Create a WhatsApp newsletter: a guide for businesses
You create a WhatsApp newsletter by obtaining consent, getting a template approved by Meta, writing the text, sending and respecting unsubscribes.
This is how you create a WhatsApp newsletter in five steps.
You create a WhatsApp newsletter by first obtaining your contacts' consent, then getting a template approved by Meta, writing the text, sending it and respecting unsubscribes. According to Meta, you may only write to people if they have given you their number and agreed to the message. As of: 02.11.2026.
The five steps at a glance.
| step | What you do | What Meta says about it |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Consent | Contacts sign up themselves | You need the recipient's permission (opt-in) |
| 2 Template | Create and submit the template | It must have the status "approved" before you send it |
| 3 Text | Write the message with placeholders | Placeholders are called {{1}}, {{2}} and need example values |
| 4 Send | Send the approved template to contacts | Marketing templates are subject to limits per person |
| 5 Unsubscribe | Respect unsubscribes immediately | You must respect requests to stop |
Sources: WhatsApp Business Policy, Meta, templates, Meta, marketing templates, accessed on 02.11.2026.
How do you collect contacts with consent?
You collect contacts by having people enter their number themselves and agree to receive messages. The WhatsApp Business Policy names two conditions: the person has given you their number, and you have received their permission for messages. According to the policy, you decide for yourself which method you use. Typical ways are a form on your website, a QR code in your shop or a button that opens a WhatsApp conversation. The policy also recommends obtaining a separate consent for each type of message. What exactly the consent has to look like legally is not a question for this page; clarify it with a professional. More on the two-step procedure is under Double opt-in on WhatsApp.
How do you get a template approved by Meta?
You create the template in the WhatsApp Manager or via Meta's interface and submit it for review. Meta reviews templates automatically after you create or edit them, and in the WhatsApp Manager you then see the status "In review". You may only send templates with the status "approved". Rejected, paused or disabled templates cannot be sent. Every template needs a category: authentication, marketing or utility. A newsletter with offers or news generally belongs to marketing. You also choose a language, because Meta does not translate the text for you. You can find Meta's prices on this page.
Source: Meta, templates, accessed on 02.11.2026.
How do you write the text of the message?
You write the text short, with one clear content and a fixed placeholder for the name. Meta uses placeholders in double curly brackets, by default as numbers like {{1}} and {{2}}. For each placeholder, Meta requires an example value when you create it. Write one topic per newsletter, put the most important thing first, and put the note on how to unsubscribe at the end. The word STOP is your own route, not a Meta requirement. The following example is made up, all details are examples.
How do you send the newsletter?
You send the newsletter by sending the approved template to your contacts with consent, via the WhatsApp Manager or software. Meta limits how many marketing templates a person receives from businesses within a period. The limit depends, among other things, on that person's read rate. Anyone who selects "Not interested" can affect this limit. So only send content your contacts really want, and keep the list clean. Users can also block or report your business, and Meta's systems can then limit the number of your messages.
Sources: Meta, marketing templates, WhatsApp Business Policy, accessed on 02.11.2026.
How do you unsubscribe contacts with STOP ?
You unsubscribe a contact as soon as they ask, and remove them from your list. The WhatsApp Business Policy requires you to respect every request to stop messages, whether in WhatsApp or outside it. This includes removing the person from your contact list. Users can also stop a business's offers and announcements themselves in WhatsApp. If you send anyway, the interface accepts the request but does not deliver and reports error code 131050. Give a clear route in every newsletter, for example the word STOP.
Sources: WhatsApp Business Policy, Meta, marketing templates, accessed on 02.11.2026.
How does SmartChat help you with this?
SmartChat is a WhatsApp marketing solution for businesses and takes these steps off your hands. The landing page, the automatic double opt-in and the STOP unsubscribe route are included in every plan, including free. You can find everything about it under WhatsApp newsletter.
Frequently asked questions about the WhatsApp newsletter.
Do I need a template for a WhatsApp newsletter?
Yes. You send messages outside an ongoing conversation as a template, and it has to be approved by Meta.
Which category do I choose for a newsletter?
Meta has authentication, marketing and utility. A newsletter with offers or news generally belongs to marketing.
How many placeholders may a template have?
For that, read Meta's current rules in the WhatsApp Manager. What is certain: every placeholder like {{1}} needs an example value when you create it.
What happens if I send to someone who has stopped marketing?
The interface accepts the request but does not deliver and reports error code 131050.
May I just write to contacts from my customer list?
No. According to the WhatsApp Business Policy, you need the recipient's permission. Have the legal side checked by a professional.
What does a newsletter via the WhatsApp Business Platform cost?
Meta's prices are on one page, see Meta fees in the Trust Center.
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Last updated: By SmartChat Team