When creating a message template, you have the option to select from three categories: Utility, Marketing, and Authentication. In this article, we will explore which category to choose when setting up your template.
Utility #
This category should be selected for transactional notifications, such as new order alerts, payment confirmations, and form submissions. These templates must not include any marketing content.
Examples: #
1. Transactional Notifications: Select this category for notifications related to transactions, such as:
1.1 New order alerts
1.2 Payment confirmations
1.3 Form submissions
Marketing #
1. Category Selection: Choose this category for templates that are not tied to a specific transaction.
2. Marketing Category: If your message template includes information about your business, products, or services, you should select the Marketing category.
3. Template Content: This category may encompass:
3.1 Promotions
3.2 Offers
3.3 Updates
3.4 Invitations
3.5 Recommendations
3.6 Requests to initiate a new transaction
If a template contains a mix of utility and marketing content, it should be categorized as a Marketing template.
Examples: #
1. “Buy 2 or more coffees and receive $5 off!”
2. “Welcome to our WhatsApp profile!”
3. “We’ve moved! Come visit our new location!”
4. “Check out this month’s coupons – happy shopping!”
5. “Your application is pending. Click here to complete it.”
Authentication #
When you need to send one-time passcodes (OTPs, typically 4-8 digit alphanumeric codes), you should use the Authentication category. Authentication templates differ from Utility and Marketing templates in the following ways:
1. Authentication message templates contain predefined message text that cannot be altered.
2. Authentication message templates feature fixed text that cannot be changed. This ensures consistency and compliance with security standards.
3. Include a one-time password button, such as a copy-code or one-tap variant, in your message template.
Also more importantly the template content should reflect the chosen template category accurately. If you select inaccurate category, your template would be rejected.