In ImmiPractice, go to Communications → WhatsApp → Templates & Broadcasts. On the Templates tab, create a template (name, category, optional header and footer, body with at most one {{1}} placeholder) and submit it to Meta; use “Check status” until it is approved. On the Broadcasts tab, send an approved template to every contact marked “Opted in to broadcasts”. Broadcasts send in small batches and show Queued, Sending and Sent.
- Templates & Broadcasts lives under Communications → WhatsApp.
- Templates need Meta approval; the body allows at most one {{1}} placeholder.
- Broadcasts go only to contacts marked “Opted in to broadcasts”.
- Broadcasts send in batches, show Queued → Sending → Sent and can be cancelled.
WhatsApp only lets a business reply freely within 24 hours of a client’s last message. To start a new conversation, or to message someone outside that window, Meta requires an approved message template. Broadcasts use those templates to reach many opted-in contacts at once.
Who can use templates and broadcasts?
The Business Admin, plus Branch Managers and Managers by default. The Business Admin can change this per role in Roles & Permissions. This permission does not allow connecting or disconnecting the number.
How do I create a message template?
- Open Templates. Go to Communications → WhatsApp → Templates & Broadcasts and open the Templates tab.
- Name and categorize it. Give it a name and choose a category.
- Write the content. Add an optional header and footer, and the body. The body can contain at most one
{{1}}placeholder for a value that changes per send, such as the client’s first name. - Submit. The template is sent to Meta for review. Approval usually takes minutes to a few hours.
- Check status. Use Check status to refresh until it is approved.
How do I record consent?
WhatsApp’s policies require a customer’s consent before you send marketing messages. In ImmiPractice, open the contact’s conversation and tick “Opted in to broadcasts” at the top, once the client has actually agreed, however you collected that agreement (in person, by phone, on your Form Menu and so on).
How do I send a broadcast?
- Open Broadcasts. Go to the Broadcasts tab.
- Choose an approved template. Only approved templates can be broadcast.
- Check the audience. The audience is always exactly the contacts currently opted in. The compose screen shows the live count.
- Send. The broadcast is queued.
What happens next?
- Messages go out in small batches so your number’s rate limits are not exceeded.
- The Broadcasts list shows Queued → Sending → Sent with a live sent and failed count.
- You can Cancel while it is queued or sending. Messages already sent stay sent; the rest are not sent.
- Each broadcast message appears in that contact’s chat thread, like a manual reply.
Limits to know
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I post WhatsApp Status? | No. Meta’s Cloud API has no way to post Status. |
| Can a template include an image or document? | Not today. Media is sent in normal chats within the 24-hour window. |
| Can I broadcast to everyone with my number saved? | No. Only contacts marked as opted in. |
Related: connect WhatsApp and automating client communication.