WhatsApp for Business: How to Automate Replies, Bookings and Orders
In the Gulf, Europe, Asia and increasingly the USA, customers would rather message a business on WhatsApp than call. That is great for convenience, and hard on your team when messages pile up. Here is how to stay fast without being glued to your phone.
Level 1: the free WhatsApp Business app
- Business profile with address, hours, website and catalogue.
- Greeting message for first-time chats.
- Away message outside business hours.
- Quick replies for common answers such as prices, location and hours.
- Labels to sort new customers, orders and follow-ups.
This is enough for many very small businesses.
Level 2: WhatsApp automation with the Business Platform
When you get many messages a day, an assistant connected to the WhatsApp Business Platform (API) can:
- Answer common questions instantly, 24/7.
- Book appointments straight into your calendar.
- Take food or product orders and send them to your team.
- Send booking reminders and order updates (with the customer’s permission).
- Pass the chat to a person whenever needed.
The platform has its own per-conversation fees set by Meta, plus the cost of the assistant itself.
Rules to follow
- Only message customers who contacted you or opted in.
- Do not send spam or bulk promotions without permission.
- Tell people when they are talking to an assistant.
Link it with your website
Put a WhatsApp button on every page so visitors can start a chat in one tap. Answer four quick questions below and we will suggest the right WhatsApp setup for your business, free.
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