How to create a WhatsApp template that gets Meta approval (first try)

Every WhatsApp broadcast starts with an approved template — and the approval step is where most businesses stumble. Meta rejects templates for specific, predictable reasons, and a rejection costs you days during a campaign window. This guide covers how to write and submit a template that passes on the first try.

Start from the library, not a blank page

The fastest path to an approved template is to start from one that's already written and tested. AiConva's template library has 95+ Meta-compliant templates across 17 verticals — import one as a draft, tweak the variables, and submit. Most library templates were written specifically to clear review on the first submission.

The rules that get templates rejected

ALL CAPS words, multiple exclamation marks, and pressure language ('last chance!!!', 'hurry!') are the top rejections. URL shorteners (bit.ly, tinyurl) are banned — use full URLs. Vague placeholders Meta can't preview (always add example values). Mismatched categories — a marketing template submitted as utility gets re-categorised and repriced. And any prohibited content (crypto, gambling, adult) is an instant reject.

Category choice drives price

Pick the category honestly. Marketing (promotional) is the most expensive per message — around ₹1.09. Utility (transactional) is far cheaper — around ₹0.145. Authentication (OTPs) similar to utility. If a message could be utility (an order update), don't submit it as marketing. Read our pricing categories guide for the full breakdown.

Use AI drafting for a head start

The 'Draft with AI' button on the Templates page writes a category-appropriate, Meta-compliant draft from a plain-English goal. It's not a substitute for review, but it gets you past the blank-page problem with a structurally sound starting point.