions at scale.

This tutorial provides a detailed walkthrough on how to set up WhatsApp template messages with dynamic content, from initial creation to deployment within chat flows. Whether you're a developer, marketer, or customer support agent, mastering this process can significantly enhance your messaging strategy.

Overview of WhatsApp Template Messages

WhatsApp template messages are pre-approved message formats used to initiate conversations or send notifications. They are especially useful for transactional updates, appointment reminders, or promotional content. Templates can include variables—placeholders that are dynamically replaced with user-specific data at runtime—making messages more personalized and relevant.

Key Components of a Template Message

Step-by-Step Process to Create a WhatsApp Template with Dynamic Variables

1. Accessing the Message Template Section

• Navigate to your WhatsApp Manager.

• Click on Message Templates.

• Use the Sync button to fetch existing templates.

• To create a new template, click Create Template.

2. Creating a New Template

• Enter a Template Name: Must be in English and unique.

• Select a Category: Based on your message type:

  • Marketing

  • Utility

  • Authentication

  • Order Updates

• Choose Language: e.g., English (en).

3. Designing the Template

Header Section

• Options:

  • Text: Can include a variable (only one allowed).

  • Image/Video/Document/Location: For richer content.

• Note: When using text headers, variables are supported; emojis are not permitted here.

Body Section

• Compose your message text.

• Insert variables where personalization is needed, e.g., {{1}}, {{2}}, {{3}}.

• Example:

• Sample Data: Provide default values for testing, e.g., name, date, time.

Footer Section

• Optional: Add a short line with company info or additional details.

4. Adding Buttons

• Phone Button: Initiates a call when pressed.

• URL Button:

  • Can be static or dynamic.

  • For dynamic URLs, split into:

    • Static domain (e.g., https://mywebsite.com/)

    • Dynamic part (e.g., user ID or order number)

• Reply Button: Sends a predefined reply, allowing flow continuation.

• Flow Button: Redirects to a WhatsApp flow (if approved).

5. Submitting for Approval

• After designing, click Send for Review.

• The status will be Pending.

• Use the Sync button to update the status.

• Once approved, the template can be used in flows.

Practical Example: Appointment Confirmation Template

Creating the Template

Adding Buttons (Optional)

• Reply Buttons:

  • Reschedule

  • Cancel

• URL Button:

  • Static URL: https://mywebsite.com/appointments/{{appointment_id}}

  • Dynamic part: {{appointment_id}}

Finalizing and Approving

• Preview the message.

• Submit for approval.

• Once approved, it can be integrated into chat flows.

Integrating Templates into Chat Flows

1. Creating a Subflow

• Use your WhatsApp Business API or platform's flow builder.

• Store user data (name, date, time) in variables.

• Insert the template message, mapping variables to stored data.

2. Sending the Message

• Trigger the flow based on user actions or scheduled events.

• The system replaces variables with actual data.

• Send the personalized message to the user.

3. Handling User Responses

• Use reply buttons to guide user actions.

• Based on responses, continue the flow or perform other actions.

Best Practices and Tips

• Always test templates with sample data before approval.

• Use clear, concise language.

• Keep variables relevant and correctly mapped.

• Use dynamic URLs for personalized links.

• Regularly sync templates to check approval status.

• Maintain consistent naming conventions for easy management.

• Use buttons strategically to enhance engagement.

• Ensure compliance with WhatsApp policies and local regulations.

Summary Table: Key Takeaways

Final Thoughts

Creating dynamic WhatsApp template messages empowers businesses to deliver personalized, timely, and engaging communications. By carefully designing templates with variables, integrating buttons, and managing approval workflows, organizations can significantly improve customer experience and operational efficiency. Remember to test thoroughly and keep templates updated to reflect evolving needs.