3. How to Create a Message Template
Manage → TemplatesTemplates are pre-approved messages required whenever YOU start the conversation (offers, reminders, updates). Meta must approve every template before it can be used.
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Go to Manage → Templates → click '+ New Template'.
Capture: Templates list page. Highlight: the New Template button. - 2
Template name: lowercase letters and underscores only, e.g., new_year_offer_2026.
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Category — choose honestly:
- •Marketing — offers, promotions, festival greetings.
- •Utility — order updates, payment confirmations, appointment reminders.
- •Authentication — OTP only.
- •Wrong category is the #1 reason for rejection or auto re-categorisation.
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Language: select the language your customers use (create separate templates for each language you need).
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Header (optional): None, Text, Image, Video, or Document (e.g., your brochure PDF).
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Body: write the main message. Zenith auto-detects {{1}}, {{2}} style variables and asks you for sample values.
- •Rule: the body cannot start or end with a variable, and cannot be variables only.
Capture: Template editor with body text and one {{1}} variable + live preview. Highlight: the variable and its sample value field. - 7
Footer (optional): e.g., 'Reply STOP to unsubscribe'.
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Buttons (optional): up to 3 — Quick Reply, URL, or Phone Number.
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Submit → status shows Pending → usually Approved within a few minutes to 24 hours.
Capture: Template list showing status badges Pending / Approved / Rejected. Highlight: the status column.
Tips
- •Avoid ALL CAPS, too many emojis, and spammy words like FREE!!! — common rejection reasons.
- •Rejected? Open the template to read Meta's reason, edit, and resubmit.
- •Editing an approved template sends it back for re-approval — plan changes before big campaigns.