# Creating Your First WhatsApp Template

<figure><img src="/files/QZWVdt7Gom7w6RpQJJkI" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Types of WhatsApp message templates

* **Transactional/Utility:** Order updates, appointment confirmations, and shipping alerts.
* **Marketing:** Special offers, discounts, and event announcements.

### &#x20;Template Structure&#x20;

| Section | Required | Description                                                                                                                                                                                                                    | Example                                                             |
| ------- | -------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Header  | optional | Used for key highlights such as order numbers or promotions.                                                                                                                                                                   | 📦 Your Order #{{1}} has shipped!                                   |
| Body    | required | <p></p><ul><li>The main message with placeholders (e.g., {{1}}, {{2}}).</li><li>Must be clear, concise, and follow WhatsApp's content policies.</li></ul>                                                                      | Hello {{1}}, your order will arrive on {{2}}. Track it here: {{3}}. |
| Footer  | optional | Short closing text, such as a sign-off or disclaimer                                                                                                                                                                           | Thank you for choosing Mercuri!                                     |
| Buttons | optional | <p></p><p>Add interactivity with:</p><ul><li><strong>Quick Reply:</strong> Allows customers to respond with pre-defined options.</li><li><strong>Call-to-Action (CTA):</strong> Opens a URL or dials a phone number.</li></ul> | \[Track Order] \[Contact Support]                                   |

***

### How to create a WhatsApp template in Mercuri

1. Log in to your ***Mercuri dashboard*** at <https://client.mercuri.cx/auth/signin>
2. Navigate to ***Templates > WhatsApp.***&#x20;
3. Under the **WhatsApp Template** tab, click on ***Create Template,*** or if you want to know how to edit the existing template, [***click here***](/features/templates/whatsapp-templates/creating-your-first-whatsapp-template.md#how-to-edit-existing-whatsapp-templates)**.**

<figure><img src="/files/mrAbCaodQ3po2y0hOQhs" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4. In the dialog box titled  "***Create WhatsApp Template***", select the required WhatsApp account and click on the ***"Create Template "***  button.

<figure><img src="/files/QZ9NDBZlM91sQ5M8QdnD" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4. Fill in the template details:&#x20;

* **Template Name**: A unique identifier for internal use.
* **Language**: Select the language of the template.
* **Category**: Choose the required category for the template (*Marketing, Utility).*

<figure><img src="/files/FV0WTabmw7r671VtuPSF" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **Message content :**

  * ***Header(optional)***: Add a title or media.
  * ***Body***: Write your message text. You can use placeholders (variables) if needed.
  * ***Footer(optional)***: Add a short note at the bottom.
  * ***Buttons(optional)***: Add call-to-action buttons like "***Quick Reply***" or "***Call to Action***".

  <figure><img src="/files/nVvKvB3vo2YmoarhyxKr" alt="" width="373"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

6. A template Preview will appear in the right corner, showing how your message will look.
7. Click "***Create Template***" to submit it for WhatsApp review and approval.&#x20;

***

### Where to track the status of the WhatsApp template?

<figure><img src="/files/4TvShcWGJ5hoI3w54GJm" alt=""><figcaption><p>Whatsapp Template Approval Status</p></figcaption></figure>

1. Go to  to ***Templates > WhatsApp*** in the dashboard.
2. You can view the status directly in the listed whatsapp templates or use the "***All Statuses***" filter on whatsapp templates section to refine your search.

**Template Status Types:**

* **Approved**: The template is approved and ready for use.
* **Rejected**: The template was rejected. Edit the template to correct any issues and resubmit it for review.
* **Pending**: The template is under review by WhatsApp and awaiting approval.

***

### How to edit existing WhatsApp templates?

* Navigate to **Templates > WhatsApp** in your dashboard.
* Select the template you want to edit and click the **edit icon**.
* You can modify all components **except** the **language** and **category**.


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