> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.vambe.me/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Create your first template

> Design and submit WhatsApp message templates for approval to send notifications, confirmations, and marketing messages.

## 🎯 What you'll build

You'll create your first WhatsApp message template, submit it for Meta approval, and learn how to use it for business communications.

<Tip>
  WhatsApp templates are pre-approved message formats required for sending
  messages outside the 24-hour customer service window. They're essential for
  notifications, reminders, and marketing.
</Tip>

***

## Understanding WhatsApp Templates

### Why Templates Are Required

WhatsApp Business API requires templates for:

* **Messages outside 24-hour window** after customer's last message
* **Proactive notifications** (order updates, appointment reminders)
* **Marketing messages** (promotions, announcements)
* **Automated sequences** (welcome series, follow-ups)

### Template Categories

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Utility Templates" icon="wrench" color="#10B981">
    **Business-critical updates**

    * Order confirmations
    * Shipping notifications
    * Appointment reminders
    * Payment alerts

    **Approval: Usually fast (24-48h)**
  </Card>

  <Card title="Authentication" icon="shield" color="#3B82F6">
    **Security and verification**

    * Login codes
    * Password resets
    * Account verification
    * OTP messages

    **Approval: Fastest (few hours)**
  </Card>

  <Card title="Marketing Templates" icon="bullhorn" color="#F59E0B">
    **Promotional content**

    * Product launches
    * Special offers
    * Event invitations
    * Newsletter updates

    **Approval: Slower (2-7 days)**
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Template Structure

### Basic Components

Every WhatsApp template consists of:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Header (Optional)">
    **Text, Image, Video, or Document**

    * Maximum 60 characters for text headers
    * Media headers for rich content
    * Can include variables `{{1}}`, `{{2}}`, etc.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Body (Required)">
    **Main message content**

    * Maximum 1,024 characters
    * Can include variables `{{1}}`, `{{2}}`, etc.
    * Must provide clear value to recipients
  </Step>

  <Step title="Footer (Optional)">
    **Additional context or branding**

    * Maximum 60 characters
    * No variables allowed
    * Often used for company name or unsubscribe info
  </Step>

  <Step title="Buttons (Optional)">
    **Call-to-action buttons**

    * Up to 3 buttons
    * Types: URL, Phone, Quick Reply
    * Can include variables in URL buttons
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Variable Parameters

Templates support dynamic content through variables:

* `{{1}}` - First variable (customer name, order number, etc.)
* `{{2}}` - Second variable (date, amount, etc.)
* `{{3}}` - Third variable (and so on...)

<Note>
  Variables must be used in sequential order (`{{1}}`, then `{{2}}`, then `{{3}}`). You cannot skip numbers.
</Note>

***

## Creating Your First Template in Vambe

Templates are predefined messages you can send to your prospects. In WhatsApp, they allow you to start new conversations or reopen closed ones. From the Templates section, you can view all created templates, their categories, and enabled channels.

### Template Categories

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Marketing" icon="bullhorn" color="#F59E0B">
    **Promotional content**

    * Product promotions
    * Advertising announcements
    * Product launches
    * Customer base campaigns

    **Use:** Reaching customer base with offers
  </Card>

  <Card title="Utility" icon="wrench" color="#10B981">
    **Internal business purposes**

    * Appointment reminders
    * Reactivate inactive conversations
    * Order confirmations
    * Service notifications

    **Use:** Business operations and customer service
  </Card>

  <Card title="Authentication" icon="shield" color="#3B82F6">
    **Verification and security**

    * Verification codes
    * Login confirmations
    * Security alerts
    * Account access

    **Use:** Identity verification processes
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Info>
  Each template type has specific rates charged directly by **Meta**. Check
  [Meta's official pricing
  page](https://developers.facebook.com/docs/whatsapp/pricing) for current
  costs.
</Info>

***

## Step-by-Step Template Creation

<Steps>
  <Step title="Access Templates Section">
    In your Vambe dashboard:

    * Navigate to the **Templates** section
    * Click the blue **"+Crear"** button in the upper right corner

    <Info>
      Templates are managed through Platform Settings along with other channel configurations. Reference: [`Skool - Platform Settings Templates`](https://www.skool.com/vambe/classroom/c8a9223e?md=656dc09c2f984a10a0a464114270742f)
    </Info>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Channels">
    Choose which channels will use this template:

    * **WhatsApp API** - For Business API templates
    * **WhatsApp QR** - For QR-connected numbers
    * **Other channels** - As available in your account

    <Tip>
      You can select multiple channels if you want the same template available across different communication methods.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Basic Information">
    Set up the template fundamentals:

    * **Name**: Choose a descriptive, unique identifier
    * **Category**: Select Marketing, Utility, or Authentication
    * **Language**: Define the language for the template content

    <Warning>
      **Template names cannot be changed** after creation. Use clear, descriptive names like `appointment_reminder` or `product_launch`.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Customize Content">
    Design your template structure:

    **Header (Optional):**

    * Text header (max 60 characters)
    * Image, video, or document
    * Can include variables for personalization

    **Body (Required):**

    * Main message content (max 1,024 characters)
    * Include variables to personalize automatically (e.g., customer name)
    * Use `{{1}}`, `{{2}}`, `{{3}}` for dynamic content

    **Footer (Optional):**

    * Additional message footer
    * Usually used for company branding or disclaimers

    **Quick Reply Buttons (Optional):**

    * Add response options like "¿Quieres comprar este producto? Sí / No"
    * Up to 3 quick reply buttons
    * URL or phone number buttons also available
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit for Approval">
    Complete the template creation:

    * Review all content for accuracy
    * Click **Create** or **Submit**
    * Template is automatically sent to Meta for approval
    * Approval process typically completes almost immediately
    * Only approved templates can be used in conversations

    <Check>
      Once approved, your template will be available for use in your Vambe campaigns and automated flows.
    </Check>
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Template Design Example

Let's create an order confirmation template:

<CodeGroup>
  ```text Header theme={null}
  Order Confirmed! 📦
  ```

  ```text Body theme={null}
  Hi `{{1}}`,

  Great news! Your order #`{{2}}` has been confirmed and is being prepared.

  Order Details:
  • Total: $`{{3}}`
  • Estimated delivery: `{{4}}`

  We'll send you tracking information once your order ships.

  Thank you for shopping with us!
  ```

  ```text Footer theme={null}
  MyStore - Your trusted partner
  ```
</CodeGroup>

### Step 4: Add Interactive Buttons (Optional)

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="URL Button" icon="link">
    **Track Order Button**

    * Button Text: "Track Order"
    * URL: `https://mystore.com/track/{{2}}`
    * Uses variable `{{2}}` for order number
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Phone Button" icon="phone">
    **Call Support Button**

    * Button Text: "Call Support"
    * Phone Number: "+1234567890"
    * No variables allowed in phone buttons
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Quick Reply" icon="message">
    **Quick Response Options**

    * "Need Help?"
    * "Change Address"
    * "Cancel Order"

    These appear as clickable options for customers
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Template Examples by Use Case

### 1. Appointment Reminder

<CardGroup cols={1}>
  <Card title="Healthcare Appointment Reminder" icon="calendar">
    **Category:** UTILITY

    **Body:**

    ```
    Hi `{{1}}`,

    This is a reminder that you have an appointment with Dr. `{{2}}` tomorrow at `{{3}}`.

    Location: `{{4}}`

    Please arrive 15 minutes early. If you need to reschedule, please call us at least 24 hours in advance.
    ```

    **Buttons:**

    * URL: "Get Directions" → `https://maps.google.com/?q={{4}}`
    * Phone: "Call to Reschedule" → `+1234567890`
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### 2. Welcome Message

<CardGroup cols={1}>
  <Card title="New Customer Welcome" icon="hand">
    **Category:** UTILITY

    **Header:** Welcome to `{{1}}`! 🎉

    **Body:**

    ```
    Hi `{{2}}`,

    Welcome to our community! We're excited to have you on board.

    Here's what you can expect:
    • Exclusive offers and updates
    • 24/7 customer support
    • Easy returns and exchanges

    Your customer ID is: `{{3}}`
    ```

    **Buttons:**

    * URL: "Explore Products" → `https://mystore.com/products`
    * Quick Reply: "Contact Support"
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### 3. Payment Confirmation

<CardGroup cols={1}>
  <Card title="Payment Received" icon="check-circle">
    **Category:** UTILITY

    **Body:**

    ```
    Hi `{{1}}`,

    We've successfully received your payment of $`{{2}}` for invoice #`{{3}}`.

    Payment Details:
    • Method: `{{4}}`
    • Date: `{{5}}`
    • Transaction ID: `{{6}}`

    Thank you for your business!
    ```

    **Footer:** Questions? Reply to this message
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Template Approval Process

### Submission Guidelines

<Steps>
  <Step title="Review Template Content">
    * Ensure clear business value
    * Use proper grammar and spelling
    * Include relevant variables
    * Follow WhatsApp Commerce Policy
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit for Review">
    * Click **Submit** in Template Manager - Templates enter Meta's review queue -
      Initial status shows as "PENDING"
  </Step>

  <Step title="Approval Timeline">
    * **Authentication:** Few hours - **Utility:** 24-48 hours - **Marketing:**
      2-7 days - Complex templates may take longer
  </Step>

  <Step title="Handle Results">
    * **Approved:** Status changes to "APPROVED"
    * **Rejected:** Review feedback and resubmit
    * **Pending:** Wait or contact Meta support
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Common Rejection Reasons

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Content Issues" icon="exclamation">
    **Common problems:**

    * Vague or unclear messaging
    * Missing context for variables
    * Grammatical errors or typos
    * Non-business related content
    * Misleading information
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Policy Violations" icon="ban">
    **WhatsApp policy violations:**

    * Requesting personal information unnecessarily
    * Threatening or aggressive language
    * Adult content or illegal activities
    * Spam-like characteristics
    * Misleading offers or claims
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Technical Problems" icon="wrench">
    **Format and structure issues:**

    * Invalid variable usage
    * Broken or suspicious URLs
    * Incorrect button configurations
    * Character limit exceeded
    * Missing required components
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Best Practices

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Content Quality" icon="thumbs-up">
    * **Be clear and concise** - Get to the point quickly
    * **Provide value** - Every message should benefit the customer
    * **Use friendly tone** - Professional but approachable
    * **Include context** - Explain why you're messaging them
    * **Add clear CTAs** - Make next steps obvious
  </Card>

  <Card title="Technical Optimization" icon="wrench">
    * **Test variables** - Ensure all scenarios work - **Optimize length** -
      Shorter templates perform better - **Use buttons wisely** - Don't overwhelm
      with options - **Plan for localization** - Consider multiple languages -
      **Monitor performance** - Track open and click rates
  </Card>

  <Card title="Compliance" icon="shield">
    * **Follow WhatsApp policies** - Read and understand guidelines - **Respect
      opt-outs** - Honor unsubscribe requests - **Be transparent** - Identify your
      business clearly - **Avoid spam tactics** - Focus on genuine value - **Keep
      records** - Document approval processes
  </Card>

  <Card title="User Experience" icon="users">
    * **Personalize content** - Use customer names and data
    * **Time messages well** - Consider customer time zones
    * **Provide support** - Make it easy to get help
    * **Test thoroughly** - Verify all links and variables
    * **Gather feedback** - Learn from customer responses
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Managing Templates

### Template Status Monitoring

Check template status regularly:

<CodeGroup>
  ```bash Check Templates via API theme={null}
  curl -X GET \
    -H "x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY" \
    https://api.vambe.me/api/public/templates
  ```

  ```javascript Get Templates via Vambe API theme={null}
  const response = await fetch('https://api.vambe.me/api/public/templates', {
    headers: { 'x-api-key': process.env.VAMBE_API_KEY },
  });
  const templates = await response.json();
  ```

  ```python List Approved Templates theme={null}
  import requests

  response = requests.get(
    'https://api.vambe.me/api/public/templates',
    headers={'x-api-key': os.environ['VAMBE_API_KEY']}
  )
  templates = response.json()
  ```
</CodeGroup>

### Template Maintenance

* **Regular audits** - Review template performance monthly
* **Update content** - Refresh outdated information
* **Archive unused** - Remove templates you no longer need
* **Version control** - Keep track of template changes
* **Performance tracking** - Monitor delivery and engagement rates

***

## Next Steps

<Check>
  Congratulations! You've created your first WhatsApp message template.
</Check>

Once your template is approved, you can:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Send Template Messages" icon="paper-plane" href="/docs/send-template-message">
    Learn how to send your approved templates via API
  </Card>

  <Card title="Automate with Pipelines" icon="sitemap" href="/docs/create-pipeline">
    Integrate templates into your automated conversation flows
  </Card>

  <Card title="Track Performance" icon="chart-line" href="/docs/analytics">
    Monitor template delivery rates and customer engagement
  </Card>

  <Card title="Advanced Templates" icon="plus" href="/docs/create-template">
    Learn about media templates, carousels, and interactive elements
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Info>
  **Pro Tip:** Start with simple utility templates to get familiar with the
  approval process before creating complex marketing templates.
</Info>