Template Variables

Variables allow you to personalize your WhatsApp messages with dynamic content. Instead of sending the same generic message to everyone, you can customize each message with the recipient's name, order details, appointment times, and more.

Understanding Variables#

Variables are placeholders in your template that get replaced with actual data when you send a message. They use a numbered format: {{1}}, {{2}}, {{3}}, and so on.

How Variables Work#

When you create a template:

Hi {{1}}, your order #{{2}} has shipped!

When you send a campaign, the variables are replaced:

Hi Sarah, your order #ORD-5678 has shipped!

Each recipient gets a personalized message based on their data.

Variable Syntax#

Basic Syntax#

Variables use double curly braces with a sequential number:

Numbering Rules#

1. Sequential numbering: Variables must be numbered sequentially (1, 2, 3...)
2. No gaps: You cannot skip numbers (e.g., using {{1}} and {{3}} without {{2}})
3. Reuse allowed: You can use the same variable multiple times in a template
4. Unique values: Each number represents one piece of dynamic data

Valid:

Hi {{1}}, your code is {{2}}. Use {{2}} at checkout, {{1}}!

Invalid:

Hi {{1}}, your order {{3}} is ready.  // Missing {{2}}

Variable Placement#

Body Variables#

The template body supports multiple variables and is where most personalization occurs.

Example:

Hello {{1}},

Thank you for your purchase of {{2}}!

Your order total is {{3}} and will be delivered to:
{{4}}

Tracking number: {{5}}

Header Variables#

Text headers support exactly one variable, always numbered {{1}}.

Example header:

Order Update for {{1}}

Button URL Variables#

Dynamic URL buttons support one variable at the end of the URL.

Example:

https://example.com/track/{{1}}

The variable must be at the end of the URL path.

Standard Contact Fields#

Waflow provides standard fields that are automatically available for every contact in your audience. These are the most commonly used for personalization.

Available Standard Fields#

Using Standard Fields#

When creating a campaign, you map template variables to contact fields:

Template:

Hi {{1}},

We've sent a confirmation to {{2}}.

Result for Sarah:

Hi Sarah,

We've sent a confirmation to [email protected].

Custom Fields#

Beyond standard fields, you can create custom fields to store additional contact data. Custom fields are perfect for business-specific information.

Creating Custom Fields#

1. Go to Contacts > Custom Fields
2. Click Add Custom Field
3. Enter field name and type
4. Save the field

Custom Field Types#

Example Custom Fields#

Using Custom Fields in Variables#

Custom fields work the same as standard fields when mapping:

Template:

Hi {{1}},

As a {{2}} member with {{3}} points, you've unlocked exclusive access!

Field mapping:

• {{1}} -> firstName
• {{2}} -> membershipTier
• {{3}} -> loyaltyPoints

Result:

Hi Sarah,

As a Gold member with 2,500 points, you've unlocked exclusive access!

Computed Variables#

Computed variables are dynamic values generated at send time rather than stored in contact records. These are useful for time-sensitive or calculated data.

Available Computed Variables#

Date Formatting#

You can format dates according to your needs:

Using Computed Variables#

Template:

Hi {{1}},

Your exclusive offer expires on {{2}}.

Use code {{3}} before {{4}} to save 20%!

Mapping:

• {{1}} -> firstName
• {{2}} -> expiryDate:7days
• {{3}} -> randomCode
• {{4}} -> expiryDate:short

Result:

Hi Sarah,

Your exclusive offer expires on January 4, 2025.

Use code A7X9K2 before 1/4/25 to save 20%!

Formatting Variables#

Number Formatting#

Format numbers for currency, percentages, or plain numbers:

Text Formatting#

Transform text casing:

Applying Formats#

When mapping variables in a campaign, you can apply formats:

Mapping configuration:

{{1}} -> firstName | capitalize
{{2}} -> orderTotal | currency:USD
{{3}} -> discountPercent | percent

Variable Best Practices#

Sample Values#

Always provide realistic sample values when creating templates:

Good samples:

• Name: "Sarah" (not "XXX" or "NAME")
• Order ID: "ORD-12345" (not "123")
• Price: "$99.00" (not "PRICE")

Why it matters:

• Helps WhatsApp reviewers understand your template
• Improves approval rates
• Makes previews meaningful

Handling Missing Data#

Plan for cases where contact data might be missing:

Strategy 1: Use fallback values

In Waflow, you can set fallback values for variables:

firstName -> "there" (fallback if empty)

Template: "Hi {{1}}, welcome!" Result with data: "Hi Sarah, welcome!" Result without data: "Hi there, welcome!"

Strategy 2: Segment contacts

Create segments that only include contacts with complete data for your template variables.

Variable Count Guidelines#

Security Considerations#

Do:

• Use variables for names, order numbers, tracking links
• Store sensitive data securely
• Limit access to contact data

Don't:

• Include full credit card numbers
• Send passwords in plain text
• Include sensitive personal information

Mapping Variables in Campaigns#

When you create a campaign, you'll map template variables to data sources:

Mapping Interface#

1. Select your template
2. For each variable, choose the data source:
   • Contact field: Standard or custom field
   • Static value: Same value for all recipients
   • Computed: Generated at send time
   • CSV column: From uploaded file

Mapping Example#

Template:

Hi {{1}},

Your {{2}} subscription renews on {{3}} for {{4}}.

Questions? Reply to this message.

Variable mapping:

Preview Before Sending#

Always preview your messages with actual contact data before sending:

1. Click Preview in the campaign builder
2. Select sample contacts to preview
3. Verify all variables are replaced correctly
4. Check for formatting issues

Troubleshooting Variables#

Common Issues#

Variable not replaced:

• Check that all variables are mapped
• Verify contact has data for that field
• Ensure variable numbers are sequential

Wrong data appearing:

• Verify mapping is correct
• Check field names match exactly
• Review data in contact record

Formatting issues:

• Apply appropriate format type
• Check locale settings for currency/dates
• Use fallback values for missing data

Next Steps#

• Create a Template - Build templates with variables
• Approval Process - Submit templates for review
• Create a Campaign - Use variables in campaigns