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WhatsApp templates: 22 ready-to-copy examples, by category

Writing a good WhatsApp business message is harder than it seems: a few lines, a clear goal and — if you work on the WhatsApp Business API — Meta's approval to clear. That's why we've gathered 22 ready-written templates, divided by category: replace the fields in square brackets with your data and submit them for approval.

What a WhatsApp template is (and when you need it)

A template — or "message template" — is a text pre-approved by Meta that a business can send through the WhatsApp Business Platform, that is the official API. It serves in one precise case: when you want to write to a customer first, or when more than 24 hours have passed since their last message. Within that 24-hour window you can reply freely; outside it, you can only use approved templates.

Every template has a name, a category and can contain variables: placeholders replaced at send time with real data, like the customer's name or the appointment time. In the examples the variables are in square brackets, like [name]; in Meta's editor they become numbered placeholders.

Meta's categories are three: marketing (promotions, news, win-back), utility (confirmations, reminders, order updates) and authentication (verification codes). The category really matters: it affects the cost of the conversation, and a marketing template "disguised" as utility gets reclassified or rejected.

How to use these examples in 4 steps

• 1. Choose the example closest to your goal and adapt it to your business's tone: change what you need, but keep the structure — hook, content, call to action.
• 2. Replace the fields in square brackets with variables, providing realistic sample values: Meta evaluates them during approval.
• 3. Submit the template for approval: any rejections always state the reason, so you can correct and resubmit.
• 4. Test on a small group before the mass send: observe replies, blocks and unsubscribes, then widen the audience.

Promotional templates (examples 1-6)

These are the templates that generate sales, but also the most delicate: too much pressure and the customer blocks the number. Golden rule: a real offer, a clear deadline, an easy way out.

• 1. Time-limited offer — «Hi [name]! Only until Sunday: -20% on all [category]. Drop by the store or order by replying to this message. To stop receiving offers, write STOP.»
• 2. New collection — «[name], the [season] collection has arrived! Want to see it first? Reply YES and I'll send you photos and prices ahead of everyone.»
• 3. Birthday — «Happy birthday [name]! 🎂 For your birthday we've reserved a [value] discount for you, valid for 7 days. Show this message at the till or use the code [code] online.»
• 4. In-store event — «[name], on Thursday [date] at [time] we're presenting [news] with a little reception. Spots are limited: reply ATTEND to reserve yours.»
• 5. Restock — «Good news [name]: [product] is available again. We have only a few pieces: would you like us to set one aside for you?»
• 6. Loyalty program — «[name], you've reached [number] points! You can redeem them for [reward] by the end of the month. Reply REWARD and we'll take care of it.»

Appointment reminder templates (examples 7-11)

These are the templates customers appreciate most and with the most immediate return: every confirmation is a gap in the schedule avoided.

• 7. Reminder 24 hours before — «Hi [name], a reminder of tomorrow's appointment [date] at [time] at [business]. Reply 1 to confirm, 2 to reschedule. See you soon!»
• 8. Same-day reminder — «[name], see you today at [time]! If you're running late or something comes up, reply to this message and we'll find a solution.»
• 9. Booking confirmation — «Booking confirmed ✅ [service] on [date] at [time] with [operator]. We'll be waiting for you at [address]. For any changes reply here.»
• 10. Periodic follow-up — «Hi [name], it's been a while since your last [service]: want to book the next one? Reply with the day you prefer and we'll suggest the free times.»
• 11. Upcoming expiry — «[name], your [subscription/document] expires on [date]. Renewing takes just two minutes: reply RENEW and we'll send you everything.»

Transactional / utility templates (examples 12-17)

These are the most-read and least-intrusive messages, because the customer is expecting them. They go straight to the point, with no promotions: otherwise Meta reclassifies them as marketing.

• 12. Order confirmation — «Thank you [name]! We've received your order [number] for [amount]. We'll notify you as soon as it ships.»
• 13. Shipment — «Your order [number] is on its way 🚚 You can track it here: [link]. Expected delivery: [date].»
• 14. Ready for pickup — «[name], your order is ready! You can pick it up in store from today, during [hours]. See you later!»
• 15. Document available — «Hi [name], your [invoice/receipt] for [month] is ready. You'll find it attached or in the customer area: [link].»
• 16. Support update — «[name], your request [number] has been updated: [status]. Reply to this message if you need anything else.»
• 17. Payment reminder — «Hi [name], a reminder of invoice [number] due on [date]. If you've already paid, ignore this message. For any questions we're here.»

Win-back templates for inactive customers (examples 18-22)

Winning back a customer who already knows you costs much less than finding a new one. The right tone: no reproach, a concrete reason to come back.

• 18. We miss you — «Hi [name], it's been a while since we last saw you! In the meantime something has changed: [news]. If you'd like to take a look, we're waiting for you.»
• 19. Incentive to return — «[name], to see you again we've reserved [offer] for you, valid until [date]. No obligation: if it's not for you, just ignore this message.»
• 20. Abandoned cart — «You left [product] in your cart 👀 It's still available: complete the order here [link]. If something held you back, reply and we'll help you.»
• 21. Feedback request — «Hi [name], we don't want to bother you: we'd just like to understand why we don't see you anymore. Is everything okay? Any reply helps us improve.»
• 22. Final message — «[name], this is the last reminder we'll send you: if you don't reply, you won't receive any more communications from us. If you want to stay updated, reply STAY.»

With SendApp Official you create the templates, submit them to Meta for approval and use them in campaigns from the same dashboard, with variables and buttons. You pay only the Meta rates: zero markups on messages, plans from €19 a month with a free trial.

Best practices for approved (and read) templates

• Honest category: if there's an offer, it's marketing. Meta's reclassifications are automatic and contesting them only wastes time.
• No generic shortened URLs (bit.ly and the like): use your own domain, it increases trust and reduces rejections at approval.
• Always an exit: the option to unsubscribe — for example «write STOP» — is expected in marketing messages, and it's good manners anyway.
• A single call to action per message: two requests together amount to no reply.
• Personalize beyond the name: last purchase, favorite service, usual location. A template can still be tailored.
• Measure replies, not just deliveries: a template that generates blocks or unsubscribes should be rewritten, not re-sent.