Creating WhatsApp Templates

WhatsApp templates are pre-approved message formats that allow you to initiate conversations with users outside the 24-hour messaging window. This guide covers how to create, submit, and manage templates.

Overview

Templates are required for:

• Starting new conversations with users
• Re-engaging users after the 24-hour window expires
• Sending transactional notifications (order updates, appointments, etc.)

Template Structure

A WhatsApp template consists of:

Creating a Template

Via Dashboard

1. Navigate to Senders in your dashboard
2. Select the sender you want to create templates for
3. Go to the Templates tab
4. Click Create Template
5. Fill in the template details and submit

Via API

TypeScriptcURLCopy
import Zavudev from '@zavudev/sdk';

const zavu = new Zavudev({
  apiKey: process.env["ZAVUDEV_API_KEY"],
});

const template = await zavu.templates.create({
  name: 'order_confirmation',
  language: 'en',
  body: 'Hi {{1}}, your order {{2}} has been confirmed and will ship within 24 hours.',
  category: 'UTILITY',
  variables: ['customer_name', 'order_id'],
});

console.log('Template ID:', template.id);
console.log('Status:', template.whatsappStatus); // "draft"

Template Variables

Use numbered placeholders for dynamic content:

CodeCopy
Hi {{1}}, your order {{2}} is ready for pickup at {{3}}.

When sending a message, provide the variable values:

TypeScriptCopy
await zavu.messages.send({
  to: '+14155551234',
  messageType: 'template',
  content: {
    templateId: 'tmpl_abc123',
    templateVariables: {
      '1': 'John',
      '2': 'ORD-12345',
      '3': '123 Main St'
    }
  }
});

Templates can also use named placeholders ({{customer_name}}) and text-header variables. For how named vs positional formats work and how to send them, see How Variables Work.

Template Categories

UTILITY

For transactional messages with specific, agreed-upon information.

Examples:

• Order confirmations
• Shipping updates
• Appointment reminders
• Account notifications

Cost: Lower messaging rates

MARKETING

For promotional content and offers.

Examples:

• Sales announcements
• Product recommendations
• Newsletter content
• Promotional offers

Cost: Higher messaging rates

AUTHENTICATION

For one-time passwords and verification codes.

Examples:

• Login verification
• Two-factor authentication
• Account verification

Cost: Lowest messaging rates

Adding Headers

Add a header to make your template more engaging:

TypeScriptCopy
const template = await zavu.templates.create({
  name: 'shipping_update',
  language: 'en',
  body: 'Your package {{1}} is on its way!',
  category: 'UTILITY',
  headerType: 'text',
  headerContent: 'Shipping Update',
});

Header Types

Adding Buttons

Templates can include up to 3 buttons:

TypeScriptCopy
const template = await zavu.templates.create({
  name: 'order_tracking',
  language: 'en',
  body: 'Your order {{1}} has shipped!',
  category: 'UTILITY',
  buttons: [
    {
      type: 'url',
      text: 'Track Order',
      url: 'https://example.com/track/{{1}}'
    },
    {
      type: 'quick_reply',
      text: 'Contact Support'
    }
  ]
});

Button Types

TypeScriptCopy
const template = await zavu.templates.create({
  name: 'callback_request',
  language: 'en',
  body: 'Hi {{1}}, we need a phone number to schedule your callback.',
  category: 'UTILITY',
  buttons: [
    { type: 'request_contact_info' }
  ]
});

The recipient's answer arrives as an inbound contact message, and Zavu links the shared number to the contact automatically. See Contact Info Request Messages.

Best Practices

Naming Conventions

Template names must:

• Be unique within your account
• Use only lowercase letters, numbers, and underscores
• Not exceed 512 characters
• Not start with a number

Good examples:

• order_confirmation_v2
• appointment_reminder
• shipping_update_en

Bad examples:

• Order Confirmation (spaces not allowed)
• 2fa_code (starts with number)
• ORDER_CONFIRMATION (uppercase not allowed)

Next Steps