Building a template
In one sentence
A template is assembled from a few building blocks — an optional header, a body with variables, an optional footer, and optional buttons — which you preview live and then submit for approval.
The building blocks
| Block | What it’s for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Header | A title or a piece of media at the top | Text header can have one variable; media header shows an image/video/document. |
| Body | The main message | Supports variables like {{1}} or named ones; this is the only required block. |
| Footer | Small print | Great for opt-out lines; no variables. |
| Buttons | Actions | Quick replies (the customer taps to answer) or links/call buttons. |
Variables — the fill-in-the-blanks
Variables let one template serve everyone, personalised. You define them in the builder and provide values when sending (or a campaign fills them per contact).
Body:
Hi {{1}}, your table for {{2}} is booked for {{3}}.Sent: “Hi Ravi, your table for 4 is booked for 8 pm.”
Give the customer enough context to make sense without the variables — Meta may reject templates that are just “{{1}} {{2}}” with no real wording. Write a real sentence, then slot variables into it.
Special template types
Beyond the standard layout, WhatsApp supports some richer formats MsgBuddy can build:
| Type | What it does |
|---|---|
| Carousel | Several swipeable cards (image + text + buttons) in one message — great for showcasing products. |
| Authentication / OTP | A special one-time-passcode layout with a copy-code button. |
| Limited-time offer | A promo with a visible countdown. |
| Catalog / product | Templates that link to your Commerce catalog. |
Step by step
Start a new template
Go to Templates → New template. Give it a clear, lowercase name (e.g. order_ready) —
this is how you’ll find it later.
Choose the category
Pick Utility, Authentication, or Marketing — see categories. Choose honestly; it affects approval.
Add your blocks
Write the body (with any variables), then add a header, footer, or buttons if you want them. Watch the live preview update as you type.
Provide sample values
Meta wants example values for your variables so a reviewer can see a realistic message. Fill these in.
Save, then submit for review
Save your draft. When it’s ready, submit it to Meta — that starts the approval process.
Common rejection triggers: promotional wording in a Utility template, missing/placeholder variable samples, broken or suspicious links, and grammar that looks like spam. Keep it clear, honest, and correctly categorised.
How this connects
- Variables often pull from contact custom fields.
- After building, it goes to Approval.
- Approved templates are used in the Inbox and Campaigns.
Next: getting approved →.