WhatsApp Business API Templates: How to Create and Use Them
Content
WhatsApp Business API templates are pre-approved message formats you use for the first message to a contact or when the 24-hour session has expired. With Spoki, you create, submit, and send templates so your WhatsApp messaging stays compliant with the API rules.
This guide explains how to create and use WhatsApp Business API templates: what they are, when you need them, session rules, and best practices. You will find links to registration, pricing, support, book, and the ROI calculator.
What Are WhatsApp Business API Templates?
Templates are message formats that WhatsApp approves before you can send them. They have a fixed structure with optional variables (e.g. {{1}}, {{2}}). You use templates when:
- You send the first message to a contact (they have not messaged you in the last 24 hours), or
- The 24-hour session has expired (no message from the user in the last 24 hours).
Inside the 24-hour session (i.e. the user has sent you a message in the last 24 hours), you can send session messages—free-form text that does not need template approval. Spoki helps you manage templates and session logic so you always send the right type of message. See registration and support.
Why templates exist: The WhatsApp Business API limits unsolicited messaging. Templates ensure that outbound messages (when you start the conversation or after 24h) are clear and approved. Spoki guides you through template creation and submission so your campaigns, reminders, and support flows stay within the rules.
When You Must Use Templates vs Session Messages
Use a template when:
- Sending the first message to a contact (e.g. booking confirmation, campaign, reminder).
- Reaching out after the 24-hour session has expired (e.g. follow-up reminder, new offer).
Use session messages when:
- The contact has sent you a message in the last 24 hours. You can reply with free-form text, images, or buttons (within API limits). No template needed.
Spoki keeps session and template logic clear: when you try to send, Spoki uses a template if required and session messages when allowed. Use pricing and book to plan template and session volume.
How to Create and Submit Templates with Spoki
1. Define the message: Choose the template purpose (e.g. booking confirmation, order update, reminder, campaign). Write the text and add variables ({{1}}, {{2}}) where you need personalisation (name, date, order ID). Keep the text clear and compliant (no spam, no misleading content). Spoki and support can help with wording.
2. Submit for approval: WhatsApp reviews templates before they go live. Spoki guides you through submission; approval can take from hours to a few days. Use Spoki to track status and use approved templates only. See registration and support.
3. Send with variables: Once approved, send the template via Spoki by passing the variable values (e.g. name, date, link). Spoki handles delivery and 24-hour rules. If the contact replies, you enter the session and can send session messages. The ROI calculator helps you plan template volume and cost.
Best practices: Use one template per use case (e.g. one for booking confirmation, one for reminder). Keep templates short and bold key info. Include an opt-out option (e.g. “Reply STOP to unsubscribe”) where relevant. Spoki helps you manage opt-in and opt-out so templates stay compliant.
Template Categories and Examples
Utility: Transactional messages (e.g. booking confirmed, order status). Example: “Hi {{1}}, your booking for {{2}} on {{3}} is confirmed. Reply with any question.”
Marketing: Campaigns, offers, announcements. Example: “Hi {{1}}, we have a special offer for you: {{2}}. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”
Authentication: One-time codes or verification (if supported by your API provider). Spoki and support can guide you on template categories and approval.
Use Spoki to create and send templates in each category. Always collect opt-in before sending marketing templates; utility templates (e.g. booking confirmation) should still go only to users who have agreed to WhatsApp messages. See book and pricing for template strategy.
Keeping templates organised: As you add more templates (e.g. for different campaigns, reminders, or support flows), name them clearly in Spoki and document which template to use for which use case. This avoids sending the wrong template or free-form text when a template is required. Spoki and support can help you organise templates as you scale. Reuse approved templates across campaigns where the message fits so you do not duplicate work. Check template status in Spoki before scheduling campaigns so only approved templates are sent. If a template is rejected, adjust the wording and resubmit; Spoki and support guide you through revisions. Keep utility and marketing templates distinct to speed approval.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Sending free-form when a template is required: If the session has expired or you are sending the first message, you must use an approved template. Spoki helps you choose the right template and blocks invalid sends so you stay compliant.
- Rejected templates: WhatsApp can reject templates that are unclear, promotional in a utility category, or violate policies. Spoki and support help you adjust wording and resubmit.
- Wrong variables: Make sure you pass the correct number and order of variables ({{1}}, {{2}}, …) when sending. Spoki validates template parameters so messages send correctly.
- Ignoring the 24-hour window: After the user’s last message, you have 24 hours to send session messages. After that, use a template. Spoki keeps session and template logic clear so you do not miss the window or break the rules. Use the ROI calculator to plan template and session volume.
Conclusion
WhatsApp Business API templates are required for the first message and after the 24-hour session. With Spoki, you create, submit, and send templates, and use session messages when the conversation is active. Opt-in and opt-out stay in Spoki so your WhatsApp messaging is effective and compliant.
Ready to master WhatsApp templates? Visit Spoki for the WhatsApp Business API, registration, and pricing. Use support and book for template creation and the ROI calculator to plan your messaging volume.
