Choose the correct category first
You cannot change the category after you submit a template. Pick the category that matches the message—not the category you hope will be approved.
| Category | Use it for |
|---|---|
| Utility | Orders, shipping, bookings, and account updates. |
| Marketing | Promotions and offers for people who have opted in. |
| Authentication | One-time passwords and verification codes. |
Create the template, step by step
- Open Templates.
Where: Left sidebar → Outbound → Templates. Select Outbound, then select Templates from its menu. - Start a new template.
Where: the Templates screen. Select + New template. - Choose its category.
Where: the first field in the new-template form. Select Utility, Marketing, or Authentication. Check the table above before you continue. - Name and set the language.
Where: the name and language fields. Use a lowercase name with underscores, such as appointment_reminder, then choose the language your recipients will receive. - Build the message.
Where: the Header, Body, Footer, and Buttons sections. Header and footer are optional. Add {{1}}-style variables only where you will supply real data, and add a button only when it is useful. - Submit to Meta.
Where: the final action on the template form. Select Submit to Meta. Its status changes to Pending. - Check the result.
Where: back on the Templates list. Wait for Approved—Meta can take minutes to 48 hours. If the status has not updated, use Sync on the Templates screen.
What success looks like
The template appears in the Templates list with the status Approved. You can then choose it in a broadcast campaign or an automation template step.
Avoid the common rejection reasons
| Do not do this | Use this instead |
|---|---|
| Use Marketing for an order or account update | Use Utility for transactional information. |
| Add promotional wording to a Utility template | Keep Utility messages factual and specific. |
| Use too many variables | Keep the body simple and use only the data you need. |
| Choose the wrong language | Match the language you will use when sending. |