Creating Templates
Step-by-step guide to creating WhatsApp templates from Trochai, the draft workflow, approval process, and syncing with Meta.
Creating Templates
Trochai lets you create WhatsApp templates directly from the application. Templates are created as local drafts, edited until they're ready, and then submitted to Meta for review and approval.
Create a template step by step
Open the templates page
Navigate to Templates in the sidebar menu and click the Create template button.
Fill in the basic information
In the form that appears, enter:
Name (required): Unique identifier for the template. Only lowercase letters, numbers, and underscores are allowed:
property_followupappointment_confirmationnew_listing
Language (required): Select the template language. Available options:
- es — Spanish (default)
- en — English
- es_AR — Spanish (Argentina)
- es_MX — Spanish (Mexico)
- pt_BR — Portuguese (Brazil)
Category (required): Select the category based on the message's purpose:
- MARKETING — Promotions, new listings, invitations.
- UTILITY — Confirmations, updates, reminders.
- AUTHENTICATION — Verification codes (uncommon in real estate).
Design the message content
Configure the message sections:
Header (optional):
A short title (maximum 60 characters) that appears at the top. Can include variables like {{1}}.
Body (required): The main message text (maximum 1024 characters). Use numbered variables for dynamic content:
Hello {{1}}, we are writing from {{2}}.
We have a new property available in {{3}}
priced at {{4}}.
Would you like to schedule a visit?Footer (optional): A short text at the bottom of the message (maximum 60 characters).
The template footer cannot contain variables. This is a Meta restriction.
Buttons (optional): You can add up to 10 buttons of three types:
- Quick reply — buttons with predefined text (maximum 20 characters).
- URL — button that opens a link.
- Phone — button that initiates a call.
Add example values
For each variable in the header and body, you must provide an example value. These values help Meta understand the type of content that will be sent and are required for submission.
| Variable | Example value |
|---|---|
{{1}} (name) | Maria Rodriguez |
{{2}} (agency) | Costa Rica Properties |
{{3}} (location) | Escazu, San Jose |
{{4}} (price) | $285,000 USD |
Example values are required for each variable. Without them, the template cannot be submitted to Meta. Example values also appear as guide text when an agent fills in the parameters when sending the template.
Save or submit to Meta
You have two options:
- Save as draft: Saves the template locally to edit later. You can return to the templates page and continue editing it at any time.
- Submit to Meta: Submits the template for review by Meta. If validation passes, the draft is automatically deleted and the template appears in your list with PENDING status.
Meta's review process typically takes:
- Minutes for simple and clear templates.
- Up to 24 hours for more complex templates or those requiring manual review.
Draft workflow
Drafts let you work on your templates before submitting them to Meta:
- Create: Create a draft with all the message information.
- Edit: Modify any field of the draft as many times as you need.
- Submit: When satisfied, submit the draft to Meta for review.
- Automatic deletion: The draft is deleted after being successfully submitted.
Drafts are stored locally in Trochai and appear in the drafts section of the templates page.
Drafts are independent from approved templates in Meta. You can have drafts in progress while your approved templates continue working normally.
Approval process
What Meta reviews
Meta verifies that your template:
- Does not contain prohibited content (threats, spam, adult content).
- Does not attempt to circumvent WhatsApp's communication policies.
- Has a clear purpose that matches the selected category.
- Includes appropriate example values for each parameter.
- Uses a professional and respectful tone.
Possible outcomes
| Outcome | What to do |
|---|---|
| APPROVED | The template is ready. It will automatically appear in Trochai. |
| REJECTED | Review the rejection reason, fix the content, and resubmit. |
If your template is rejected
The most common rejection reasons include:
- Incorrect category — for example, a promotion submitted as UTILITY.
- Ambiguous content — the template's purpose is not clear.
- Parameters without context — a template with only parameters and no fixed text.
- Policy violation — content that violates Meta's policies.
To fix it, edit the template in Meta Business Manager and submit again for review.
Syncing with Meta
Once you submit a template to Meta:
- The template appears in your list with PENDING status while Meta reviews it.
- When Meta approves it, the status automatically changes to APPROVED and the template becomes available to send.
- If Meta rejects it, the status changes to REJECTED and you'll need to create a new draft with corrections.
Templates are synced directly from the Meta API each time you open the templates page. If you don't see a recent status change, reload the page.
Creating templates in Meta Business Manager
Alternatively, you can create templates directly in Meta Business Manager at business.facebook.com. Navigate to WhatsApp Manager > Message Templates and create the template from there. Once approved, it will automatically appear in Trochai.
Best practices for real estate templates
Recommended templates
These are templates that every real estate agency should have:
| Template | Category | Description |
|---|---|---|
client_welcome | UTILITY | Welcome message for new leads |
property_followup | MARKETING | Follow-up after an inquiry |
appointment_confirmation | UTILITY | Appointment confirmation for a visit |
new_listing | MARKETING | Share a new property |
visit_reminder | UTILITY | Reminder one day before the visit |
visit_thankyou | UTILITY | Thank you after a visit |
Writing tips
- Be clear and direct — the contact should understand the message's purpose immediately.
- Personalize with parameters — include the client's name and relevant details.
- Keep the text short — long messages have lower read rates.
- Include a call to action — invite the contact to reply, schedule an appointment, or visit a link.
- Use the correct category — UTILITY templates generally have better approval rates than MARKETING ones.
- Avoid excessive capitalization — don't write everything in uppercase, it comes across as aggressive.
Example of a well-written template
Name: property_followup
Category: MARKETING
Language: es
Header: New opportunity in {{1}}
Body:
Hello {{1}}, I'm {{2}} from {{3}}.
I noticed you were interested in properties in {{4}}.
We have a new option with {{5}} bedrooms at a
price of {{6}} that might interest you.
Would you like to receive more information or schedule a visit?
Buttons:
[Yes, I'm interested] [Schedule visit]Managing existing templates
From Trochai you can:
- Delete approved templates you no longer need. Trochai sends the deletion request to Meta.
When you delete a template, Meta does not allow reusing the same name for 30 days. Choose your template names carefully.
From Meta Business Manager you can perform additional operations like duplicating templates or creating versions in other languages.
Next steps
- Templates — return to the templates overview in Trochai.
- Sending templates — learn how to send your approved templates.
- Template parameters — understand how to design effective parameters.