You don’t need to create a template before sending an SMS or RCS message. However, templates make it easier to prepare and reuse content, especially for campaigns.WhatsApp Business has additional template requirements. Business-initiated WhatsApp template messages must use a Meta-approved WhatsApp template.
Before you begin
Before creating a template, make sure you have:- Access to your Kero account.
- At least one configured messaging Agent for the channel you want to use.
- Any images or other media you intend to include in your message.
- An approved WhatsApp template if you’re creating a Kero template for WhatsApp Business.
Create a new template
1
Open Templates
Sign in to Kero and select Templates from the main navigation.Click Create Template to begin.
2
Select your messaging channel
Choose the messaging channel you want to use for your template.Only channels with configured Agents in your Kero account are displayed.
If you don’t see the messaging channel you want to use, you’ll need to configure an Agent for that channel before creating your template.
3
Select your Primary Agent
Select the Agent you want to use with your message template.Kero displays all configured Agents for your selected messaging channel.Make sure you choose an Agent that supports the type of message you want to create.
For RCS for Business, Agents are configured for specific use cases, such as OTP, Transactional, Promotional or Multi-use messaging.Your message template must be compatible with the selected Agent’s use case.
4
Select your RCS message type
If you’re creating an RCS template, select the type of message you want to create.Depending on your selected Agent’s capabilities, you can choose from the available RCS message types, such as:
- Text message — Send a text-based RCS message.
- Rich card — Combine text, media and interactive actions in a single card.
- Carousel — Display multiple rich cards that recipients can browse.
The available message types depend on the capabilities and use case of your selected RCS Agent.If you’re creating an SMS or WhatsApp template, continue to the next step.
5
Enter your template details
Give your template a descriptive name that makes it easy to identify later.For example:
- Appointment Reminder
- Payment Notification
- Delivery Update
- Monthly Promotion
6
Prepare your message content
Configure the message content for your selected channel.
SMS
Enter the text you want to send.Keep your message clear and concise. Longer messages may be split into multiple SMS parts, which can affect messaging costs.RCS for Business
Prepare your RCS message using the editor for your selected message type.Depending on the message type, you may be able to include text, images, rich cards and interactive buttons.WhatsApp Business
Select the approved WhatsApp template associated with your WhatsApp Agent.The approved template determines the message structure, including any header, body, footer, buttons and parameters.7
Add personalised parameters
If your message includes information that changes between recipients, add parameters to personalise the content.For example:
Hello {{first_name}}, your appointment is confirmed for {{appointment_date}}.Parameters allow you to provide recipient-specific values when sending Direct Messages or map values from your contact data when preparing Campaigns.When creating a Kero template using an approved WhatsApp template, make sure the required parameters are configured in your Kero template so they can be recognised and mapped during sending.
8
Configure Fallback Agents (optional)
If you want Kero to attempt an alternative messaging channel when the preferred channel cannot be used, add one or more Fallback Agents.For example, you might configure:
- Primary Agent: RCS for Business
- Fallback Agent: SMS
To change the order of existing Fallback Agents, you currently need to remove and re-add them in your preferred sequence.Fallback availability depends on your configured Agents and the applicable sending rules.
9
Review and save your template
Review your template before saving.Check that:
- The template name clearly describes its purpose.
- Your message content is accurate.
- Any personalised parameters are correctly configured.
- The correct WhatsApp template is selected, where applicable.
- Your Fallback Agents are configured in the intended order.