How to set a welcome message in WhatsApp - briefly?
To set a welcome message in WhatsApp, you can use the "Away Message" feature available on the app's web or desktop version. Simply type your desired message and select the duration for which it should be displayed.
How to set a welcome message in WhatsApp - in detail?
Setting a welcome message in WhatsApp can significantly enhance the user experience by providing immediate information or a personal touch upon joining a group or starting a conversation. Here is a detailed guide on how to set a welcome message in WhatsApp:
For Individual Chats:
WhatsApp does not have a built-in feature for setting an automatic welcome message in individual chats. However, you can achieve this by using a third-party bot or service that integrates with WhatsApp. Here are the steps to set up a welcome message using a bot service like Twilio:
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Create a Twilio Account: Sign up for a Twilio account if you don't already have one. You will need a phone number from Twilio to send and receive messages.
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Set Up Webhook: Configure a webhook in your Twilio console that points to your server. This webhook will handle incoming messages.
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Write Server Code: Write server-side code (e.g., using Node.js or Python) to respond to the webhook. When a new message is received, check if it's from a new user and send a welcome message.
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Deploy Your Code: Deploy your server code to a platform like Heroku or AWS. Ensure your server is running and can handle incoming requests.
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Test the Setup: Send a message to your Twilio number from a new contact. The server should detect this as a new user and send the predefined welcome message.
For WhatsApp Business API:
If you are using the WhatsApp Business API, setting up a welcome message is more straightforward:
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Access WhatsApp Business Settings: Log in to your WhatsApp Business account or access the settings through the Meta Business Manager.
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Navigate to Messaging Tools: Go to the "Messaging Tools" section where you can configure automated messages.
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Create a Welcome Message: Look for an option to create an automated welcome message. Here, you can set up a custom text that will be sent to new users or when they initiate a conversation.
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Customize the Message: Personalize your welcome message with relevant information, greetings, or instructions.
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Save and Activate: Save your changes and ensure the welcome message is activated. Test by starting a new conversation to verify that the welcome message is sent correctly.
For WhatsApp Groups:
Setting an automatic welcome message in WhatsApp groups requires using a bot service, as there is no native feature for this. Here's how you can do it with a bot like BotMaker:
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Create a Group: Set up your WhatsApp group and add participants.
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Set Up the Bot Service: Sign up for a bot service like BotMaker, which allows automation in groups.
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Configure Welcome Message: In the bot settings, look for an option to set a welcome message for new members joining the group.
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Customize and Test: Customize your welcome message and test by adding a new member to ensure the message is sent automatically.
Conclusion:
While WhatsApp does not offer native support for setting automatic welcome messages in individual chats, using third-party services or bots can help achieve this functionality. For businesses using the WhatsApp Business API, the process is more streamlined and integrated into the platform's settings. In groups, bot services provide a reliable way to ensure new members receive a welcome message upon joining.