WhatsApp automation
First message auto-reply
Never leave a new WhatsApp inquiry hanging. Send an instant acknowledgment with plain text or a Meta-approved template—mapped to real contact and business fields—exactly when your rules say the first message qualifies.
You control the timing
Different businesses need different rules. ChitChase supports two modes out of the box:
- First message in the conversation (ever) — Ideal when you want a single welcome the first time someone messages that thread.
- First message after a new service window — When roughly 24+ hours have passed since the customer’s last message, their next message can trigger your auto-reply again—great for re-engagement after long gaps.
What you can send
- Plain text — Fast, simple, and perfect for “Thanks, we’ll reply shortly” style messages inside the normal messaging session.
- Approved WhatsApp templates — Choose from templates already approved for that phone number. Map each variable slot to contact name, phone formats, business name, or safe literals. Templates that require a header image or video upload are not eligible for this automation.
First reply vs full AI funnel
First message auto-reply is deliberately focused: one qualifying send per your rule. If you need a multi-step qualification flow with suggest or auto-reply across the whole conversation, use the AI sales funnel instead. Only one of these features can be active per WhatsApp number—so your automation story stays clear to customers and your team.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use a WhatsApp template for the auto-reply?
- Yes, as long as the template is approved for that number and does not require header media you must upload per send. You map variables to contact and business fields (or literals) in ChitChase.
- When exactly does it fire?
- You pick either the first qualifying customer message in the conversation ever, or the first one after a new service window (typically 24+ hours since their last message—configurable).
- Can this run at the same time as the AI sales funnel?
- No. They are mutually exclusive per phone number so you never stack conflicting automations.