Once your WhatsApp Business Account is integrated, the next mandatory step is to add a message template. (See this article to set up Whatsapp in Ringover : How to set up WhatsApp in Ringover)
Templates are required to initiate conversations with your customers. Here is the step-by-step process for creating, validating, and sending your first template message.
Creating message templates
1. Creating your template
- Navigate to the template creation section in your dashboard to begin.
- When naming your template, you must use only lowercase letters and underscores (for example:
customer_support_update). - Type out the exact message you want to send to your customers, then click to submit it
2. The Meta review process
- Once submitted, your template will instantly go under review by Meta.
- While there is no official information regarding the exact delay, the review process typically takes anywhere from a few hours to one day.
- Do not try to send a message using the template during this reviewing period, as it will result in an error.
- Once your template is successfully validated, you will receive a confirmation email, and the template will become active and visible in your account.
3. Sending the message from the user interface
After your template is active, you can start messaging your customers directly from the Ringover user interface:
- Before sending, you must choose your validated template from the menu and click on it. You will know it is properly selected when the color changes to dark green.
- If you attempt to send a message without actively selecting a template, the interface will show a red highlight to remind you to do so.
- After your template message has been sent, you will be able to continue a free-flowing conversation only once your contact replies to your initial message.
💡 Analogy for message templates:
Think of a message template like a formal greeting card.
Before you can hand it out to new customers, the postmaster (Meta) needs to review the design and text to make sure it's polite and follows the rules.
It might take a day for them to stamp it with approval. Once approved, you have to physically select that specific approved card from your drawer (the dark green highlight) to hand to a customer.
Finally, you can only start chatting freely with them after they read the card and say "hello" back!
Think of a message template like a formal greeting card.
Before you can hand it out to new customers, the postmaster (Meta) needs to review the design and text to make sure it's polite and follows the rules.
It might take a day for them to stamp it with approval. Once approved, you have to physically select that specific approved card from your drawer (the dark green highlight) to hand to a customer.
Finally, you can only start chatting freely with them after they read the card and say "hello" back!