How can you create a WhatsApp template to Start Conversation?

In this tutorial, you will learn how to create message templates to initiate active conversations on WhatsApp API.
These templates allow you to send personalized automated messages to your customers, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of your business communications. With just a few simple steps, you can create customized templates for sending direct messages. Check out the step-by-step guide below:

1. Access your Admin Panel.
2. Click on the Settings menu.
3. Select the WhatsApp Templates option.
4. Now click on New Template.
5. Select the Template Type as Start Conversation.
6. Choose the language and name for the template.
   
   
   

⚠️ Attention: As a requirement from Facebook, all templates created will be automatically sent for content review. This process may take anywhere from a few seconds to 48 hours, depending on Facebook's rules. To learn more about the guidelines and best practices for sending messages, visit the FAQ: https://www.whatsapp.com/legal/business-policy.

7. Now write the message text to be sent in your campaign.
   
   

For example, the template:

“Hello, @client! This is @agent from Hotel Asksuite. We spoke on the phone. Can we continue here?”

A client named Ana will receive the following message:

“Hello, Ana! This is Juliana from Hotel Asksuite. We spoke on the phone. Can we continue here?”

Additionally, if you select the checkbox for the option "Do you want to save customer information in Asksuite Contacts," you can store these contacts as leads in the Asksuite contact screen. The contact details will also appear pre-filled during live chat when the conversation is opened.

8. Finally, you can choose whether to add a button with a URL or a quick reply button. Below is the difference between the two types:
   

• Button with URL: Add a redirect to the desired website, for example, your booking engine.
  
  
  

• Quick Reply Button: Create preset reply options (text) for the traveler to select quickly.
  
  
  

⚠️ Attention: The quick reply category offers a shortcut for the traveler to send a text, but it is different from buttons sent by the bot. Below are some precautions you should take when using this option:

• Since this is a WhatsApp template, quick reply buttons are not directly structured in your bot’s tree. This means the text will only be understood by the AI if there is a corresponding teaching registered.
• You can test the button text directly in your bot to verify if the response is correct.
• If the text is too generic, such as “yes” or “no,” it is not recommended to register it. In this case, it is ideal to use this template in a campaign with the bot turned off. This way, there is no risk of the traveler not being understood by the bot, and your support team will already know how to proceed with the customer.

In the example provided in the article, a good use of the quick reply would be:

• Add the text button “Yes,” reducing the Meta 24-hour window release to just one click.
• Send the message with the bot turned off so that your agent can continue the interaction.

Note: You can add up to 11 text buttons.

9. Now just save it. Done! Your template has been sent for Facebook review.

If you have any questions or want to learn more, check out our article on Facebook Template Approval.