# How to create a block in a journey to send messages

# How do I create a block in a journey to send a messages?

This article explains how to use a journey to **send automated messages** to your customers. Follow these steps to add a Send Message block and customize WhatsApp template variables. This ensures your customers receive personalized automated messages instantly during their workflow.

### In this article, you will learn how to

- **Add a Send Message block** to your journey.
- Configure a WhatsApp Template Message in journey editor with custom variables.
- Fix common errors when setting up message variables.

## Before you start

Before creating a block in a journey to send a messages, make sure you have:
- An **existing journey** to add a Send Message block.
- Pre-approved WhatsApp Template Messages in Meta to **send automated customer messages**.

## How to create a block in a journey to send a messages

1. Log in to your Flownally workspace.
2. Go to the **Journeys** tab.

![](/help-center/03-journeys/02-01-paused-journeys-list.png)

3. Click an existing journey to edit it, or[create a new one](/journeys/create-journey) to open the editor automatically.

![](/help-center/03-journeys/07-journey-blocks/01-01-opened-paused-journey.png)

4. Click on **+** icon to add a new block.
5. Choose the **Send Message** block.

![](/help-center/03-journeys/07-journey-blocks/02-01-select-send-message.png)

6. Select the **WhatsApp Template Message**.
7. **Replace variables** used in the Template Message.
8. You can choose between **typing variable manually** or **choosing contact details**.

![](/help-center/03-journeys/07-journey-blocks/02-02-send-message-block.png)

## What happens after creating a block in a journey to send a messages?

After creating a block in a journey to send a messages, the workflow delivers the automated WhatsApp message to your customer. The system inserts the correct contact details into your template variables automatically. Your team can view the sent message inside the shared inbox right away.

## Troubleshooting

### **Template variables are empty** when trying to save the journey

This happens because **some template variables are empty**. You must **type a value manually** or select contact details for every variable field to fix this.

### WhatsApp template is missing

This occurs because you **don't have Template Messages, or they are not approved** yet. You need to either create a new Template Message in the WhatsApp Manager or wait for the current one to be approved.

## Related articles

- [How to create a block in a journey to update tags](/journeys/journey-blocks/update-tags-block)
- [How to create a HTTP request block in a journey](/journeys/journey-blocks/http-request-block)
- [How to jump to another block in a journey](/journeys/journey-blocks/jump-to-block)
- [How to create a block in a chatbot to send messages](/chatbots/chatbot-blocks/send-message-block)