Articles on: MyOperator

How does variable mapping work in WhatsApp campaigns?

Variable Mapping


Variable mapping connects template placeholders (like {{1}}, {{2}}) to columns in your uploaded Excel/CSV file. This makes your WhatsApp campaign personalized at scale, ensuring each recipient sees content tailored to them.



What Are Template Variables?


In your template, placeholders look like this:


Hi {{1}}, your payment of ₹{{2}} was received on {{3}}.


  • {{1}} → Name
  • {{2}} → Amount
  • {{3}} → Payment Date


Each placeholder must be linked (mapped) to a real data column from your file.



Example: Variable Mapping


Template Placeholder

Excel Column Header

Example Value

{{1}}

customer_name

John Doe

{{2}}

amount

1,500

{{3}}

payment_date

25 July 2025


Resulting message → “Hi John Doe, your payment of ₹1,500 was received on 25 July 2025.”



How the Mapping Process Works


  1. Select a Template → Contains placeholders ({{1}}, {{2}}, etc.).
  2. Upload Audience File → Excel/CSV with headers matching your data.
  3. Go to Variable Mapping Screen → Each placeholder is listed.
  4. Map Variables → Choose the correct column from the dropdown.
  • Example: {{1}} → customer_name
  • Optionally, set fallback values for missing data.
  1. Preview Before Sending → Check how the message looks with sample rows.



Edge Cases to Watch For


Warning : Always set fallback values for critical fields to prevent failed or incomplete messages.


Issue

Behavior

Fix

Missing required columns

Mapping fails or warnings appear

Add required headers before upload

Incorrect pairing

Wrong data inserted into message

Review Preview carefully

Blank values (no fallback)

Message may fail or appear incomplete

Always set fallback values

Extra columns in file

Ignored by system

No action needed



Pro Tips


  • Use clear column names (e.g., name, amount, due_date).
  • Always preview 2–3 rows to catch mistakes before launch.
  • Add fallbacks for critical fields (e.g., “Customer” if Name is blank).
  • Save your upload file as a reusable template for future campaigns.



Summary


  • Variables ({{1}}, {{2}}, etc.) in templates must be mapped to Excel/CSV columns.
  • Correct mapping = smooth personalization at scale.
  • Always preview and set fallbacks to avoid failed or incorrect sends.

Updated on: 23/09/2025