How to set up a WhatsApp Business greeting message
A greeting message is an automatic reply sent to a customer the first time they message you — or after 14 days of inactivity. It's the cheapest way to acknowledge customers instantly, set expectations, and qualify the lead before a human gets involved.
The free Business app supports a single static greeting. The Business API lets you trigger conditional greetings based on time, location, or chatbot flow. Here's how to set up both.
- 1
Open Business tools
On the Business app: tap Settings (Android) or three dots (iOS) > Business tools > Greeting message. Toggle it on.
- 2
Write a short greeting
Keep it under 200 characters. Include the brand name, what you do, expected response time, and one CTA. Example: 'Hi 👋 thanks for messaging Acme Cycles! We reply within 1 hour, 9am–7pm IST. Reply 1 to see today's offers.'
- 3
Set the recipients
Choose 'Everyone', 'Everyone not in address book', 'Everyone except…', or 'Only send to…'. For B2C support, 'Everyone' is usually right.
- 4
On the API, build a chatbot trigger
In LandinChat, create a chatbot flow with trigger 'First message' and an action 'Send template message'. Add buttons (Order status, Talk to human, Catalog) for self-service.
- 5
Track open and reply rates
Check the inbox weekly: if customers ignore the greeting, shorten it or change the CTA.
Pro tips
- → Don't pretend the bot is a human — say 'auto-reply' upfront to build trust.
- → Localize the greeting by language using the API + a language detector.
- → Pair the greeting with an Away message for fully covered after-hours support.
Frequently asked questions
When is the greeting message sent?
On first contact and after 14 days of inactivity.
Can I send images in a greeting?
Free Business app: text only. API: text, image, video, document, or template with header media.
Does it count as a conversation on the API?
Yes — the first auto-reply triggers a 'service' conversation (free in the first 1,000/month per WhatsApp account).
Read next
Apply it in your industry
Official references
Skip the setup. Use LandinChat.
Official Meta Tech Partner powering WhatsApp marketing for 500+ businesses worldwide. Broadcasts, chatbot, shared inbox, integrations — one flat plan.
See pricing