1. Course Overview
To start sending WhatsApp business-initiated bulk messages (commonly called campaigns), you need an appropriate WhatsApp message template. ChatRouter provides two template options:
- Meta Template — A WhatsApp template managed through Meta and subject to Meta's review and approval.
- ChatRouter Template Message — A reusable preset message for contacts that are currently inside the 24-hour customer service window; it does not require Meta template approval.
In ChatRouter, go to the side menu → Template → Meta Template or ChatRouter Template, depending on what you want to create.
2. Two Ways to Create a Meta Template
ChatRouter gives you two practical routes:
| Method | What you do | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Create on Meta | Create and manage the template directly in WhatsApp Manager. | Users who prefer working directly inside Meta Business tools. |
| Create on ChatRouter | Build the template from ChatRouter's template page and submit it through the connected WhatsApp setup. | Users who want the entire template workflow inside ChatRouter. |
3. How to Create a Meta Template
Meta templates are structured WhatsApp messages used for business-initiated communication such as order updates, reminders, authentication, and marketing. Meta can review, approve, pause, or reject templates, and business-initiated messaging must follow WhatsApp's applicable policies.
Step 1 — Open Meta Template Management
Step 2 — Choose a Category
| Category | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Marketing | Promotions, offers, announcements, campaigns, and other marketing communication. |
| Utility | Transactional or service-related communication such as order updates, reminders, and account information. |
| Authentication | Authentication and verification use cases such as one-time passwords, where supported by the Meta template system. |
Step 3 — Configure the Template
Depending on the template type, configure the available components:
- Name: Use a clear, unique template identifier. Avoid spaces where ChatRouter requires a name without spaces.
- Language: Select the language used by the template, such as
enoren_US, as applicable to your setup. - Header: Optional introductory content such as text, image, video, or another supported media type.
- Body: The main message. Variables can be used for personalization.
- Footer: Optional supporting text.
- Buttons: Optional interactive actions such as quick replies, phone actions, or URL actions, where supported.
Step 4 — Use Variables
Variables allow the same approved template to be personalized for different recipients.
For example:
{{1}}= Customer name{{2}}= Order ID{{3}}= Pickup location
The recipient could therefore see:
Step 5 — Submit for Review
Preview the template carefully, then click Submit. The template may initially show a pending status while Meta reviews it.
4. Create a Meta Template Directly from ChatRouter
For users who prefer to work inside ChatRouter, open the template creation page and complete the fields below.
1. Template Name
Enter a clear name for the template. Use a descriptive identifier and follow the naming format required by the interface. For example:
2. Template Language Code
Select the language that the template uses. For example, your interface may offer en or en_US. Select the language that matches the actual content of the template.
3. Category
Select Marketing for promotional content or Utility for qualifying transactional/service content. The selected category affects how Meta classifies and prices the message.
4. Template Type
Choose the template format available in your ChatRouter interface. A standard header/body template is appropriate for a single message presentation. A carousel template is designed to present multiple cards within one WhatsApp message where supported.
5. Header
If you select a media header, choose the supported media type and upload the required media. For this course example, select Image and upload your image.
6. Body
Enter the message content and add variables where personalization is required.
7. Footer — Optional
Add short supporting text at the bottom of the message, such as a brand reminder or brief instruction.
8. Buttons — Optional
Depending on the available template options, ChatRouter can provide interactive buttons such as:
| Button | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Quick Reply | Lets the recipient choose a predefined response. In a ChatRouter bot flow, the selected reply can be used as a trigger for the corresponding bot action. |
| Phone Number | Lets the recipient initiate a call to the configured phone number. |
| Copy Coupon Code | Lets the recipient copy the configured coupon code. |
| URL | Opens a website or landing page when the recipient taps the button. |
| Dynamic URL | Uses one approved template while allowing the URL's supported dynamic portion to change for each recipient. |
Understanding a Dynamic URL Button
A dynamic URL button is useful when each customer needs a different destination, such as an order page, invoice, booking, or customer portal.
In simple terms: One template + one button + a different supported link value for each customer.
9. Preview and Submit
Always preview the message before submission. Check the text, variables, media, buttons, and overall presentation. Then click Submit.
5. Carousel Templates
Carousel templates are designed to display multiple cards within one WhatsApp message where supported. Each card can contain its own content and supported interactive elements.
For example, a business could present several products, services, or options in one carousel. The main advantage is that multiple headers/cards can be presented as part of the same message experience.
6. Template Approval and Synchronization
After submitting a Meta template, it may initially appear as Pending. Review time can vary depending on Meta's review process, template content, and system conditions.
- Submit the template.
- Wait for the Meta review status to update.
- If approved but not visible in ChatRouter, open the template list.
- Click Sync WhatsApp Template.
- Refresh the list and confirm that the approved template is available.
7. ChatRouter Template Messages / Preset Templates
ChatRouter Template Messages are reusable messages that you can create and manage within ChatRouter for quick communication.
How the 24-Hour Window Works
When a customer sends your business a WhatsApp message, a customer service window is opened. During the applicable 24-hour period, you can use normal conversational messages and ChatRouter preset messages without needing to submit each preset message to Meta as a business-initiated template.
Example: A customer sends “Hello” to your business. If the customer's 24-hour service window is active, you can use a ChatRouter Template Message to send a reusable response such as:
8. Which Template Should You Use?
| Situation | Recommended option |
|---|---|
| You want to start a business-initiated campaign | META TEMPLATE |
| You need to send an approved message after the 24-hour window | META TEMPLATE |
| You need promotional communication | META MARKETING |
| You need qualifying transactional communication | META UTILITY |
| A customer recently messaged your business (24h window active) | CHATROUTER PRESET |
| You want a reusable quick response for active conversations | CHATROUTER PRESET |
9. Best Practices
- Use a clear and descriptive template name.
- Choose the category that accurately matches the message purpose.
- Keep the body clear, useful, and easy to read.
- Use variables only where personalization adds value.
- Make sure every variable has the correct sample value during template creation.
- Preview media and buttons before submission.
- Do not use a Utility template as a way to disguise promotional content.
- Send messages only to people for whom you have the appropriate permission/consent and legitimate business relationship.
- Monitor delivery and engagement quality and respect WhatsApp policies.
- Check the official Meta pricing page before quoting current message prices to customers.
10. Pricing: What Users Should Know
WhatsApp pricing is controlled by Meta and can change. Pricing depends on the applicable message/conversation rules, message category, market, and current Meta pricing structure. Therefore, this course intentionally does not present older fixed price ranges as permanent prices.
For the current official information, use:
View Official WhatsApp PricingMeta's policies state that business-initiated conversations use approved templates, while businesses can respond without a template during the applicable 24-hour customer service window after a user's message.
11. Troubleshooting
Template is still Pending
Template was rejected
Approved template is not showing in ChatRouter
Can I send a ChatRouter preset after 24 hours?
Why can't I use any URL I want as a dynamic URL?
12. Frequently Asked Questions
What is a WhatsApp template?
Do all templates need Meta approval?
Can I personalize a Meta template?
{{1}}, {{2}}, and {{3}} can be replaced with recipient-specific values when the message is sent.Can I add buttons?
What is the difference between a URL button and a Dynamic URL button?
Can I use a Utility template for advertising?
Why should I preview a template before submitting?
What should I do if my approved template is missing?
Can ChatRouter preset templates replace Meta templates?
Where can I check current WhatsApp pricing?
Official Meta WhatsApp Pricing →
13. Final Checklist
- Choose Meta Template or ChatRouter Template Message.
- Confirm the correct WhatsApp Business Account is connected.
- Give the template a clear name.
- Select the correct language.
- Select the correct category for Meta templates.
- Add header, body, footer, and buttons as required.
- Check every variable and sample value.
- Preview the complete message.
- Submit Meta templates for review.
- Synchronize approved templates in ChatRouter if necessary.
- Use ChatRouter Template Messages only within their intended 24-hour service-window use case.