When creating WhatsApp template messages, selecting the correct category and following its guidelines is crucial for approval and compliance. SMSGatewayCenter simplifies this process by guiding you through category selection and ensuring your templates meet WhatsApp’s standards. Here’s a detailed overview of the template categories and their guidelines:
WhatsApp Template Message Categories #
WhatsApp classifies template messages into specific categories to ensure they align with the intended use case. Below are the main categories supported on SMSGatewayCenter, along with their guidelines:
Marketing #
- Purpose: Promote products, services, or offers to drive engagement and sales.
- Guidelines:
- Must focus on promotional content, such as discounts, product launches, or limited-time offers.
- Avoid using this category for transactional updates (e.g., order confirmations).
- Clearly state the offer’s details, including expiration if applicable (e.g., “Get 20% off until May 15, 2025, 11:59 PM IST!”).
- Must comply with WhatsApp’s opt-in policy—only send to customers who have explicitly opted in for marketing messages.
- Example: “Hi {{1}}, enjoy 20% off your next purchase with code SAVE20! Offer ends soon.”
Utility #
- Purpose: Share functional updates related to a customer’s account, subscription, or ongoing service.
- Guidelines:
- Must be related to account management, reminders, or updates (e.g., appointment confirmations, low balance alerts).
- Avoid promotional content; focus on utility-driven messages.
- Ensure the message provides clear value to the customer without marketing intent.
- Example: “Hi {{1}}, your subscription renewal is due on May 16, 2025. Renew now to continue enjoying our services!”
Authentication #
- Purpose: Send one-time passwords (OTPs) or verification codes for security purposes.
- Guidelines:
- Must include an OTP or verification code as the primary content.
- Clearly specify the code’s purpose and expiration time (e.g., “Your OTP is {{1}}. It expires in 10 minutes.”).
- Avoid including promotional content or unrelated messages.
- Can include a call-to-action (CTA) button like “Copy Code” for user convenience.
- Example: “Hi {{1}}, your OTP for login is {{2}}. It expires in 5 minutes.”
Transactional (Not Explicitly Listed but Inferred) #
- Purpose: Send updates related to a specific transaction, such as order confirmations or shipping notifications.
- Guidelines:
- Must focus on a specific transaction or event (e.g., order status, payment confirmation).
- Avoid promotional upsells; keep the message purely informational.
- Use dynamic variables for personalization (e.g., order number, delivery date).
- Example: “Hi {{1}}, your order #{{2}} has shipped and will arrive by May 16, 2025, at 3:00 PM IST.”
How to Create a Template with the Right Category on SMSGatewayCenter #
Access the Template Messages Section #
- Log in to your SMSGatewayCenter account at https://unify.smsgateway.center.
- Navigate to the WhatsApp Business API section, then go to the Template Messages tab.
Select the Correct Category #
- Click Add New Template.
- Choose the appropriate category from the dropdown (e.g., Marketing, Utility, Authentication).
- Fill in the template details:
- Template Name: Use a descriptive name (e.g., “otp_verification_en”).
- Language: Select the language (e.g., English, Hindi).
- Message Body: Write the message, ensuring it aligns with the category’s guidelines.
- Submit the template for WhatsApp approval via SMSGatewayCenter.
Monitor Approval Status #
- Check the template’s status (Pending, Approved, Rejected) in the Template Messages section.
- If rejected due to category mismatch (e.g., promotional content in a Utility template), revise the content and resubmit under the correct category.
Best Practices for Category Compliance #
- Match Content to Category: Ensure the message purpose aligns with the selected category to avoid rejection (e.g., don’t include promotional content in Authentication templates).
- Obtain Opt-In for Marketing: Always get explicit consent before sending Marketing templates to comply with WhatsApp’s policies.
- Be Specific: Use clear, concise language that matches the category’s intent (e.g., focus on utility for Utility templates).
- Test Before Sending: Use SMSGatewayCenter’s Test feature to preview the message and ensure it meets category requirements.
Following these category guidelines ensures your WhatsApp templates are approved quickly and resonate with your audience. For further assistance with template creation, contact our support team.