WhatsApp Messaging Templates A Simple Guide
If you’ve been exploring the WhatsApp Business API with DialogPay, chances are you’ve seen something called WhatsApp Messaging Templates. These templates are basically pre-approved messages that businesses can use to reach customers with important updates, promotions, or even login codes.
Think of them as WhatsApp’s way of letting you stay professional, fast, and compliant without reinventing the wheel each time you send a message. Let’s walk through the process of setting them up, step by step.
Step 1: Log In to DialogPay
Start by logging into your DialogPay account. Your dashboard is your home base it’s where all your connected tools live, from WhatsApp to AI chat widgets for websites.
Step 2: Head Over to Channels
Click on the little menu icon and choose Channels. This section lets you pick and manage all the places you want DialogPay to connect, like WhatsApp, website live chat, or even AI chat plugins for WordPress.
Step 3: Select WhatsApp
From the list of available options, pick WhatsApp. That’s where you’ll find the magic button: Messaging Templates.
Step 4: Open the Template Section
Once inside WhatsApp settings, click on WhatsApp Templates. This is the area where you’ll create, view, and manage your templates.
Step 5: Create a New Template
To add something new, click the plus (+) icon. A form will appear asking for your template details.
Step 6: Name and Categorize Your Template
Specify the name of your template and select your template type.
There are three types of templates available,
- Utility templates for receipts, shipping updates, or confirmations.
- Marketing templates for offers, campaigns, and promotions.
- Authentication templates for OTPs or login verification codes.
You can learn more about these templates from here.
Step 7: Add Dynamic Content
Now comes the fun part. In the header section, type something like:
Hello {{1}},
That little {{1}} is what’s called a dynamic field. It’s a placeholder that will automatically be replaced with a customer’s name, order number, or other info. This is how WhatsApp business automation makes messages feel personal at scale.
Important: Be careful with your button types and message wording. WhatsApp reviews all templates, so stick to their guidelines to avoid rejections.
Step 8: Select Buttons
Select the buttons of your choice according to the needs of your business. The button types include phone number, URL, quick reply, catalog, MPM, copy code, SPM, and flow.
Disclaimer
- If you select the Limited Time Offer (LTO) template type, then you can only select Copy Code and URL Buttons. (Max 2 buttons are allowed). And if you are selecting the URL button, then in params you must add code={{1}} instead of a={{1}}
- If you want to send Coupon Code Templates to the customers, you must use a combination of two buttons: Copy Code and Quick Reply. Remember: only include these two buttons; no extra buttons should be added.
Also, from the header, only the text format is acceptable
Once this is selected as per the requirement, the template is added and can be integrated into the custom flow builder. Your template will be submitted through the WhatsApp Business API sandbox for approval. Once approved, you can start using it right away.
Quick Template Examples
Here are some sample formats:
Utility Template
Marketing Template
Authentication Template
With the right templates, WhatsApp turns into more than just a chat app it becomes your customer engagement powerhouse. From chatbots for e-commerce WhatsApp to multilingual WhatsApp bots in markets like Dubai, GCC, or even in Urdu and Arabic, DialogPay helps businesses scale communication smartly and securely.
Frequently Asked Questions about WhatsApp Templates
Do you need a Facebook Business account for WhatsApp Business API templates?
Answer: Yes you’ll need to connect your business to Meta Business Manager to unlock WhatsApp templates.Can AI chatbots work with WhatsApp Business API templates?
Answer: Definitely. With tools like DialogPay, you can link a WhatsApp chatbot or even sync templates with your AI customer support chatbots to automate replies.What’s the WhatsApp Business API template message pricing per conversation?
Answer: It depends on the region and type of message. Costs are usually calculated per conversation. Check out official WhatsApp Business API pricing for the most up-to-date rates.How to connect WhatsApp Business API templates with a Shopify store?
Answer: DialogPay makes this super easy. You can connect templates to Shopify to send customers automated order updates, confirmations, and promotions.How secure is DialogPay for WhatsApp Business API templates?
Answer: DialogPay is built as a WhatsApp enterprise solution, so your templates, data, and customer conversations are safe and compliant.
