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Campaign Setup and Variable Mapping

The first step in creating a campaign is defining the content. Since campaigns rely on pre-approved templates, this step involves selecting a template and filling in its dynamic parts (variables) with specific data for each recipient.

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Written byAbdeali Vaniya
Campaign Setup and Variable Mapping

1. Selecting the Template

  1. Navigate to Campaigns > Add Scheduler (or /setup-campaign).
  2. Provide a Campaign Name for your internal tracking (e.g., "Black Friday Promo 2023").
  3. In the Template setup, open the dropdown menu.
  4. You will see a list of your APPROVED templates. (Templates in Pending, Rejected, or Paused states cannot be selected).
  5. Select the desired template.
  6. The WhataTalk interface will generate a preview of the template on the screen, showing exactly where the variables (like {{1}}) are located in the text or header.

2. Configuring Variables

This is the most critical step for personalization. If your selected template contains variables ({{1}}, {{2}}, etc.) in the header, body, or buttons, you must tell the system what data to insert into those placeholders for each contact.

Header Variables

If your template uses a media header (Image, Video, Document), you must define what file will be sent.

  • Static Upload: You can upload a single image/file that will be sent to everyone in the campaign (e.g., the Black Friday sale banner).

Body Variable Mapping

For the text variables in your template body (e.g., Hello {{1}}, your order {{2}} is ready.):

You have two main options for mapping each variable:

A. Map to a User Attribute (Dynamic) This inserts data specific to each recipient.

  1. Next to Variable {{1}}, select "User Attribute" from the mapping type dropdown.
  2. Select the specific attribute, such as First Name.
  3. Result: If sending to John and Sarah, John receives "Hello John", Sarah receives "Hello Sarah".

B. Enter a Custom/Static Value This inserts the exact same text for every recipient in the campaign.

  1. Next to Variable {{2}}, select "Custom Value" (or "Static Text").
  2. Type the value, such as "in our downtown store".
  3. Result: Everyone receives "...your order in our downtown store is ready."

Fallback Values (Crucial)

What happens if you map {{1}} to "First Name", but a contact in your list doesn't have a first name saved in their profile?

You must provide a Fallback Value (sometimes called a Default Value) to ensure the message still reads naturally.

  • Example: For {{1}} (First Name), set the fallback to "Customer" or "Friend".
  • Result: If John has a profile, he gets "Hello John". If an unknown number is in the list, they get "Hello Customer". Without a fallback, the message might fail or look broken (e.g., "Hello , your order...").

Button Variables

If your template includes dynamic URLs in the Call-to-Action buttons (e.g., a link to https://mysite.com/track/{{1}}), you must map this variable just like a body variable.

  • Often, you map this to a custom attribute like Tracking_Number or a specific Cart_URL for abandoned cart campaigns.

3. Reviewing the Setup

Before moving to targeting, carefully review the configuration.

  • Check the preview panel to ensure the variables are mapped logically.
  • Ensure fallback values are appropriate for the context of the message.
  • Verify any attached media is the correct file.

Once the content is fully configured, proceed to the Targeting phase to select your audience