Written by:
Shreya
|
on:
December 30, 2025
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Last updated on:
February 3, 2026
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Fact Checked by :
Namitha
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According to: Editorial Policies
Only a brand that best meets customer needs will survive today’s market. Being professional and structuring communication with WhatsApp message templates gives a proper sales framework for operations.
Your marketing strategy will not help you if you are unaware of what the customer needs and do not acknowledge their inquiry on time.
With WhatsApp message templates, you can build campaign workflows to attend to customers who come to you or show interest in your products.
Using pre-approved WhatsApp Business API templates available through platforms like Wati eliminates the gap between a customer’s request and sales assistance. Keeping playful customized templates hgandy eases the pressure and builds a disciplined brand impression in the market.
In this guide, we’ll find out the different types of WhatsApp message templates, examples, pricing, and best practices.
Stay hooked to know how the WhatsApp API template works best for consumer engagement in 2026.
A WhatsApp API Template is a pre-approved message format required by WhatsApp to initiate conversations with customers or send automated, bulk notifications outside the 24-hour customer service window.
Historically called HSM, Meta now refers to them as Message Templates (official docs use “message templates” / “content templates).

They are ready-to-use templates that you can deploy as a part of your WhatsApp marketing campaign to improve consumer engagement, establish quick turnarounds, and create a professional and official brand look and feel.
WhatsApp is an effective channel for consumer engagement. While specific third-party data varies, the platform generally sees high engagement, often reported with an average open rate of around 98% and click-through rates significantly higher than email, ranging from 45-60%.
Sales leaders operating on a hiring budget can leverage the WhatsApp API to bulk message with intelligent automation and manage campaign lists effectively. , ensuring no high-intent lead is missed.
Also read: How Wati’s pre-built segments empower you to personalize brand messaging, push relevant content, and improve the quality of leads.
Bonus Read: Check out 20 Best WhatsApp Tools in 2026 to refine e-commerce workflows and build digital credibility.
WhatsApp officially categorizes templates into three types: Utility, Marketing, and Authentication.
When utilizing Wati, these templates integrate seamlessly into every stage of the customer journey: Attract, Qualify, Engage, Convert, and Retain.
Here are the key template types, including how they function within Wati’s complete customer lifecycle platform:
Utility templates convey essential transactional information that a customer has explicitly opted in to receive.
On the Wati platform, these messages are often automated via integrations with Shopify to deliver crucial updates.
This transactional template informs you that your order is confirmed, and that it’s underway, to build immediate customer trust.
If you send these within the 24-hour customer service window, they are free of charge under the new pricing model, rewarding proactive customer care.

Headline: Your Order #[order number] has been placed!
Copy: Hi, your order (#) has been placed and is scheduled to arrive by [tentative date]. You can track your order below. For immediate queries, call helpline [helpline number].
Hope you had a great shopping experience!
Verification: Sent via Wati’s Shopify Enhancements trigger.
Link/Button: “Track Package”
Transparency builds trust. Sending customers a WhatsApp Business message template with tracking details keeps them informed and reduces “Where’s my order?” messages.

Fantastic News, [customer Name]!
Your order #[order number] is on it’s way and will arrive by [estimated delivery date]
Track your shipment here [Tracking link]
Thanks for choosing [your business name]!
After delivery, closing a loop matters, it signals reliability and creates a chance of follow-up or feedback.

Hi [Customer Name], your order #[order-no] has been delivered successfully.
We hope everything arrived just as expected.
Let us know how we did [feedback survey link]
Also read: Learn how you can integrate WhatsApp with HubSpot to send updates via WhatsApp Business API instantly.
Customer feedback helps improve products, service or customer satisfaction. A WhatsApp message template makes the process quick and conversational.

Hi [Customer Name]
We hope you are enjoying your experience with [Business Name]
We’d love to hear your thoughts.
Please take a moment to share your feedback with us [feedback link]
Thank you.
You can use this WhatsApp Business message template after every purchase or service completion.
Additional read: How to use chatbots to collect consumer feedback and provide personalized suggestions.
Missed appointments mean lost revenue. Automate reminders using a WhatsApp Business message template to keep your calendar organized and customers punctual.

Hi [Customer Name]
This is a quick reminder about your appointment with [Your Business Name] on [Appointment Date] and [Appointment Time]
See you then!
If you need to reschedule, please let us know.
Good customer service doesn’t end after resolving an issue. A follow-up message template shows customers you care.
With WhatsApp customer support templates, you can close the service loop more effectively, provide personalized suggestions, and improve the quality of customer resolution.

Now, with tools like Wati, you can use WhatsApp for customer support to generate overall AI CX support and customer satisfaction.
Headline: Your Query is Resolved!
Copy: Hi, your support ticket (#ticket number) has been successfully resolved. Was there anything else we could assist you with regarding this issue?
Verification: Triggered by an agent/bot resolving a ticket in the Wati Team Inbox.
Link/Button: “Chat with Agent,” “Rate Experience”
With payment nudges, you can send transactional reminders or offer the customer payment convenience (via WhatsApp Pay) to encourage quick purchases.

A professional and timely reminder helps ensure payment continuity for subscription services.
Headline: Payment Due Soon
Copy: Hello, a payment for your Wati services is due on [Date]. Please click the link below to avoid service interruption.
Verification: Automated flow based on subscription data.
Link/Button: “Pay Now”
Also read: All that you should know about WhatsApp shopping in 2026 to build an end-to-end and seamless browsing, shopping, and checkout experience for consumers.
This is one of the most effective WhatsApp marketing message templates you can send, as everyone loves a good deal. Personalized discounts drive engagement and repeat purchases.

Hi Consumer Name
As a valued customer, we’re excited to offer you an exclusive [Discount percentage]% on your next purchase!
Use code [Discount Code] at checkout
Happy Shopping!
[Your Business Name]
You can use this WhatsApp business message template to announce new products and updates directly on WhatsApp to build anticipation and drive clicks.

Hi [Customer Name]
We’ve got something special just for you!
Check out our brand new [Product Name], now available at [your business name]
Don’t miss out on this exclusive launch offer!
[Link to product]
Every business has dormant customers. A simple WhatsApp Business message template like the one below can help you bring them back.

Hi [Customer Name], we’ve missed you!
It’s been a while since your last visit.
Here is a [Discount/offer] just for you to welcome you back to [Your Business Name
We’d love to see you again!
This WhatsApp Business message template works best when paired with a limited time internal discount strategy.
You can remind customers to renew before their plan or subscription expires using this WhatsApp message template.

Hi [Customer Name], your subscription for [Service/Product] Ends on date [date]
Renew now to continue enjoying uninterrupted service.
[Renewal Link]
Bonus Read: Check out 5 Best automated Shopify templates to attract, engage and retain customers via Shopify.
With WhatsApp API templates, you can run promotions, product announcements, early bird and discount offers, and a lot more. You can engage with subscribers who have “opted in” specifically for your content.
These WhatsApp templates optimize your e-commerce process and convert cold leads into loyal customers. Wati enables you to target these broadcast campaigns using segmentation and track their effectiveness with accurate ad attribution.
Also read: Learn about live support vs automated support and which one works best for your customers in 2026.
Need inspiration? Check how you can manage customer journey analytics to nurture leads better and optimize spend management.
A great first impression can turn a new lead into a loyal customer. A WhatsApp Business welcome message example like this sets the tone for your brand and assures customers they’re in good hands.
Hi [Customer Name]
Welcome to [Your Business Name] family!
We’re excited to have you on board.
If you have any questions or need assistance, we’re just a message away!
Whether it’s a webinar, in-store event, or live sale, an event invite via WhatsApp feels more personal.

Hey [Customer Name], you’re invited!
Join us for [Event Name] on [Event Date]
We’ve got lots in store, including [event highlights]
RSVP now and be part of the fun!
[Link to event details]
Also read: The ultimate guide to leveraging WhatsApp for event marketing.
High-resolution cart abandonment templates are used for recovering lost sales, as they help create urgency and quick action. With cart recovery message, you can highlight product supply scarcity due to high demand and get the action you need.
For example, you can attach a gentle top strip on the product catalogue saying “only three left in stock”, which entices quick action and reduces cart abandonment numbers.
Automated cart abandonment messages help complete abandoned transactions when sent promptly.
Headline: Still Waiting for You!
Copy: We noticed you left a few items in your cart,. Don’t miss out. Complete your order now and secure free shipping before they sell out!
Verification: Targeted via Wati’s Behavior-Based Segmentation.
Link/Button: “Complete Order Now”
With a promotional and sales-focused WhatsApp API template, you can drive immediate traffic to your website and convert customers directly, provided you frame your message meaningfully.
Also read: WhatsApp broadcast vs WhatsApp groups: Which one is better?

Headline: 24-Hour Flash Sale!
Copy: Our massive discount is live! Get 30% OFF your next month of Wati Pro. This offer ends soon, click below to claim your discount.
Verification: Segmented for high-value contacts via Wati Broadcasts.
Link/Button: “Claim Discount Now”
With new product launches, you can share exciting upcoming product updates for opportunities for upselling and cross selling.
Customers who are already using your brand products and are happy or repeat purchases are targeted for sharing new and exclusive product launches.

Also read: Learn how to set up a WhatsApp catalogue guide to create a digitised retail experience for your customers in 2026.
Headline: 🚀 Introducing Astra AI Agents!
Copy: We’ve launched something big!, meet our new AI Agents—instant, empathetic, and trained on your data. Deploy yours today!
Verification: Targeted to ideal customer profiles using Pre-built Segments.
Link/Button: “Watch Demo,” “Deploy Astra Now
You can build brand warmth with festive greetings that show you care beyond business. Here’s how.

Hi [Customer Name]
Wishing you a joyful [Festival/Holiday] from all of us at [Your Business Name]
Have a wonderful day filled with happiness!
Don’t Miss This: How to Grow Your Audience during a festive season.
An automated quick reply instantly greets a new lead captured from a channel like Click to WhatsApp Ad, Click to Tik tok Ad, or web widget.
Also read: How companies blend SMS marketing with WhatsApp marketing campaigns to ensure 100% delivery in the age of AI.
With a greeting message, you acknowledge customer’s inquiry as and when it comes with a humble, empathetic and assistive tone.

Headline: Welcome to Wati!
Copy: Hello there! Thanks for reaching out. How can I help you learn more about Wati’s conversational growth platform today?
Verification: Triggered immediately upon new inbound chat (starting the 24-hour service window).
Quick Reply Buttons: “Check Pricing,” “Book a Demo,” “Talk to Support”
An away message informs the customer that agents are unavailable, setting a clear expectation for a reply time and improving customer satisfaction.

Headline: We’ll Be Right Back
Copy: Thank you for your message. Our team is currently offline. We will review your inquiry and respond within the next 8 hours.
Verification: Triggered outside of defined business hours.
Quick Reply Buttons: “Leave a Message,” “View FAQ”
Also read: How to set up WhatsApp auto reply for customers in WhatsApp Business?
Need inspiration? Learn how to set up interactive messages with audiovisual support for enhanced customer engagement.
Strictly for verifying user identity via OTP for security. These messages typically have the lowest pricing tier among business-initiated templates.
Here is how you verify consumer authentication via OTP workflow.
Headline: Secure Login Code
Copy: Your one-time password (OTP) for Wati is [code]. This code is for verification only and will expire in 5 minutes. Do not share.
Verification: System-generated and automatically deployed by Wati.
Link/Button: (No buttons allowed for Authentication templates)
If you are curious to know about WhatsApp API’s template pricing, you should know that Meta has changed its guidelines recently, effective Jul 1, 2025.
Meta transitioned from the Conversation-Based Pricing (CBP) model to a Per-Message Pricing (PMP) model, which fundamentally changes how templates are billed.
Below is the updated WhatsApp API template pricing for 2026
| Conversation Category | Charging Model (Post-July 2025) | Key Benefit |
| WhatsApp Marketing Template | Charged per delivered template message. | Highest ROI potential; drive sales with Click-to-WhatsApp Ads. |
| WhatsApp Authentication Template | Charged per delivered template message. | Lower rates in many markets than WhatsApp Marketing messages. |
| WhatsApp Utility Template | FREE if sent within the 24-hour Customer Service Window (CSW). Charged if sent outside CSW. | Encourages automated updates during an active customer support interaction. |
| WhatsApp Customer Service Message | Free-form messages sent by the business within the CSW are always FREE. | Your team can reply freely to customer-initiated chats at no charge. |
Getting your message templates up and running in Wati is straightforward. Once you’ve done it, you’ll be able to automate proactive messages with confidence.
Here’s how to do it, step by step, using the WhatsApp Business API via Wati.
Define basic details as listed below:

Write the body in a clear, business-friendly tone.Include variables using {{parameter}} format to personalise messages (like { {name}} or { {order_id}}). Ensure the total character count (including variable replacements) stays under 1,024 characters.
If you want more than text, Wati lets you add:

2. CTA Buttons: “Visit Site” or “Call Phone” where you enter a static or dynamic URL/number.

3. Quick Reply Buttons: Up to three, giving customers instant response options.
Once your template is ready, Click Save and Submit (or save as a draft if you’re not ready).Templates enter a status of Pending. Approval from Meta typically takes 30 minutes to 24 hours.
Use Wati’s search and filter tools to find templates by name or status. Templates in draft can be edited; once submitted or approved, editing is restricted. In such instances, you must create a new template or resubmit and are subject to platform limits.
Once approved, you can trigger templates through the WhatsApp Business API or use Wati’s automation workflows. This means your business can send updates, reminders, and notifications accurately and consistently.
Wati is a multi-channel, conversational growth platform, empowered by AI. It manages the complete customer lifecycle from a single, unified platform by providing the following features:
Bonus read: Learn how you can set up your custom chatbot in Wati in 2026 to give a human touch to your customer inquiries.
Also read: How Wati powers Gemini 3.0 integration to accelerate inbound messaging efficiency and generate quick replies.
To ensure your templates achieve high delivery rates and drive conversions, follow these practices:
With high quality automated templates, sales reps can reduce times spent writing generic replies and focus on more strategic, sales-oriented tasks at hand.
Switching to WhatsApp API template is a powerful, personalized and conversational strategy for consumer engagement. By choosing a comprehensive platform like Wati, which offers a full-funnel approach, AI automation, and multi-channel engagement, you can provide close to an “in-store” brick and mortar experience and make customers happy.
Move beyond basic notifications to build a strategic, revenue-driving engine with WhatsApp API templates and scale brand loyalty manifold!
Book a free demo of Wati today to see WhatsApp API templates in action.
Have more questions? Please find answers below!
Wati provides a sales engine that integrates with your CRM. The AI Copilot instantly generates AI Chat Summaries and the HubSpot Integration features bi-directional sync and automated task creation. This eliminates manual data entry and ensures every sales follow-up is data-driven and timely.
The three categories are Utility, Marketing, and Authentication. Choosing correctly is vital because the category determines the pricing rate and the approval priority. If a message contains both utility and marketing elements, it will be categorized and charged as the more expensive marketing type.
Meta transitioned to a Per-Message Pricing (PMP) model. Crucially, Utility templates delivered within the 24-hour Customer Service Window (CSW) are now FREE. This strategy rewards businesses that encourage inbound chats and handle service proactively.
Templates are required anytime a business wants to initiate a conversation or message a customer outside of the 24-hour Customer Service Window (CSW). Inside the CSW (when the customer messages first), you can send free-form, non-template messages at no charge.
Templates are commonly rejected for incorrect placeholder formatting (e.g., non-sequential numbering). Other causes include content that violates the Business Policy (e.g., asking for sensitive data), or submitting a message that is identical to an already approved template.
The highest risk is receiving a Low Quality rating from customers reporting the message as spam. A consistently low rating can lead to the template being paused or permanently disabled by WhatsApp, interrupting your campaigns and damaging your sender reputation.