# Using the Template Editor in Retainful

### Best Practices for Template Approval

* **Be concise**: Keep messages short and clear.
* **Use personalization wisely**: Adding `{{first_name}}` increases engagement, but avoid overusing tokens.
* **Compliance**: Always include an unsubscribe instruction in the footer.
* **Avoid spammy language**: Phrases like *“FREE!!!”* or excessive promotions may cause rejection.
* **Test links**: Ensure dynamic and static URLs redirect correctly.

### Navigating the Template Editor

When you create a new WhatsApp template, the editor will open with the following sections:

#### 1. Template Details

* **Title**: Enter an internal name for your template. Please provide a valid name that describes the purpose of the template(Ex, abandonedcart\_recovery1).
* **Language**: Select the message’s language. Meta requires this for template categorization and approval.

<figure><img src="https://837552055-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MDdKRAW4KzC-CNNbvnH%2Fuploads%2FGPplPCBm1wYCGKOUYZwc%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=a29cd0d1-b210-4d92-8987-3c7a051b66e2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### 2. Content

This section allows you to define what your customers will see:

* **Header (optional)**: Add a short introductory text, image, or document to highlight key information.
* **Body Content**: The main message body.
  * Supports personalization tokens like `{{first_name}}`.
  * You can use emojis to make the message more engaging.
  * Maximum length: **512 characters**.
* **Footer (optional)**: A short text that appears at the bottom of your message. Best used for compliance instructions, such as opt-out guidance (e.g., *“Reply STOP to unsubscribe”*).

<figure><img src="https://837552055-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MDdKRAW4KzC-CNNbvnH%2Fuploads%2Fkk92aM5ICfTOfj06HjoO%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5867c108-b614-4220-8365-ba2adb34435f" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### 3. Buttons

Enhance your template with interactive buttons:

* You can add up to **two buttons**.
* **Button Types**:
  * **Dynamic URL**: Automatically inserts links based on customer activity, such as an abandoned checkout URL.
  * **Static URL**: A fixed link (e.g., your homepage, discount page).
* **Best Practice**: Keep button text short and action-oriented (e.g., *Purchase Now*, *Redeem Offer*).

<figure><img src="https://837552055-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MDdKRAW4KzC-CNNbvnH%2Fuploads%2FSrLU9YdObBU5lluxLz0A%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=c7059e7e-3ced-45fb-bff4-6feefb6637c7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### 4. Live Preview

On the right-hand side, you’ll see a **real-time preview** of your WhatsApp message:

* Displays exactly how the template will look on a customer’s device.
* Helps you verify personalization tokens, button placement, and formatting before submission.

<figure><img src="https://837552055-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MDdKRAW4KzC-CNNbvnH%2Fuploads%2FES7BxZF0s3aq1CWVxXml%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=60d9d9d9-f3a1-49c7-bfcf-95af6ef8cd71" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### 5. Save & Submit

Once you’re satisfied with your template:

* **Save Draft**: Stores the template without submitting it. Useful if you need to review or edit later.
* **Send for Review**: Submit your template to Meta for approval. Only approved templates can be used in live automations.

<figure><img src="https://837552055-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MDdKRAW4KzC-CNNbvnH%2Fuploads%2FqQR5oQZle8XZh4PEPGnn%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=768c7d75-5354-49d0-be8a-2b4381c4a8c8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### What’s Next?

{% hint style="info" %}

### What’s Next?

Once Meta approves your template, you can assign it to your WhatsApp automations in Retainful. For example, use an *abandoned cart reminder template* in your cart recovery automation, or a *thank you + coupon template* in your post-purchase workflow.

👉 Refer back to the main guide:[ **How to Set Up WhatsApp Automation in Retainful**](https://help.retainful.com/whatsapp-automation/how-to-set-up-whatsapp-automation-in-retainful) for using these templates inside automation workflows
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="success" %}

### Need Help?

If you need assistance at any step of the process:

* Reach out to our support team via chat or email.
* Or [book a support call](https://zcal.co/retainful/onboarding) with one of our product specialists.

We’re here to help you get the most out of your SMS marketing strategy!
{% endhint %}