Template variables and buttons
Add variables and example values to a template, and choose from quick reply, link, call and copy-code buttons.
Variables let one template carry details that change from customer to customer, such as a name or an order number. Buttons give the customer something to tap. Both are set up in the template editor (see Create a template).
Variables
A variable is a numbered placeholder in double curly brackets: {{1}}, {{2}}, {{3}}. When the template is sent, each one is replaced with a real value.
Each part of the template numbers its own variables from {{1}}:
| Where | Rules |
|---|---|
| Header (text) | At most one variable, {{1}}. |
| Message | As many as you need, numbered in order. The message can't start or end with a variable. |
| Link button | The web address can include one variable, for example https://example.com/track/{{1}}. |
So a header "Order {{1}}" above a message "Hi {{1}}, your order {{2}} has shipped" has three variables. They show up as Header {{1}}, Body {{1}} and Body {{2}}. A link button's variable shows as Button 1 URL.
Note: Variables must be numbered. Named placeholders such as {{first_name}} can't be saved or submitted. If a template synced from Meta uses named placeholders, IconEngage shows it but can't edit or send it.
Example values
Meta reviews every template with an example for each variable. Under Example values:
- Enter a realistic example next to each variable.
- Use made-up details, not a real customer's. Example values are stored as customer data.
A variable with no example shows No example yet, and the Preview shows "no example yet" in its place. Meta refuses a template that has a variable with no example, so the Submit to Meta dialog stops you and nothing is sent.
If you delete a variable from the wording but leave its example, the editor tells you the example "is not used by this wording any more".
Buttons
Buttons are optional. Add them under Buttons:
| Button | What the customer gets | What you fill in | Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick reply | A button that sends its text back to you as a reply. | Button text | — |
| Link | A button that opens a web page. | Button text and Link (may include one variable) | At most 2 |
| Call | A button that calls your phone number. | Button text and Phone number | At most 1 |
| Copy code | A button that copies a code, such as a coupon, to the customer's clipboard. | A Sample code for Meta to review, up to 15 characters. The customer gets the real code when you send. | At most 1 |
To add a button, click Add quick reply button, Add link button, Add call button or Add copy code button. To remove one, click its remove button.
The Preview shows the buttons as the customer will see them.
Filling in variables when you send
When someone sends the template from a conversation, a broadcast or a flow, they supply the real value for each variable. See Reply to a conversation and Create a broadcast.
Still need help?
Write to us at [email protected] and tell us what you were trying to do. Already a customer? Sign in to IconEngage — the same articles are under Help in the app.