WhatsApp Marketing Messages: 20 Examples That Sell
WhatsApp marketing messages for Indian D2C brands: 20 examples for sales, launches, festivals and loyalty, what each send costs, and the limit Meta sets.
Updated October 2026.
A WhatsApp marketing message is any message a business sends to promote something: a sale, a launch, a festive offer, a loyalty reward, a cart or win-back nudge. Below are 20 examples for D2C brands, sorted by what you're trying to sell. Each section opens with a generic message any business can use as it is, so 24 in all.
The catch: every one is charged per delivered message, and Meta decides how many marketing messages each person gets. Send too many that people ignore, and your messages start failing for that person, even though they opted in. So each example below carries one thing worth reading, not just a discount.
I've run WhatsApp marketing at Healthify, HealthifyStore, Cumin Co and PNG Jewellers, and now for brands at Compound Lab, my retention agency. The clearest lesson came from Cumin Co. We cut marketing messages from 3 or 4 a week to 2, with a three-day quiet rule, and delivery went from 23% to 44% in a month (case study). Fewer, better messages reached more people.
Looking for order updates, delivery messages, payment reminders or welcome messages too? Those are in 50 WhatsApp message templates for D2C brands. This post covers the selling side only.
What counts as a WhatsApp marketing message
Meta sorts every WhatsApp template a business sends into three categories: Marketing, Utility or Authentication. Utility is only for something the customer started, like an order or a payment, with no selling in it. Everything that promotes is Marketing, including:
- sales, offers and coupon codes
- product launches and back-in-stock alerts
- cart and browse reminders, even though they mention the customer's cart
- win-back, loyalty and referral messages
- festive greetings that carry an offer
"Promotional message", "marketing message", "advertising message" and "broadcast" all mean the same thing here. A broadcast is just a marketing message sent to many people at once.
What a WhatsApp marketing message costs in India
Meta charges ₹0.8631 per delivered marketing message to an Indian number, before 18% GST, as of October 2026. A utility message costs ₹0.115, so a marketing message costs about 7.5 times as much. Your WhatsApp provider adds its own fee on top.
| You send | Delivered (80%) | Meta's charge before GST |
|---|---|---|
| 10,000 | 8,000 | ₹6,905 |
| 1 lakh | 80,000 | ₹69,048 |
The full rate card, with provider fees, is in WhatsApp API pricing in India. To work out your own bill, use the WhatsApp cost calculator.
WhatsApp marketing message limit: how many you can send
There's no fixed number. Meta limits how many marketing messages each person receives, based on how they've been reading marketing messages lately and how full their inbox is. The limit adjusts over time. When a person hits it, your message fails with error 131049, and Meta asks you to wait at least 24 hours before trying them again.
One exception matters a lot: when a customer replies, a 24-hour window opens, and marketing messages you send inside it don't count toward their limit. It's one more reason to write messages people want to reply to. More on the error in WhatsApp error 131049.
From my work. On every brand I run three rules: - No more than one marketing WhatsApp to the same person within four days. - No one re-enters a journey they've just finished. - One frequency cap shared across WhatsApp, email and push, so a sale week doesn't turn into nine messages.
Opt-in and opt-out for WhatsApp marketing
You can only send marketing messages to people who agreed to hear from you on WhatsApp. Collect that consent where it's clear what they're signing up for: a checkbox at checkout, a pop-up or a click-to-WhatsApp ad. Every example below ends with a "Stop promotions" button, so stopping is one tap. People who can stop easily are less likely to block you, and blocks hurt your number's quality rating.
1 · Sale and discount messages
When: 2 or 3 days before a sale, on the first day and on the last. The mistake to avoid: "MEGA SALE!!! Up to 70% off!" with no date and no product. Every brand sends that the same week. Name the dates, show one worked price and say why the sale is happening.
1.1 Generic sale announcement message template
Hi Kavya, our Diwali sale starts today: 20% off everything in the store.
It ends on Sunday 1 November at midnight, and prices go back to normal the next morning. If something has been sitting in your wishlist, this is a good week for it.
Send when: On the first day of the sale.
Why it works: Says what's off, on what and until when, the three things people check before they tap.
1.2 Sale announcement message with the real reason for the sale (cookware)
Hi Kavya, a sale with a reason: our factory found tiny polishing marks on 400 kadhais and tawas.
They cook exactly the same, with the same 3-layer steel and 10-year warranty. They just don't look perfect.
So they're 30% off from Friday 23 Oct, until they run out. You'll see the mark in the photos before you buy.
Send when: 3 days before the sale starts.
Why it works: Tells them why prices are lower, which makes the discount believable instead of suspicious.
After the tap: Remind me on the day sends one message at 10 am on the first day of the sale, with the link.
1.3 Early access message for regular customers (apparel)
Hi Meenal, our end-of-season sale opens to everyone tomorrow at 10 am. For you, it's open now.
Hand-printed pieces sell out by size, so this head start is the real perk: every size is still in stock tonight.
25% off the whole store, every size and every print, until Sunday 25 Oct at midnight.
Send when: The evening before a sale opens to everyone, only to customers with 2 or more orders.
Why it works: Regulars get first pick of sizes, which matters more than a bigger discount when every piece is hand-printed.
1.4 Sale message with one worked price (coffee)
Hi Arjun, our harvest sale is on: 20% off every coffee until 1 Nov.
What that means for your usual: the Estate Medium Roast 500 g is ₹559 instead of ₹699.
Stocking up and own a grinder? Pick whole beans. They stay fresh much longer than ground coffee, so grind a week's worth at a time.
Send when: The first morning of the sale.
Why it works: One real price, worked out, instead of a vague percentage, plus the reason it makes sense to stock up.
1.5 Last day of sale message with what actually ends (skincare)
Hi Priya, our sale ends at midnight tonight.
After that, prices go back to normal, and our next sale is in about 6 months.
If you've been waiting on the Barrier Repair Ceramide Cream, it's ₹719 until midnight.
Send when: 11 am on the last day, only to people who haven't ordered during the sale. The product is one they viewed or wishlisted.
Why it works: Says exactly what ends and when the next sale is, so the deadline is honest.
1.6 Bundle offer message that does the maths (supplements)
Hi Rohan, if you take a daily multivitamin alongside your whey, this week they cost less together.
Bought as a pair, the 1 kg whey and a 60-day multivitamin cost ₹2,999 instead of ₹3,398.
That's about a month of protein and two months of vitamins, for ₹399 less than buying them apart.
Send when: During a sale, to customers who bought only one product before.
Why it works: Shows the bundle's real saving per month, worked out, so they can judge it.
2 · Product launch and new arrival messages
When: a tease 2 days before, the launch day, and a follow-up once real reviews arrive. The mistake to avoid: "Big news coming soon!" Say what it is and why it's different, or don't send the tease at all.
2.1 Generic product launch message template
Hi Aditi, something new from Your Brand: a travel-size version of our bestseller.
We made it because so many of you asked for one that fits in hand luggage.
You're on our list, so you can buy it today, before we announce it anywhere else.
Send when: On launch day, before the public announcement.
Why it works: Gives the reason the product exists and early access for subscribers, which is worth more to them than a launch discount.
2.2 Product launch teaser that says what's new (skincare)
Hi Priya, a new version of the sunscreen you use is coming.
The one change: it now dries in under a minute with no white cast, even on deeper skin tones. That was the most common request in customer reviews.
Same SPF 50, same price. You can buy it on Thursday, a day before it goes on sale to everyone.
Send when: 2 days before launch, to customers who bought the product it replaces or improves.
Why it works: Explains the one change in the new formula, so it reads as news, not hype.
After the tap: Remind me Thursday sends the link at 10 am on Thursday, the day before the public launch.
2.3 New arrival message for a new print collection (apparel)
Hi Meenal, our new collection, Monsoon Jaal, is live.
Each piece took 6 hand-carved blocks and two days of printing in Jaipur. No two come out exactly alike.
Kurtas, co-ords and dupattas, in sizes XS to 3XL. Each print run is small, so the most-worn sizes go first.
Send when: Launch morning, to past customers.
Why it works: The story of how the print was made, in two lines, which is why hand-printed clothes cost more.
2.4 Launch day message with how to use the new product (coffee)
Hi Arjun, our new Cold Brew Bags are live. Here's all it takes:
- Drop 2 bags in a litre of water.
- Leave it in the fridge overnight, about 12 hours.
- Pour over ice. Add milk if you like.
Cold water pulls out less bitterness than hot, so it tastes smooth even without sugar. ₹449 for 10 bags, enough for 5 litres.
Send when: Launch day, to customers who brew at home.
Why it works: A 3-step recipe, so the reader can picture using the new product tonight.
2.5 New product message with the first real reviews (supplements)
Hi Rohan, the first reviews of our new Plant Protein Kesar Badam are in.
"Tastes like the badam milk I grew up on" said Ankit from Pune.
Still unsure about the taste? Our 10-sachet trial pack is ₹299, so you can try it before buying a tub.
Send when: 5 to 7 days after launch, once real reviews exist, to people who opened the launch message but didn't buy.
Why it works: Real customers' words answer the doubt people have about a new flavour, which is the taste.
2.6 Pre-order message for a product not in stock yet (cookware)
Hi Kavya, our first triply tope ships on 6 Nov. It's the deeper pot customers asked for in our survey, for dal, rice and biryani.
Pre-order now with no payment. When it ships, we'll send you a payment link, and you can still say no then.
Send when: 2 weeks before stock arrives, to customers who own a Panwise kadhai.
Why it works: A no-payment pre-order and an honest ship date, so the reader can reserve without risk.
After the tap: Pre-order mine reserves one and replies with the price and the ship date. On ship day they get a payment link, and an unpaid reservation simply lapses. Tell me more replies with the sizes and a photo of it next to their kadhai.
3 · Festive and seasonal promotional messages
When: 7 to 10 days before the festival, with the order-by date for their area. The mistake to avoid: the same "Happy Holi! 20% off!" every brand sends. Fit the product to the festival, or skip the festival. For Diwali, New Year and birthdays, see the festival section of the 50 templates.
3.1 Generic festive order-by message template
Hi Pooja, Diwali is almost here.
If you're ordering gifts or anything for the festival, order by Tuesday 3 November so it reaches you in time. Orders placed after that may arrive after the day.
From all of us at Your Brand, have a happy festival.
Send when: 7 to 10 days before the festival.
Why it works: Gives the real last date to order, the one thing festive shoppers need and most festive messages leave out.
3.2 Raksha Bandhan gift message for siblings in other cities (apparel)
Hi Meenal, can't be there for Rakhi this year?
Send a hand-printed kurta or dupatta to your sibling instead, gift-wrapped, with your note inside.
Order by 4 Aug for delivery anywhere in India before Rakhi. Not sure of their size? Every gift comes with a free size exchange.
Send when: 10 days before Raksha Bandhan, to customers whose past orders went to more than one city.
Why it works: Speaks to the real situation, a sibling far away, and gives the delivery cut-off.
3.3 Holi message with a product that fits the day (skincare)
Hi Priya, playing Holi this year? Do this the night before and the morning of:
- A thick layer of moisturiser on your face, neck and arms. Colour sticks less to oiled skin.
- Sunscreen on top. You'll be out for hours.
- Afterwards, wash with a gentle cleanser. Don't scrub.
Our Ceramide Cream works for step 1. It's ₹799, and orders placed by 10 Mar reach you before Holi.
Send when: 3 days before Holi.
Why it works: How to protect skin before playing with colours, a tip people actually search for.
3.4 Monsoon seasonal message tied to a real problem (cookware)
Hi Kavya, monsoon humidity is when kitchen tools start to rust.
Steel itself doesn't rust easily, but water left in the rivets and rims does. Dry your pans with a cloth instead of leaving them on the rack, and they'll stay clean all season.
Still using an old iron tawa that rusts every year? Our triply tawa won't. It's ₹200 off until 30 Jun, this monsoon only.
Send when: The first week of the monsoon in their city.
Why it works: Explains why steel pans rust in the monsoon and how to stop it, before selling anything.
3.5 Christmas and year-end gift message for office gifting (coffee)
Hi Arjun, gifting your team this Christmas?
Send us one list of names and addresses. We'll ship each person a gift box of three estate coffees, with your note, and send you one GST invoice for all of them.
10 boxes or more: ₹1,349 each instead of ₹1,499. Order by 15 Dec for delivery before Christmas.
Send when: Early December, to customers who've placed orders to more than one address, or with GST invoices.
Why it works: Solves the real year-end problem for team leads, gifting 10 or 20 people without 20 orders.
After the tap: Send me the order form replies with a sheet to fill in names and addresses. Talk to us goes to a person for larger orders.
3.6 Summer seasonal message that changes the product, not the price (supplements)
Hi Rohan, training in the heat this summer?
You lose salt as well as water when you sweat, and water alone doesn't put the salt back. That's part of why long sessions in May feel harder than in December.
A simple habit: on days you train for more than an hour in the heat, add an electrolyte drink. Our sachets have no added sugar. 20 for ₹399.
Send when: When summer temperatures start, to customers who train outdoors or bought electrolytes before.
Why it works: Explains what sweat takes out besides water, with one simple habit, before mentioning the product.
4 · Loyalty and repeat-purchase messages
When: tied to something the customer earned or did: points, a tier, a number of orders. The mistake to avoid: "As a valued customer, enjoy 10% off!" Regulars buy anyway. Give them access, recognition or something useful, and keep discounts for people who need a reason.
4.1 Generic loyal customer thank-you message template
Hi Vikram, this is your fifth order with Your Brand. Thank you for coming back.
Regulars get something first-time buyers don't: free delivery on every order. It's already on your account, so there's no code to remember.
Send when: On a milestone order, such as the third or the fifth.
Why it works: Thanks them for coming back and gives a perk that's already applied, with no code to find.
4.2 Loyalty points expiry reminder (skincare)
Hi Priya, you have 450 Dewlane points, worth ₹450.
They expire on 31 Oct. After that, they're gone.
They apply automatically at checkout, on anything, with no minimum order.
Send when: 7 days before their points expire.
Why it works: The exact points, their rupee value and the date, so nothing is vague.
4.3 Loyalty tier upgrade message (apparel)
Hi Meenal, with your last order you've reached Loomkind Gold.
What changes for you:
- Free alterations on every kurta: sleeves, length and fit
- Each new collection, 24 hours before everyone else
- Free return pickup, from anywhere in India
Nothing to sign up for. It's already on your account.
Send when: The day they reach a new tier.
Why it works: Tells them what changes for them, specifically, instead of a vague "exclusive benefits".
4.4 Members-only product message for subscribers (coffee)
Hi Arjun, this month's subscriber-only coffee is ready: a natural-processed lot from our highest slope.
Fruity, a little wild, nothing like your usual roast. We made 150 bags, and only subscribers can order them.
Add one to your next delivery and it ships with your usual pack, with no extra delivery charge.
Send when: When a members-only release goes live, to active subscribers only.
Why it works: Something only subscribers can buy, which gives them a reason to stay subscribed that isn't a discount.
After the tap: Add to my next box adds it to their next subscription delivery and confirms the new total.
4.5 Free gift threshold message for a repeat order (cookware)
Hi Kavya, your cart is ₹180 away from a free wooden spatula set.
The easiest way there: our pan cleaning paste, ₹249, made for steel. It removes rainbow stains without scratching.
The spatula set is added at checkout once your cart crosses ₹2,500.
Send when: When a past customer has an item in their cart close to a gift threshold.
Why it works: Shows how close they are to a free gift, and offers a useful add-on that gets them there.
4.6 Year-in-review message for a loyal customer (supplements)
Hi Rohan, your year with Fieldfuel:
- 6 orders
- About 6 kg of Fieldfuel, scoop by scoop
- Your most-ordered flavour: Chocolate
Thank you for training with us. Your first order in January comes with a free shaker, no code needed.
Send when: In late December, to customers with 4 or more orders in the year.
Why it works: Shows the customer their own year, which is personal in a way a discount can't be.
FAQ
What is a WhatsApp marketing message? It's any WhatsApp template a business sends to promote something: a sale, a launch, an offer, a cart reminder or a win-back. Meta charges marketing messages at a higher rate than utility messages, which are only for orders, payments and account updates.
How much does a WhatsApp marketing message cost in India? Meta charges ₹0.8631 per delivered marketing message to an Indian number, before 18% GST, as of October 2026. Your WhatsApp provider adds its own fee on top.
Is there a limit on WhatsApp marketing messages per day? Meta doesn't publish a fixed number. It limits how many marketing messages each person receives based on how they've engaged with marketing messages recently. When someone reaches the limit, the message fails with error 131049, and Meta asks businesses to wait at least 24 hours before trying again.
Can I send WhatsApp marketing messages without opt-in? No. You need the customer's agreement to receive WhatsApp messages from you, collected clearly, for example at checkout or through a click-to-WhatsApp ad. Give people an easy way to stop, like a "Stop promotions" button.
Are WhatsApp marketing messages free? No. Meta charges for every delivered marketing message, ₹0.8631 per message to an Indian number before GST as of October 2026. Messages customers send to you are free, and every business number gets 1,000 free service replies a month inside the 24-hour window, but marketing templates are always charged.
How do I write a WhatsApp marketing message that people read? Give each one a single useful thing: a real reason for the sale, a worked price, a tip that fits the product, or something only regulars get. Keep it short, end with one clear button, and send fewer messages to the people who read them.
Where I fit
I'm Raviraj, founder of Compound Lab, a retention agency for D2C brands and consumer apps. Most of our work is WhatsApp: deciding what to send and to whom, writing it, and keeping delivery high so marketing messages keep reaching people. If your WhatsApp bill is growing faster than your orders from it, book a consultation or see how we run WhatsApp marketing for brands.
Want the full set across WhatsApp, email, SMS, push and in-app, with why each message works? That's the Message Museum.
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- How to read 131049 and five other failure codes
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- A grid to score every message, and an 8-week tracker
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