WhatsApp marketing for Diwali and festive sales: templates that work

Festive season is when Indian customers expect offers, and WhatsApp messages get read far more often than email. But it is also when inboxes are most crowded. These templates and tips help your message stand out without getting your number reported.

Plan two to three weeks ahead

• Create and submit templates early. Approval is usually quick, but rejections need time to fix.
• Clean your contact list and segment it: past buyers, recent enquiries, city-wise.
• Warm up your number with smaller sends so your daily messaging limit is high enough on the big day.

Template ideas (adapt and submit as Marketing)

Early access: "Hi {{1}}, Diwali came early at {{2}}! As a valued customer you get 20% off before everyone else, till Sunday. Tap below to shop." Buttons: Shop now · Stop promotions

Dhanteras: "Shubh Dhanteras, {{1}}! Our gold and silver collection is now in store with making charges at just {{2}}. Reply BOOK to reserve a visit."

Last chance: "{{1}}, our festive sale ends tonight at midnight. Your cart is still waiting. Complete your order and get free delivery."

Thank you: "Thank you for celebrating with us, {{1}}! Here is ₹{{2}} off your next order with code {{3}}. Wishing you and your family a very happy Diwali."

Timing and targeting

• Send between 11 am and 1 pm or 7 pm and 9 pm, and avoid early mornings and late nights.
• Send no more than two or three festive messages per customer across the season.
• Use images: a clear product photo or offer banner usually gets more replies than text alone.
• Write in the language your customers use. A Hindi version for Hindi-speaking regions often performs better.

Handle the replies

A good campaign brings a wave of replies. Make sure a chatbot answers the common questions (price, stock, delivery time) instantly, and that your team can pick up the rest from a shared inbox. Replies are free to answer within 24 hours.