WhatsApp lets a business write first only with a template Meta has approved. You can send one to any number straight from the Inbox — for example, an appointment reminder to a new dental patient.
- In the Inbox, press + (New conversation) next to Conversations.
- Under Channel, pick your WhatsApp number.
- Enter the Phone number with its country code, without + or 00 — for example 15550101234.
- Under Message template, choose one. Its text appears; fill in each Value for {{1}}, {{2}} and so on.
- Press Send & open. The conversation opens; once the customer replies, you can write freely for 24 hours.
Good to know
- Send & open stays grey until the number, the template and every value are filled in.
- No approved templates yet for this channel means you need to create one first, in Channels › Message Templates.
- Only WhatsApp can start new conversations. Instagram, Messenger and the others let you answer people who wrote first.
- Meta charges for template messages, on your own Meta account: miragechat.io/help/whatsapp-payment-method/