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Do I need variable mapping in MyOperator, and how do I set fallback values?

Variable Mapping and Fallback Values for WhatsApp Templates


Quick answer


  • Variable mapping appears only when your selected WhatsApp template contains placeholders such as {{1}}, {{2}}. If the template has no variables, the mapping step is skipped and you proceed straight to contact upload.
  • A fallback value is default text (e.g., "Customer", "User") that appears when a variable in your upload file is blank. Set each fallback on the Variable Mapping screen so every recipient sees a complete, professional message—even if some data is missing.


When should I use this guide?


  • Open it right after choosing a template in the campaign builder, so you know whether you must match spreadsheet columns to template variables.


  • Use it immediately after you upload your Excel/CSV audience file and before you launch a personalised WhatsApp campaign. Correct fallbacks prevent broken messages and template rejections.



1. Decision flow — Do you need mapping?


Does your template contain variables (e.g., {{1}}, {{2}})?


You encounter mapping if:


  • The template preview shows placeholders like {{x}}.


  • You’ve uploaded an Excel or CSV audience file.



2. When you’ll see the Variable Mapping screen


Answer

What happens

❌ No

Skip Variable Mapping → proceed to contact upload & scheduling

✅ Yes

Variable Mapping screen appears → match each placeholder to a column in your Excel/CSV



3. What to do on the mapping screen


  • Match variables – link each placeholder ({{1}}) to a column header (e.g., customer_name).


  • Set fallback values – optional defaults such as "Customer" or "User".


  • Preview – verify personalisation with the first rows of data.



4. Fallback values in detail


4.1 Why use a fallback?


  • Prevents messages from failing when data is missing


  • Keeps tone professional and user-friendly


  • Maintains campaign continuity without delays


  • Protects template approval by avoiding broken personalisation


4.2 Before/after example


Template: Hi {{1}}, your order of Rs{{2}} will be delivered on {{3}}.


Scenario

Message output

Result

Without fallback

Hi, your order of Rs 1499 will be delivered on 25 July 2025.

❌ Awkward, broken message

With fallback "Customer"

Hi Customer, your order of Rs 1499 will be delivered on 25 July 2025.

✅ Clean, professional output


4.3 Where to set fallback values (step-by-step)


  1. Select the template that you want to use for the campaign.



  1. Upload the contact list on which you want to run the campaign.



  1. Enter a Fallback Value next to each variable (e.g., Customer, User).




  1. Click on Next to run the campaign with fallbacks applied.



5. Edge cases & fixes


5.1 Variable-mapping edge cases


Scenario

System behaviour

Fix

Template has no variables

Mapping step skipped

None needed

Upload missing mapped columns

Error prompts upload of the correct file

Add missing headers

Variables left unmapped

Messages won’t send

Map all variables or set fallbacks


5.2 Fallback-specific edge cases


Issue

Impact

Recommended action

No fallback + missing data

The message may fail or look broken

Always define a fallback

Fallback too long

May truncate or trigger template rejection

Keep ≤ 25 characters

Unsupported fallback types

Media or rich content not allowed

Use plain text only

Visual mismatch

The layout may look off in the preview

Test with sample data & preview



6. Outcome & confirmation


After mapping, the Preview Panel updates with real values or fallbacks. Confirmation message: "Variables mapped successfully — preview updated."



7. Best practices and pro tips


  • Preview multiple rows to catch mismatches.


  • Use clear column names (name, amount, due_date).


  • Define fallbacks for critical variables (e.g., "Customer").


  • If the template has no variables, focus on audience quality instead.


  • Use neutral fallbacks like "Customer" or "User" for universal readability.


  • Keep fallbacks policy-compliant (no promotional text inside Utility templates).


  • Save your most-used fallbacks for reuse across campaigns.



8. Summary


Fallback values safeguard campaigns against missing data. Define them during variable mapping, keep them concise, and always preview before launch for error-free WhatsApp messaging.


Keywords: fallback value, variable mapping, WhatsApp template, blank variable, MyOperator

Updated on: 12/01/2026