Submitting WhatsApp template messages requires careful attention to WhatsApp’s guidelines to ensure approval. Rejections can delay your campaigns, but SMSGatewayCenter helps you create compliant templates. Here’s a detailed guide on how to avoid template message rejection and improve your approval chances:
Common Reasons for Template Rejection #
Understanding why templates get rejected is the first step to avoiding issues. Here are the most frequent reasons for rejection:
- Formatting Errors: Exceeding the 1024-character limit, using unsupported formatting (e.g., underlining), or including media in the message body.
- Category Mismatch: Using a Marketing template for transactional updates (e.g., order confirmations) or vice versa.
- Spam-Like Content: Including vague, misleading, or overly promotional language that violates WhatsApp’s policies.
- Lack of Opt-In: Sending Marketing templates to users who haven’t opted in to receive promotional messages.
- Language Issues: Submitting a template in the wrong language or with grammatical errors.
- Prohibited Content: Including restricted content like gambling, adult content, or misleading claims.
How to Avoid Template Rejection on SMSGatewayCenter #
Follow these steps to create templates that are more likely to be approved by WhatsApp:
Adhere to Formatting Guidelines
- Keep the message body under 1024 characters, including spaces, special characters, and formatting.
- Use only WhatsApp-supported formatting: bold (text), italic (text), ~strikethrough~ (~text~), or
monospace(text). - Avoid media in the message body (media can be added in headers for certain template types, like Interactive – Image with Buttons).
- Example: “Hi {{1}}, your order #{{2}} is confirmed!”
Choose the Correct Category
- Select the appropriate category for your template:
- Marketing: For promotional messages (e.g., “Get 20% off until May 16, 2025!”).
- Utility: For functional updates (e.g., “Your appointment is on May 17, 2025, at 10:00 AM IST.”).
- Authentication: For OTPs (e.g., “Your OTP is {{1}}. It expires in 10 minutes.”).
- Ensure the content matches the category to avoid rejection.
Avoid Spam-Like or Prohibited Content
- Write clear, value-driven messages that aren’t misleading or overly promotional.
- Avoid restricted topics like gambling, adult content, or false claims (e.g., “Win $1000 guaranteed!”).
- Use professional language and avoid excessive emojis or special characters.
Ensure Proper Opt-In for Marketing Templates
- Confirm that customers have explicitly opted in to receive Marketing messages.
- Use SMSGatewayCenter’s Add Opt-In page to manage your opt-in list and ensure compliance.
- Example: Collect opt-in via a website checkbox: “I agree to receive offers on WhatsApp.”
Use Correct Language and Grammar
- Submit the template in the correct language (e.g., “en” for English, “hi” for Hindi).
- Double-check for spelling or grammatical errors, as these can lead to rejection.
- Example: Avoid submitting an English template in the Hindi language category.
Test and Preview Before Submission
- Use SMSGatewayCenter’s preview feature to check for formatting errors or issues with dynamic variables (e.g., {{1}}, {{2}}).
- Ensure variables don’t contain line breaks, as this can cause errors.
How to Submit a Template on SMSGatewayCenter #
Access the Template Messages Section
- Log in to your SMSGatewayCenter account.
- Navigate to the WhatsApp Business API section, then go to the Template.
Create a Compliant Template
- Click Add New Template.
- Select the correct category and language.
- Write the message body, ensuring it meets all guidelines.
- Submit the template for WhatsApp approval.
Handle Rejections
- If a template is rejected, check the feedback in the SMSGatewayCenter dashboard (e.g., “Category mismatch” or “Formatting error”).
- Edit the template to address the issue and resubmit.
Best Practices to Improve Approval Chances #
- Keep It Simple: Use clear, concise language that provides value to the recipient.
- Validate Variables: Ensure dynamic variables are used correctly and will be replaced with valid data when sending.
- Submit in Batches: Avoid submitting too many templates at once to reduce the risk of delays or rejections.
- Monitor Guidelines: Stay updated on WhatsApp’s policies, as they may change over time.
Why Avoid Rejection? #
- Save Time: Preventing rejection ensures your campaigns launch on schedule.
- Maintain Compliance: Approved templates reduce the risk of account issues due to policy violations.
- Improve Campaign Success: Compliant templates are more likely to resonate with your audience.
By following these guidelines, you can create WhatsApp template messages that get approved quickly. For further assistance with template submissions, contact our support team.