WhatsApp Message Templates: 25+ Examples for Every Business
WhatsApp message templates are pre-approved message formats required to initiate business-to-customer conversations through the WhatsApp Business API. Every marketing broadcast, appointment reminder, and order update you send starts with a template. Getting your templates right is the difference between campaigns that convert and templates that get rejected by Meta.
This collection includes 25+ ready-to-use templates organized by category, each with the actual template text, variable placeholders, and Meta approval tips. Whether you run a salon, restaurant, e-commerce store, clinic, or professional service, you will find templates ready to customize and submit for approval.
For a step-by-step guide to setting up the WhatsApp Business API, see our WhatsApp API Setup Guide.
How WhatsApp Templates Work
Before diving into the examples, here is a quick overview of how templates work:
- Templates must be submitted to Meta for review and approval before use
- Variables are denoted by
{{1}},{{2}}, etc., and are filled dynamically when you send the message - Categories: Marketing (promotions), Utility (transactional), Authentication (OTPs)
- Components: Header (optional text/image/video/document), Body (required), Footer (optional), Buttons (optional)
- Approval time: Typically 24-48 hours
- Languages: Submit separate templates for each language (English, Hebrew, etc.)
Important: Template names must be lowercase with underscores only (e.g., welcome_new_customer). No spaces, special characters, or uppercase letters.
Welcome and Onboarding Templates (5)
Welcome templates are sent when a new customer opts in to your WhatsApp communications. They set the tone for the relationship and confirm what the customer signed up for. These typically fall under the Marketing category.
1. General Welcome
Template name: welcome_new_customer
Hi {{1}}! Welcome to {{2}}. We are glad you are here. You will receive exclusive offers, updates, and support right here on WhatsApp. Reply STOP at any time to unsubscribe. How can we help you today?
Variables: {{1}} = Customer name, {{2}} = Business name
2. Welcome with Discount
Template name: welcome_discount_offer
Welcome to {{1}}, {{2}}! As a thank you for joining our WhatsApp list, here is your exclusive welcome offer: {{3}} off your next purchase. Use code: {{4}}. Valid for {{5}} days. Shop now: {{6}}. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.
Variables: {{1}} = Business name, {{2}} = Customer name, {{3}} = Discount (e.g., "15%"), {{4}} = Promo code, {{5}} = Days valid, {{6}} = Shop URL
3. Service Business Welcome
Template name: welcome_service_intro
Hi {{1}}, thanks for connecting with {{2}} on WhatsApp! Here is what you can do right here: - Book an appointment - Ask questions about our services - Get exclusive member offers. To book your first appointment, just reply "Book" or tap the button below. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.
Variables: {{1}} = Customer name, {{2}} = Business name
4. E-Commerce Welcome
Template name: welcome_ecommerce
Hey {{1}}! Thanks for subscribing to {{2}} on WhatsApp. Get ready for: - New arrival alerts - Flash sale notifications - Exclusive WhatsApp-only deals. Your first perk: free shipping on orders over {{3}} for the next 7 days! Browse our latest collection: {{4}}. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.
Variables: {{1}} = Customer name, {{2}} = Business name, {{3}} = Free shipping threshold, {{4}} = Collection URL
5. Lead Magnet Delivery
Template name: welcome_lead_magnet
Hi {{1}}, here is the {{2}} you requested! Download it here: {{3}}. We will also send you helpful tips and exclusive offers from time to time. If you have any questions, just reply to this message. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.
Variables: {{1}} = Customer name, {{2}} = Lead magnet name (e.g., "pricing guide"), {{3}} = Download URL
Approval tip for welcome templates: Always include an opt-out instruction (e.g., "Reply STOP to unsubscribe"). Meta requires this for marketing templates. Setting clear expectations about message frequency also improves approval rates.
Appointment and Booking Templates (5)
Appointment templates are typically classified as Utility messages since they provide transactional information. These have lower per-conversation costs than marketing templates.
6. Appointment Confirmation
Template name: appointment_confirmation
Your appointment at {{1}} has been confirmed. Details: - Date: {{2}} - Time: {{3}} - Service: {{4}} - With: {{5}}. Need to reschedule? Reply "Reschedule" or call us at {{6}}. See you soon!
Variables: {{1}} = Business name, {{2}} = Date, {{3}} = Time, {{4}} = Service type, {{5}} = Staff member name, {{6}} = Phone number
7. 24-Hour Reminder
Template name: appointment_reminder_24h
Reminder: You have an appointment tomorrow at {{1}}. - Date: {{2}} - Time: {{3}} - Service: {{4}}. Please arrive 10 minutes early. Reply "Confirm" to confirm or "Reschedule" to change your appointment.
Variables: {{1}} = Business name, {{2}} = Date, {{3}} = Time, {{4}} = Service type
8. Same-Day Reminder
Template name: appointment_reminder_today
Hi {{1}}, just a friendly reminder that your {{2}} appointment is today at {{3}}. We are located at {{4}}. See you in a few hours!
Variables: {{1}} = Customer name, {{2}} = Service type, {{3}} = Time, {{4}} = Address
9. Booking Availability
Template name: booking_available_slots
Hi {{1}}, we have availability for {{2}} this week! Here are the open slots: {{3}}. Reply with your preferred time or tap "Book Now" to schedule instantly. Looking forward to seeing you!
Variables: {{1}} = Customer name, {{2}} = Service type, {{3}} = Available slots (e.g., "Mon 10AM, Wed 2PM, Fri 11AM")
10. No-Show Follow-Up
Template name: appointment_no_show
Hi {{1}}, we missed you at your {{2}} appointment today at {{3}}. We hope everything is okay. Would you like to rebook? Reply "Book" and we will find the next available slot for you.
Variables: {{1}} = Customer name, {{2}} = Service type, {{3}} = Time
Approval tip for appointment templates: Submit these as "Utility" category. Keep the language informational and transactional rather than promotional. Including actionable reply options (like "Confirm" or "Reschedule") is encouraged. For more on WhatsApp booking, see our Appointment Booking guide.
Promotions and Sales Templates (5)
Promotional templates fall under the Marketing category and have the highest per-conversation cost. Make them count by being specific and compelling. Always include opt-out instructions.
11. Flash Sale
Template name: flash_sale_announcement
FLASH SALE at {{1}}! {{2}} off everything for the next {{3}} hours only. Use code {{4}} at checkout: {{5}}. Hurry — limited stock available! Reply STOP to unsubscribe.
Variables: {{1}} = Business name, {{2}} = Discount percentage, {{3}} = Hours remaining, {{4}} = Promo code, {{5}} = Shop URL
12. Seasonal Promotion
Template name: seasonal_promotion
{{1}}, the {{2}} sale is here! Enjoy up to {{3}} off on selected items. Top picks: - {{4}} - {{5}} - {{6}}. Shop the full collection: {{7}}. Offer ends {{8}}. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.
Variables: {{1}} = Customer name, {{2}} = Season/Holiday name, {{3}} = Max discount, {{4}}-{{6}} = Featured products, {{7}} = URL, {{8}} = End date
13. Exclusive VIP Offer
Template name: vip_exclusive_offer
{{1}}, as one of our VIP customers, you get early access to our {{2}}! Enjoy {{3}} off with your exclusive code: {{4}}. This offer is available to VIP members only and expires on {{5}}. Shop now: {{6}}. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.
Variables: {{1}} = Customer name, {{2}} = Event/sale name, {{3}} = Discount, {{4}} = Code, {{5}} = Expiry date, {{6}} = URL
14. New Product Launch
Template name: new_product_launch
Something new just dropped at {{1}}! Introducing: {{2}} — {{3}}. Be among the first to get yours. Launch price: {{4}} (regular price {{5}}). Order now: {{6}}. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.
Variables: {{1}} = Business name, {{2}} = Product name, {{3}} = Short description, {{4}} = Launch price, {{5}} = Regular price, {{6}} = Order URL
15. Bundle Deal
Template name: bundle_deal_offer
Hi {{1}}, special bundle just for you! Get {{2}} + {{3}} together for just {{4}} (save {{5}}). This combination is our most popular pairing. Grab it before it is gone: {{6}}. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.
Variables: {{1}} = Customer name, {{2}} = Product 1, {{3}} = Product 2, {{4}} = Bundle price, {{5}} = Savings amount, {{6}} = URL
Approval tip for promotional templates: Meta is strictest with marketing templates. Avoid ALL CAPS in the entire message (a word or two is fine). Do not use misleading urgency ("Last chance ever!"). Always include "Reply STOP to unsubscribe." Providing genuine value (real discounts, exclusive offers) improves approval and engagement. For broadcast best practices, see our guide on sending bulk WhatsApp messages safely.
Order and Shipping Templates (3)
Order-related templates are classified as Utility messages. They provide essential transactional information that customers expect and appreciate.
16. Order Confirmation
Template name: order_confirmed
Your order #{{1}} has been confirmed! Order summary: {{2}}. Total: {{3}}. Estimated delivery: {{4}}. Track your order: {{5}}. If you have any questions, reply to this message and our team will help.
Variables: {{1}} = Order number, {{2}} = Items summary, {{3}} = Total amount, {{4}} = Delivery estimate, {{5}} = Tracking URL
17. Shipping Update
Template name: order_shipped
Great news, {{1}}! Your order #{{2}} has been shipped. Carrier: {{3}}. Tracking number: {{4}}. Estimated delivery: {{5}}. Track your package: {{6}}.
Variables: {{1}} = Customer name, {{2}} = Order number, {{3}} = Carrier name, {{4}} = Tracking number, {{5}} = Delivery date, {{6}} = Tracking URL
18. Delivery Confirmation
Template name: order_delivered
Hi {{1}}, your order #{{2}} has been delivered! We hope you love your purchase. If everything looks good, we would really appreciate a quick review: {{3}}. If there is any issue, just reply here and we will sort it out right away.
Variables: {{1}} = Customer name, {{2}} = Order number, {{3}} = Review URL
Approval tip for order templates: These are the easiest to get approved. Keep them purely informational. Including tracking links and support options demonstrates value. Avoid adding promotional content to utility templates — it will cause rejection.
Review Request Templates (3)
Review request templates can be classified as Utility (post-service follow-up) or Marketing depending on your framing. Utility classification is preferred for lower costs.
19. Post-Service Review Request
Template name: review_request_service
Hi {{1}}, thank you for visiting {{2}} today! We hope you had a great experience with {{3}}. Would you mind sharing your feedback? It takes less than a minute: {{4}}. Your review helps us improve and helps other customers find us. Thank you!
Variables: {{1}} = Customer name, {{2}} = Business name, {{3}} = Service/staff member, {{4}} = Review URL
20. Star Rating Request
Template name: review_star_rating
Hi {{1}}, how was your experience at {{2}}? Please rate us: 1 - Poor 2 - Fair 3 - Good 4 - Very Good 5 - Excellent. Just reply with a number!
Variables: {{1}} = Customer name, {{2}} = Business name
21. Google Review Request
Template name: google_review_request
Thank you for choosing {{1}}, {{2}}! If you enjoyed your experience, we would love for you to share it on Google. It only takes 30 seconds and means a lot to our small business: {{3}}. Thank you for your support!
Variables: {{1}} = Business name, {{2}} = Customer name, {{3}} = Google Review URL
Approval tip for review templates: Frame these as follow-up communications, not promotions. Avoid language that pressures customers into leaving positive reviews specifically. A neutral ask ("share your feedback") is better than "leave us a 5-star review." For the complete review strategy, see our Google Reviews via WhatsApp guide.
Follow-Up and Re-Engagement Templates (4)
Re-engagement templates target dormant customers and fall under the Marketing category. They are powerful for reactivating customers who have not interacted in a while.
22. We Miss You
Template name: reengagement_miss_you
Hi {{1}}, it has been a while since we last saw you at {{2}}! We miss you and want to welcome you back with a special offer: {{3}} off your next visit. Book now: {{4}}. Offer valid until {{5}}. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.
Variables: {{1}} = Customer name, {{2}} = Business name, {{3}} = Discount, {{4}} = Booking URL, {{5}} = Expiry date
23. Abandoned Cart Recovery
Template name: abandoned_cart_reminder
Hi {{1}}, you left something in your cart at {{2}}! Your items: {{3}}. Total: {{4}}. Complete your purchase before they sell out: {{5}}. Need help? Just reply to this message. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.
Variables: {{1}} = Customer name, {{2}} = Business name, {{3}} = Cart items, {{4}} = Cart total, {{5}} = Cart URL
24. Post-Purchase Follow-Up
Template name: post_purchase_followup
Hi {{1}}, how are you enjoying your {{2}}? We wanted to check in and make sure everything is perfect. If you need any help or have questions, just reply here. Also, you might like these items that go great with your purchase: {{3}}. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.
Variables: {{1}} = Customer name, {{2}} = Product purchased, {{3}} = Recommended products URL
25. Loyalty Milestone
Template name: loyalty_milestone_reward
Congratulations, {{1}}! You have reached {{2}} status at {{3}}. As a thank you for your loyalty, here is a special reward: {{4}}. Use code: {{5}}. We value you as a customer and look forward to continuing to serve you. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.
Variables: {{1}} = Customer name, {{2}} = Loyalty tier (e.g., "Gold"), {{3}} = Business name, {{4}} = Reward description, {{5}} = Code
Approval tip for re-engagement templates: Be genuine, not manipulative. "We miss you" works; "You are losing out!" does not. Abandoned cart templates should be submitted as Marketing, not Utility. Always respect the opt-out — if a customer stopped engaging, do not send more than one or two re-engagement attempts.
Bonus: Industry-Specific Templates
26. Restaurant — Table Reservation
Template name: table_reservation_confirmed
Your table at {{1}} is confirmed! - Date: {{2}} - Time: {{3}} - Guests: {{4}} - Special requests: {{5}}. Need to modify? Reply "Change" or call {{6}}. We look forward to serving you!
Variables: {{1}} = Restaurant name, {{2}} = Date, {{3}} = Time, {{4}} = Number of guests, {{5}} = Special requests (or "None"), {{6}} = Phone number
27. Fitness — Class Reminder
Template name: fitness_class_reminder
Hey {{1}}, your {{2}} class is tomorrow at {{3}}! Instructor: {{4}}. Remember to bring: {{5}}. Cancel at least 4 hours in advance to avoid a late cancellation fee. See you there!
Variables: {{1}} = Customer name, {{2}} = Class name, {{3}} = Time, {{4}} = Instructor name, {{5}} = Items to bring
28. Real Estate — Property Alert
Template name: new_property_alert
Hi {{1}}, a new property matching your criteria just hit the market! {{2}} — {{3}} bedrooms, {{4}} sqm, in {{5}}. Price: {{6}}. View details and photos: {{7}}. Want to schedule a viewing? Just reply "View" and I will set it up. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.
Variables: {{1}} = Customer name, {{2}} = Property type, {{3}} = Bedrooms, {{4}} = Size, {{5}} = Location, {{6}} = Price, {{7}} = Listing URL
Template Design Best Practices
Beyond the examples above, follow these principles for every template you create:
- Keep it concise: Templates that are 2-3 short paragraphs perform better than walls of text
- Lead with value: Put the most important information (discount, appointment time, order status) in the first line
- Use variables wisely: Personalization with names and specific details increases engagement by 20-40%
- Include a clear CTA: Tell the customer exactly what to do next (reply, click, book)
- Add buttons: Quick reply buttons and URL buttons increase click-through rates by 30-50%
- Test before broadcasting: Send templates to yourself and team members first
- Monitor quality: Track read rates, reply rates, and block rates per template to identify which perform best
For a comprehensive guide to WhatsApp marketing strategy, including content planning and campaign management, see our pillar guide: WhatsApp Marketing for Small Business.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does WhatsApp template approval take?
Most templates are reviewed and approved within 24-48 hours. Some may take up to 72 hours during peak periods. If a template is rejected, you can fix the issues and resubmit immediately. Common rejection reasons include: missing opt-out instructions in marketing templates, promotional content in utility templates, vague or unclear messaging, and prohibited content categories.
Can I edit a template after it is approved?
No. Once a template is approved, it cannot be edited. If you need to make changes, you must create a new template with a different name and submit it for approval. You can then pause or delete the old template. This is why it is important to test template content thoroughly before submitting.
How many templates can I create?
Meta allows up to 250 message templates per WhatsApp Business Account. Each template can have multiple language versions. For most businesses, 20-50 active templates across all categories and languages is sufficient. Regularly audit and delete unused templates to stay organized.
What happens if my template quality drops?
Meta monitors template quality based on customer feedback (blocks and reports). If a template receives too many negative signals, Meta will first flag it with a warning, then pause it (preventing further sends), and eventually disable it permanently. To maintain quality: segment your audiences carefully, do not send to uninterested contacts, and always honor opt-outs immediately.
Can I use emojis in WhatsApp templates?
Yes, emojis are allowed in WhatsApp message templates and can actually improve engagement. However, use them sparingly and professionally. One or two relevant emojis enhance readability, while excessive emoji use can look unprofessional and may raise spam concerns. Meta has not explicitly restricted emojis, but templates that look like spam are more likely to be rejected or flagged.
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