Creating Template

Accessing the Template Builder

1. Log in to your WhataTalk dashboard.
2. Navigate to Templates from the main menu (/templates).
3. Click the "ADD TEMPLATE" button located at the top right of the screen.

Types of Templates Supported

WhataTalk supports the three primary formats allowed by Meta:

1. Text Templates: Simple text-based messages (can include emojis and variables).

2. Media Templates: Messages that include a media header (Image, Video, or Document) along with text.

3. Carousel Templates: Highly interactive messages that allow users to scroll horizontally through up to 10 distinct "cards," each with its own image, text, and buttons. (Primarily used for Marketing).

Step-by-Step Creation Guide

1. Basic Information (All Types)

When you open the builder, you must first define the core attributes:

• Template Name: Choose a unique identifier for internal use.
  • Constraint: Must only contain lowercase alphanumeric characters and underscores (e.g., order_update_v2). No spaces are allowed.
• Template Category: Select Marketing, Utility, or Authentication (see 3.1 Overview for definitions).
• Template Language: Select the language the template is written in. Ensure the content matches the selection exactly to avoid rejection.
• Template Type: Choose Text, Image, Video, Document, or Carousel.

2. Building the Content

The fields available change based on the selected Template Type.

A. Header (Optional for Text, Required for Media/Carousel)

The header appears at the very top of the message.

• Text (Optional for Text templates): A short introductory phrase (max 60 characters).
• Media (Required for Media templates): If you selected Image, Video, or Document as the type, you must upload a sample file. This helps Meta reviewers understand the context of the template.
  • Note: The actual file sent to the user can be changed dynamically during a campaign, but the sample is required for approval.

B. Body (Required)

This is the main message content.

• Text Input: Enter your message here (up to 1024 characters).
• Template Variables: This is crucial for personalization. Use variables like {{1}}, {{2}}, {{3}} to act as placeholders for dynamic data (like a user's name, an order number, or a date).
  • Example: Hello {{1}}, your order {{2}} has been shipped.
  • Important: When submitting a template with variables, Meta often requires you to provide sample values for each variable so they understand the context. (e.g., {{1}} = "John", {{2}} = "12345").
• Formatting: Standard WhatsApp formatting applies (e.g., *bold*, _italics_, ~strikethrough~).

C. Footer (Optional)

A short line of text appearing at the very bottom, typically in a lighter gray font. (Max 60 characters). Often used for disclaimers or opt-out instructions (e.g., "Reply STOP to unsubscribe").

D. Buttons (Optional)

Buttons significantly increase engagement. You can add up to 3 buttons (or up to 10 across a Carousel).

There are two main types of buttons:

1. Call to Action (CTA): Drives the user to take a specific action outside of WhatsApp.
   • Visit Website: Opens a URL. You can use variables in the URL (e.g., https://example.com/order/{{1}}) to create dynamic links.
   • Call Phone Number: Initiates a phone call to a predefined number.
2. Quick Reply: Allows the user to send a predefined text response with a single tap.
   • Example: [Yes, confirm], [No, cancel], [Contact Support].
   • Note: If you use a Quick Reply button, it will appear as an incoming message from the user in your WhataTalk Conversation interface, opening the 24-hour service window.

3. Creating Carousel Templates (Specifics)

If you chose "Carousel":

1. Complete the basic info (Category must usually be Marketing).
2. You will see an interface to add Cards.
3. For each card (up to 10), you must provide:
   • Header Image/Video: A media file for that specific card.
   • Body Text: A short description.
   • Buttons: Up to 2 buttons per card (usually CTA or Quick Reply).
4. Carousels are excellent for showcasing product catalogs or distinct service options.

Final Review and Submission

Once you have filled out all required fields and uploaded samples:

1. Review the Preview Panel on the right side of the screen to ensure the template looks as expected.
2. Click "SAVE" or "SUBMIT".
3. The template will immediately enter the PENDING state while Meta reviews it.