How to Set Up WhatsApp Business Auto-Replies

Types of automated replies in WhatsApp Business

The standard WhatsApp Business application offers three types of native automation tools:

• Greeting Messages: Sent automatically when a customer messages you for the first time or after 14 days of inactivity.
• Away Messages: Sent during off-business hours to let customers know when you will be back online.
• Quick Replies: Keyboard shortcuts for frequently sent templates (e.g. typing /thanks sends a full thank-you note).

Step-by-step: Setting up greeting messages

Welcome new prospects and set expectations immediately with a friendly greeting message:

1. Open the WhatsApp Business app and tap Settings or Business Tools.
2. Select Greeting message.
3. Toggle Send greeting message on.
4. Tap the edit icon to write your custom welcome message.
5. Set the recipient list (e.g., "Everyone not in the address book" is recommended for businesses).
6. Tap Save.

Step-by-step: Configuring away messages

Let customers know your team is away so they don't look elsewhere for help:

1. Navigate to Business Tools and select Away message.
2. Toggle Send away message on.
3. Edit the text to include your business hours and when you will reply.
4. Set the Schedule (e.g., "Outside of business hours" requires you to have configured your profile business hours).
5. Select recipients and tap Save.

Best practices for automated WhatsApp messages

• Be human: Use warm, conversational language. Avoid overly formal text.
• Use formatting: Use bold (*text*), italics (_text_), and emojis to make your messages easy to read.
• Provide alternative links: If you are away, include a link to your website, FAQ page, or product catalog.
• Integrate custom links: Use LinkWA links with pre-filled keywords to trigger specific auto-replies based on what users click.