WhatsApp Sequences Using Template Messages

Introduction

WhatsApp Sequence Campaigns in BotSailor allow you to automate follow-up messaging for your users after they interact with your bot. Unlike Messenger, WhatsApp applies strict rules on message delivery—particularly outside the 24-hour user interaction window. To comply with Meta’s policy, BotSailor allows you to use WhatsApp message templates for sequences beyond 24 hours.

This guide walks you through creating a WhatsApp Sequence Campaign using template messages, and how to properly configure triggers, delays, and compliance settings.

Use Cases

Lead Nurturing: Deliver product details, tips, and offers after user engagement.
Abandoned Cart Recovery: Send reminders at 1 hour, 12 hours, and 24 hours after cart abandonment.
User Onboarding: Share step-by-step guidance over a 24-48 hour period.
Course Delivery: Drip educational content to enrolled students.
Event Updates: Notify users with a structured time-based sequence.

Step-by-Step Setup

✅ Step 1: Assign a Trigger Word

Go to Start Bot Flow
Set Trigger Keyword: bsp
This keyword will initiate the sequence when a user types it in WhatsApp.

✅ Step 2: Name the Bot Flow

Name it for reference (e.g., WhatsApp Sequence)

✅ Step 3: Add Interactive Template

Add an Interactive Card
Upload a relevant image
Use a title like “Welcome to BotSailor”

✅ Step 4: Configure the Subscription Button

Label the button “Subscribe”
Set action to Subscribe to Sequence → New Sequence
Click Save

✅ Step 5: Confirmation Message

Add a Text Block immediately after the button.
Message: “You are subscribed to sequence.”

✅ Step 6: Configure the New Sequence Campaign

Sequence Name: WhatsApp Sequence Campaign
Delivery Time: 00:00
Timezone: Asia/Dhaka (GMT+6)

✅ Step 7: Schedule the Sequence Messages

First Message

Delay: 1 Hour
Type: Text
Setting: ✅ Schedule within 24-hour time window
Content: “This is the first sequence message”

Second Message

Delay: 12 Hours
Type: Text
Setting: ✅ Still within 24-hour window
Content: “This is the second sequence message”

Third Message (Outside 24-Hour)

Delay: Day-1
Setting: ✅ Schedule for Daily Sequence (Outside 24-hour window)
🔔 Important: Select a Meta-approved template
Message content example: “Nahian Assakib”

⚠️ You must use a template for messages outside the 24-hour window.
💳 Meta charges per template message, so make sure your payment method is configured.

✅ Step 8: Save and Test the Flow

Save the entire flow and deploy it.
Open WhatsApp and type the trigger word: bsp
You’ll receive:

Message #1 after 1 hour
Message #2 after 12 hours
Message #3 after 24 hours (template message)

Screenshots confirm successful delivery of each message based on timing.

Conclusion

WhatsApp Sequences in BotSailor are a powerful way to maintain communication with your users over time while staying compliant with Meta’s strict policies. By combining time-based automation with approved templates, you can build structured communication flows that nurture leads, educate users, and improve engagement.

Remember, any sequence message sent after 24 hours must use an approved template and will incur charges from Meta. Plan and test your flow carefully to ensure a smooth experience.

FAQs

Why do I need to use a template after 24 hours?
Meta requires templates for any message sent after 24 hours of last user interaction to avoid spam and maintain policy standards.

Can I use normal text for messages within 24 hours?
Yes, you can send freeform text without needing a template if it’s within the 24-hour window.

How do I configure payment for WhatsApp template messages?
Go to your WhatsApp Business Account settings in Meta’s dashboard and add your payment method.

What’s the maximum delay I can schedule a message?
You can schedule messages up to 30 days from the subscription event.

Can I test this without waiting real hours?
Currently, timing is based on real-time hours. For quick testing, use shorter intervals like 1 minute during debugging (if supported).