Running a business is hard work. People message at all hours. You can’t always reply right away. WhatsApp auto-replies can help. They answer when you can’t. Let’s learn how to set them up.
Table of Contents
What Is WhatsApp Auto Reply?
WhatsApp auto reply is a simple tool. It sends instant messages to people who contact your business. These messages go out even when you’re busy or sleeping. You can create greetings, away messages, and quick answers.
It works like a receptionist for your WhatsApp. Someone messages you at midnight? They still get a response. Are you in a meeting all day? Customers know you’ll get back to them soon.
Benefits of WhatsApp Auto Reply
Using auto replies helps your business in many ways:
- No more typing the same answers over and over. Set it up once and you’re done.
- Customers always get a response. Even at 2 AM, they know their message was received.
- People know when to expect your real reply. This sets clear expectations.
- Quick responses make your business look professional. People trust businesses that respond quickly.
- Interested customers stay interested. Wait too long to reply, and they might go elsewhere.
- Customers feel valued. Nobody likes being ignored when they reach out to a business.
Limitations of WhatsApp Auto Reply
Auto replies are helpful but not perfect:
- They can’t understand complex questions. They just send what you program them to send.
- They don’t know your customers personally. Basic auto-replies say the same thing to everyone.
- You need to spend time setting them up right. Good messages take thought.
- Some auto-replies sound fake. People can tell when it’s not a real person.
- They don’t replace real conversations. They just buy you time until you can talk to the customer yourself.
Pro Tip
Keep It Short and Sweet:
Auto replies should be concise and easy to understand. Customers won’t read long messages, especially when they’re looking for quick information. Ensure your message is straightforward and to the point.
Setting Up Auto Reply in the WhatsApp Business App
Let’s set up your auto replies now:
Step 1: Download WhatsApp Business
Get WhatsApp Business from your app store. It’s free to download.
Step 2: Set up your business profile
Open the app. Fill in your business details. Add your name, what you sell, where you’re located, and your business hours. This helps customers know who they’re talking to.
Step 3: Access Messaging Tools
Tap the three dots in the top right corner. Choose “Business tools” from the menu. Then tap “Away messages.”
Step 4: Create Away Messages
Turn on away messages with the toggle switch. Now you need to:
- Write your message
- Choose when to send it (always, custom times, or after hours)
- Pick who gets it (everyone or just people not in your contacts)
A good away message might be: “Thanks for your message! We’re currently closed but will respond tomorrow morning at 9 AM. For urgent issues, please call 555-123-4567.”
Step 5: Set Up Greeting Messages
Go back to Business Tools. Select “Greeting message.” Turn it on. Write a friendly welcome for first-time customers.
A simple greeting could be: “Hello! Thanks for contacting our shop. How can we help you today?”
Step 6: Create Quick Replies
Quick replies save time when you’re chatting. Find them in Business Tools. Tap the “+” to make a new one. Each quick reply needs:
- A shortcut (like /hours or /thanks)
- Your full message
- Any images or files you want to include
When chatting, type your shortcut and the full message appears instantly.
Step 7: Test Your Auto Replies
Ask someone to message your business number. Check if your auto-replies work correctly. Fix anything that doesn’t look right.
How to Set Up Auto Reply in WhatsApp Business Web
Want to set up auto replies on your computer? Here’s how:
Step 1: Access WhatsApp Web
Go to web.whatsapp.com on your computer. Scan the QR code with your phone.
Step 2: Find Business Tools
Click the three dots in the left panel. Select “Business tools.”
Step 3: Configure Auto Replies
Follow the same steps as on the app. The web version makes typing longer messages easier.
WhatsApp Auto Reply Use Cases
Different businesses use auto replies in different ways:
- Retail Stores: “Thanks for your message! Our store is open 10 AM – 8 PM Monday-Saturday. Looking for a specific item? Let us know, and we’ll check if it’s in stock.”
- Restaurants: “Thank you for contacting us! Our current wait time is about 30 minutes. Want to order takeout instead? Our menu is at [website].”
- Hair Salons: “Thanks for reaching out! We’re with clients right now. What service are you interested in? Let us know your preferred date and time.”
- Online Shops: “Thanks for your message! Need to track your order? Reply with your order number. Need to return something? We’ll send instructions when we’re back online.”
- Professional Services: “Thank you for contacting us. Please briefly describe what you need help with. One of our team members will get back to you within 24 hours.”
Using AutoChat AI Agent for Personalised Auto Replies
The basic WhatsApp auto replies work fine. But they’re pretty simple. AutoChat takes things to the next level.
How AutoChat Makes Your WhatsApp Better:
- It understands questions. AutoChat doesn’t just send canned responses. It reads messages and responds intelligently.
- It gets smarter over time. The more your customers use it, the better it gets.
- It handles complicated questions. It can help customers with complex issues like booking appointments or tracking orders.
- It speaks multiple languages. Customers can chat in their preferred language.
- It knows when to get a human. When things get too complicated, it passes the conversation to you.
Setting Up AutoChat for WhatsApp:
- Sign up for AutoChat on their website
- Connect your WhatsApp Business account
- Add your common questions and answers
- Create conversation flows
- Launch and watch it work
A café owner recently said, “Before using AutoChat, we missed lots of booking requests. Now our AI assistant handles bookings 24/7, and business has increased by 40%.”
A realtor mentioned, “AutoChat answers all the basic property questions immediately. By the time I follow up personally, clients are already excited to view the property.”
Conclusion
WhatsApp auto replies are essential for any business using WhatsApp. They keep conversations going even when you’re not available.
Setting up basic auto replies takes just minutes. Your customers get instant responses. You get more time to focus on running your business. Everyone wins.
Start with the basic WhatsApp Business auto replies today. They’re free and easy to use. Once you see how helpful they are, consider upgrading to AutoChat for smarter conversations that turn prospects into customers.
Want better WhatsApp conversations with less work? Try AutoChat’s AI-powered auto replies. They’re personalised, intelligent, and work 24/7. Sign up at the AutoChat website for a free trial. Watch your customer satisfaction grow while your workload shrinks!
FAQs
No, auto-replies are only available on WhatsApp Business accounts.
No, WhatsApp Business auto-replies are not sent in group chats by default. They are only sent to individual contacts.
No, WhatsApp Business auto-replies currently support only text-based messages.
