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# Getting started with WhatsApp Templates
- URL: https://help.cuedesk.com/setting-up-whatsapp-templates/
- Published: 2023-03-14T10:48:43.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-29T13:09:50.000Z
- Author: Rhett Trickett
- Tags: WhatsApp

WhatsApp Templates are pre-defined messages that businesses can use to initiate conversations with their customers. They can include text, media, buttons and personalised variables.

A WhatsApp Template can be sent to any WhatsApp phone number without the recipient having to message you first. This makes them great for notifications and announcements. When you contact a user first, this is known as a **Business Initiated Conversation**, and there is a cost associated with sending these messages. Once a user responds, all messages within the next 24 hours to that user incur no cost from WhatsApp.

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We help customers with the entire set up process for WhatsApp numbers and templates. [Contact our team](https://www.cuedesk.com/request-demo?ref=help.cuedesk.com) for help getting started.

## Setting up a WhatsApp template

In order to set up a WhatsApp template you will need the following:

- Your business must be approved on [Meta Business Manager](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/113163272211510).
- Your business must have a valid WhatsApp for Business number.

Once you have these, you can create templates for each WhatsApp Business number: [How to Create WhatsApp Templates](https://help.cuedesk.com/how-to-create-whatsapp-templates/)