Chances are that you would conduct business interactions through messaging platforms. If you use WhatsApp Business, you may not be there to receive all calls or respond to texts immediately. That is why you need to utilise auto-reply for WhatsApp.

Let’s be honest: if you run a small business, when was the last time you went on a holiday without worrying about missed calls and messages? When was the last weekend where you didn’t have to check your phone for work-related calls or texts? The solution is to automate replies, like auto-reply for WhatsApp.

Why business owners should use an auto-text reply

Before getting into how you should use auto-reply to texts and calls, let’s understand why you should do it.

It makes your business look professional: If you miss a call and your customers or clients don’t get a response, your business will look unprofessional. With auto-reply texts, you bring professional etiquette to your interactions.

No more lost opportunities: The call you miss could be from a client with a business opportunity. Through auto-reply for WhatsApp, for example, you would have kept the conversation alive.

Speedy response to queries: Maybe a customer wants to know why their order is delayed. With an auto-text reply, you can route them to customer care or webchat for assistance.

Better work-life balance: The number one reason you should have an auto-text reply is that work won’t interrupt you when you’re with your family or during off-hours.

How to set up an auto-reply on WhatsApp Business

WhatsApp Business allows you to turn on auto-reply for out of office hours, always, and at specific times. To set an auto-reply during your business hours, you should have specified your business hours in the app. WhatsApp Business allows you to send your auto-reply text to everybody, just your contacts, or to a specified group of people.

How to set it up

Click on the three vertical dots in the corner toward the right of the app
Then, go to Settings
Click on Business Settings
Select Away Message and turn it on
Write your message in the Away field
Choose the schedule you want
Finally, select the recipients

7 WhatsApp Business auto-reply message samples

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“Hi, there! Thank you for contacting us. We’ll get back to you soon. (Your business) Team.”

“Hi, thank you for reaching us. Our team will get in touch with you shortly. Meanwhile, visit us at (website link) for more information.”

Holidays

“Merry Christmas 🎄🤶 and a Happy New Year 🎉! If you have any queries, please let us know. Our team will get in touch with you soon. (Your business) Team.”

“Happy holidays 🎉🎄🎉! Our team is a bit busier than usual and will soon contact you.”

Out-of-business hours

“Hi, thank you for contacting us. We’re currently out of office ⏱ and will get back to you on the next business day.”

“Hi, we’re closed now 🔒 and will be open on (mention the date and time). Meanwhile, you can visit our website (link).

Events

“Hi, due to (mention the issue; for example, system maintenance), we may be a little late in getting back to you. Meanwhile, visit (website link) for your order status.”

Alternatives to WhatsApp Business

For busy businesses that want to send auto-reply messages, second-line apps are a superior alternative to WhatsApp Business. You can quickly and easily set auto-text replies to missed calls on a second-line app.

Plus, you’ll get a dedicated second phone line for work which you will be able to share with customers and clients.

In short

For businesses that want to engage with customers and clients in real time, knowing how to set auto-reply for WhatsApp is important. But it’s also helpful to know about alternatives like second-line apps that provide value-added and privacy-enhancing features.