Guides › Customer Support
Set up friendly WhatsApp Business auto-replies
Write a welcome message, an out-of-hours away message and a set of quick replies so WhatsApp customers always get a helpful first response.
When to use it
Once, then update when your hours or offers change
Step by step
List what people message you about
Scroll through recent WhatsApp chats and note the 5 to 8 questions that come up most, such as opening hours, prices, booking and delivery.
Ask your AI assistant to write the messages
Paste this prompt into ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini.
Prompt to copyI run [business type] and use WhatsApp Business. My opening hours: [hours]. Common questions: [list]. Write: 1) a greeting message for first-time chatters (under 40 words), 2) an away message for outside hours that says when I'll reply and where to find urgent info (under 40 words), 3) a quick reply for each common question (under 50 words each), with a short shortcut word for each, like /hours or /prices. Tone: friendly, local, British English. Use [brackets] where I need to add details.Add them in WhatsApp Business
In the WhatsApp Business app, open Business tools and set up the Greeting message, Away message and Quick replies. Paste each message and its shortcut.
Test it from another phone
Ask a friend to message you, then try typing / in a chat to check your quick replies appear.
What you get
Away message: Thanks for your message! We're closed right now but will reply by 10am tomorrow. Opening times and prices are on our catalogue. /booking: You can book a slot here [link]. Pick any time that suits and you'll get a confirmation straight away.
Tips
- These features are in the free WhatsApp Business app, not regular WhatsApp, so switch if you're using your personal account for work.
- Keep the away message honest about reply times; a promise you keep beats a fast one you miss.