Docs › Getting Started › Send First Message
Send Your First Message
Now that your WhatsApp channel is connected, send your first message to a contact.
Add a Contact
1
Go to WhatsApp → Contacts
In the sidebar, click "WhatsApp" then "Contacts".
2
Click "Add Contact"
Click the "Add Contact" button. Enter the contact's name and phone number (with country code, e.g., +919876543210).
3
Save the contact
Click "Save". The contact now appears in your contact list.
Start a Conversation
1
Go to WhatsApp → Inbox
Navigate to the Inbox from the sidebar.
2
Select your contact
Find your contact in the conversations list, or click "New Message" to start a conversation with them.
Warning
WhatsApp requires you to use an approved template for the first message if the contact has not messaged you in the last 24 hours. This is a Meta policy requirement.
Send a Template Message
1
Click the template icon
In the message input area, click the template icon to browse your approved templates.
2
Select a template
Choose a template from the list. If you do not have any templates yet, go to WhatsApp → Templates to create one first.
3
Fill in variables and send
If the template has variables (like customer name), fill them in, then click "Send".
Tip
Once the contact replies, the 24-hour customer service window opens and you can send free-form text messages without needing templates.
What Next
Congratulations — you have sent your first message! From here, explore the WhatsApp section to learn about managing your inbox, creating templates, and running broadcast campaigns.