> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.jelou.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Your First Template

> Design and submit your first template (HSM) for Meta review from Jelou.

WhatsApp templates let you send proactive messages outside the 24-hour window.\
In this guide you will create your first template in Jelou and get it ready for Meta review.

## Before you begin

Make sure you have:

* A WhatsApp channel already connected
* A defined message objective (informational, promotional, or authentication)

***

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to Templates">
    Navigate to `Campaigns` → `Templates`.

    Click `+ Create`.

    Here you can see all your templates and their status:

    * Pending
    * Approved
    * Rejected
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete the general configuration">
    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/jelouai/3ByPfr_IwePh7Tro/assets/images/connect/connect-template-creation-es.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=3ByPfr_IwePh7Tro&q=85&s=a57729bcd8793eb3e98eb0481d8cca33" alt="Template creation" width="1478" height="836" data-path="assets/images/connect/connect-template-creation-es.png" />
    </Frame>

    Define the basic template details:

    **Name**\
    Use a clear and descriptive name (e.g., `appointment_reminder`).

    <Note>
      The technical identifier is generated automatically according to Meta's rules.
    </Note>

    **Language**\
    Select the message language:

    * Spanish
    * English
    * Portuguese

    **Associated bot**\
    Define which bot or flow will use this template to start or continue the conversation.

    **Visibility in Connect**\
    Decide whether agents can use this template manually from the Multi-agent Panel.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select the correct category">
    Choose the category based on the message objective:

    * **Utility**: operational or transactional messages (confirmations, reminders).
    * **Marketing**: promotions, campaigns, announcements.
    * **Authentication**: sending security codes (OTP).

    <Tip>
      If the category does not match the content, Meta may automatically reclassify it.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Write the message content">
    Choose the format:

    * Text only
    * Image
    * Video
    * Document

    Then write the main message.

    If you need personalization, add **parameters** (e.g., name, order number, date).

    For each parameter you must:

    * Indicate how many you are using
    * Provide an example

    The footer is optional.

    <Warning>
      Authentication (OTP) templates do not allow this free format.
    </Warning>

    <Tip>
      Best practices:

      * Do not use consecutive parameters.
      * Always separate parameters with text.
      * Keep the message focused on a single intent.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add buttons (optional)">
    Depending on the template type, you can include buttons:

    * Redirect to a flow or workflow
    * URL (static or dynamic)
    * Phone call

    <Note>
      The number and type of buttons allowed depends on the selected category.
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review and submit for approval">
    Before submitting:

    * Review the preview
    * Verify parameters and buttons
    * Confirm the creation

    Once submitted, the template will enter Meta's review process.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  **Approval time:** Meta may take up to 48 hours to review the template, although the process is usually faster.
</Tip>

***

## Done

With your approved template you will be able to:

* Start conversations outside the 24-hour window
* Launch bulk campaigns
* Allow agents to use templates from Connect
* Automate operational or promotional notifications

This is how you build the foundation of your proactive communication on WhatsApp.