Templates
WhatsApp requires an approved template to open a conversation with someone who has not messaged you recently. Templates are created in the dashboard and approved by WhatsApp, not by Calypso.
Types
| Type | Used for |
|---|---|
| Campaign | Bulk sends to a list |
| Re-contact | Follow-ups and re-engagement |
| Widget | The web widget's welcome message |
Statuses
A template moves through approval before it can be used:
processing → pending → approved
Only an approved template can be sent. A rejected template has to be edited and resubmitted — the content is what gets reviewed, so vague or promotional wording is the usual cause.
Variables
Templates can carry variables filled in per recipient. When you use a template with variables in a campaign, you supply the values — either from columns in your uploaded CSV or by entering them for manual recipients. The campaign step tells you exactly which variables the template expects and will not let you send until each is mapped.
Practical notes
- Get templates submitted early. Approval is not instant, and a campaign cannot wait on it.
- Keep one template per purpose rather than one general-purpose template with many variables — approval is judged on the rendered message.
- The widget welcome message is a template too; changing it goes through the same approval.