1 min readUpdated Oct 5, 2026inbox, chats, templates
How to Start a Conversation
Start a new WhatsApp conversation in LeadPattern with an approved template message, even when the customer hasn't messaged you first.
To message someone who hasn't contacted you in the last 24 hours, WhatsApp requires an approved template. This is how you start outbound conversations — order updates, appointment reminders, follow-ups — while staying within WhatsApp's rules.
Start a new chat
1
Choose the contact
From Chats or Customers, pick the contact (or add a new one with their WhatsApp number).
2
Pick a template
Because the conversation is new (or older than 24 hours), select an approved template to send.
3
Fill in the variables
Complete any placeholders (like name or order number), then send. Once the customer replies, the 24-hour window opens and you can continue with free-form messages.
Reaching many contacts at once
To send a template to a whole audience rather than one person, use a broadcast to a segment instead of starting chats one by one.
What's next
TemplatesCreate and submit the templates you'll send.Was this article helpful?
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