How to Automatically Reply to Inbound WhatsApp Messages with Manychat

Respond to Whatsapp header

So you’re a WhatsApp user and thinking about making the jump into the world of Manychat. This is a genius idea. (We’re biased, we know) especially when you’re drowning in all those inbound messages. 

A WhatsApp user can drive their engagement to the next level with Manychat by automating conversations, delivering personalized messages, and managing customer interactions around the clock — like having a 24/7 assistant who never needs a nap, a cup of coffee, all while driving your WhatsApp marketing and is always happy to answer the same repetitive questions. (But shhh — no one knows it’s an auto-reply.) 

Here’s the lowdown on why Manychat and WhatsApp are a match made in social media heaven:

  • Automated Customer Support
    Set up chat flows to instantly answer common message questions, like business hours, product details, or FAQs, without lifting a finger. No more juggling between DMs — just a whole lot of the quick reply. 
  • Broadcast Messages
    Send targeted messages to your audience, such as promotions, updates, or reminders, directly through WhatsApp, making sure they never miss an important announcement. This is your secret weapon for customer support. 
  • Lead Generation
    Create interactive flows that ask users questions and guide them through the process of signing up for your services or newsletters, all through WhatsApp — no manual effort required. This is the power of the chatbot. 
  • Follow-Up Messages
    Set up drip campaigns to follow up with customers after they’ve started to chat with your business. Whether it’s sending a thank-you note after a purchase or sharing related products, Manychat keeps the personalized conversations going.
  • Personalized Engagement
    Use Manychat to personalize your messages based on customer data, making each conversation feel tailored to the individual.

But what about setting up permanent automations and evergreen marketing campaigns using WhatsApp?

We’re going to break down how automations work like a charm, running your customer interactions on autopilot. Plus, we’ll explore how evergreen campaigns keep new contacts engaged effortlessly — day after day, without lifting a finger.

Key Features We’re About to Crush:

  • Wrapping your head around permanent automations and why they’re your new BFF.
  • Cooking up evergreen marketing campaigns that keep your new contacts hooked thanks to that Manychat account. 
  • Mastering the art of conditions and triggers in Manychat’s flow builder.
  • Crafting personalized messages so smooth, they’ll think you’re texting them personally.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Creating Permanent Automations

  • Access WhatsApp Settings: Navigate to your settings tab and locate the WhatsApp section.
  • Explore Default Reply: Click on default reply to begin creating your permanent automation.
  • Edit Default Reply: Modify the existing default reply or duplicate it to create a new one.
  • Enter Flow Builder: Once inside the flow builder, understand each component of your automation.
  • Set the First Step: Click on when user sends a message to begin defining the automation’s trigger.
  • Choose Trigger Type: Choose between triggering the flow for unrecognized messages or once every 24 hours.
  • Use Conditions: Add conditions to your automation, like the current time condition for working hours.
  • Add Time-Based Conditions: Configure conditions based on business hours and days, considering military time.
  • Refine Conditions for Special Days: Incorporate exceptions like Saturdays with different operating hours.
  • Set Condition Logic: Modify the condition logic to ensure accurate segmentation of contacts.

Crafting Evergreen Marketing Campaigns

  • Create a Message: Design the message you want to send to new contacts. For example, “Hi there, [first name]. We have a secret VIP list…”
  • Add a Button: Enhance the message by adding interactive elements like buttons.
  • Define Timing Strategy: Choose when you want to send the message — either within 24 hours or after a specific time.
  • Opt for Smart Delay: To stay within 24 hours, set a “smart delay” and attach it to your message.
  • Extend Timing Beyond 24 Hours: For messages sent beyond 24 hours, use marketing templates.
  • Connect the Messaging Template: Attach the messaging template you created for the specific text inside the smart delay.
  • Create a Trigger: Set a trigger for your automation by selecting “new contact created” in the flow builder.
  • Complete the Flow: Finish setting up your flow by adding subsequent steps.

Wrapping It Up with a Manychat Bow

You’ve successfully created a permanent automation and an evergreen marketing campaign using WhatsApp in Manychat. These tools empower you to engage seamlessly with your audience while ensuring personalized interactions. Remember to click update to publish and apply your changes. In the next lesson, we’ll dive into keywords and connect your WhatsApp to your Facebook and Instagram ads. 

With this guide, you’ve unlocked the power of permanent automations and evergreen marketing campaigns within Manychat’s WhatsApp chat capabilities (basically, you’re now a marketing wizard 🧙‍♂️). By following the steps provided, you can craft tailored automated messages and deliver them at just the right moment, keeping new contacts engaged and wondering if you ever sleep — thanks to your ability to quick-reply while they’re none the wiser. 

These WhatsApp marketing strategies enhance customer interactions and make your marketing life a whole lot easier. Keep exploring and applying these techniques to watch your WhatsApp marketing game soar. See you in the next lesson — don’t leave me hanging! ✌️

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The contents of this blog were independently prepared and are for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ManyChat or any other party. Individual results may vary.