WhatsApp Message Templates for Business: 15 Examples

Message templates are pre-written messages that businesses use to start conversations. If you use the Official WhatsApp Business API, templates must be approved by WhatsApp before you can send them. Even if you do not, good templates save time and keep your messages consistent.

The three template categories

WhatsApp groups business templates into categories, and the category affects how a message is reviewed and priced:

• Utility: messages about something the customer already did or asked for, such as an order update or an appointment reminder
• Marketing: promotions, offers, announcements and anything meant to encourage a purchase or a visit
• Authentication: one-time passwords and verification codes

Choose the category that honestly matches the message. A promotional message submitted as “utility” may be rejected or re-categorised.

In API templates, the parts that change are written as numbered placeholders like {{1}} and {{2}}. The examples below use that style.

Utility templates

1. Order confirmation: Hi {{1}}, thank you for your order #{{2}}. We will let you know as soon as it ships.
2. Shipping update: Hi {{1}}, your order #{{2}} has shipped. Track it here: {{3}}.
3. Appointment reminder: Hello {{1}}, this is a reminder of your appointment on {{2}} at {{3}}. Reply 1 to confirm or 2 to reschedule.
4. Payment received: Hi {{1}}, we have received your payment of Rs {{2}} for invoice {{3}}. Thank you!
5. Booking confirmation: Hi {{1}}, your booking for {{2}} on {{3}} is confirmed. Please show this message at the venue.

Marketing templates

6. Festive sale: Hi {{1}}, our {{2}} sale starts on {{3}} with up to {{4}} off. Visit {{5}} to see the offers.
7. New arrival: Hi {{1}}, new {{2}} have just arrived. Take a look: {{3}}.
8. Back in stock: Hi {{1}}, good news: {{2}} is back in stock. You asked us to tell you. Order here: {{3}}.
9. Cart reminder: Hi {{1}}, you left {{2}} in your cart. Complete your order here: {{3}}.
10. We miss you: Hi {{1}}, it has been a while since your last visit to {{2}}. Here is {{3}} off your next purchase.
11. Event invitation: Hi {{1}}, we would love to see you at {{2}} on {{3}} at {{4}}. Reply YES to reserve your seat.

Authentication template

12. One-time password: {{1}} is your verification code. Do not share it with anyone.

Everyday messages for any WhatsApp account

These are not API templates, but they are useful when you chat with customers in the WhatsApp Business app or with a sender:

13. Welcome message: Hi, thanks for contacting {{1}}! How can we help you today?
14. Away message: Thanks for your message. We are away right now and will reply by {{1}}.
15. Feedback request: Hi {{1}}, thank you for choosing us. Could you share a quick review? {{2}}

Tips for better templates

• Be clear and short. Say who you are and why you are writing.
• Use variables for the details. Names, dates and order numbers make a message feel personal.
• Match the category honestly. Do not hide a promotion inside a utility message.
• Include an easy opt-out on marketing messages.
• Check spelling and links. Errors are a common reason for rejection.

Using templates with the Official API? See our WhatsApp API page, or learn how to personalise messages in a sender.