How to set up an automatic message on WhatsApp?

How to set up an automatic message on WhatsApp - briefly?

To set up an automatic message on WhatsApp, you can use the app's built-in features or third-party services. WhatsApp itself allows setting away messages, which are automatically sent when you're busy. For more advanced automation, consider using third-party apps like IFTTT or Zapier to create custom triggers and responses.

How to set up an automatic message on WhatsApp - in detail?

Setting up an automatic message on WhatsApp can be a useful feature for businesses or individuals who want to ensure they don't miss any important messages while they are away. Here’s a detailed guide on how to set this up:

First, you need to understand that WhatsApp doesn't have a built-in automatic reply function like some other messaging platforms. However, there are workarounds using third-party services or bots that can help automate your responses. One of the most popular methods is using a service called "Twilio" in combination with a bot platform such as "Dialogflow".

Step 1: Set Up Twilio Account

1. Sign up for Twilio: Visit the Twilio website and create an account. You will need to provide your phone number and some basic information.
2. Get a Phone Number: Once you have set up your account, purchase a Twilio phone number. This number will be used to send and receive WhatsApp messages.

Step 2: Configure Twilio for WhatsApp

1. Enable WhatsApp on Twilio: Go to the Twilio Console, select your phone number, and enable WhatsApp. You will need to provide a display name for your business and set up a welcome message.
2. Webhook Configuration: Set up a webhook URL that Twilio can use to send incoming messages to your bot platform (like Dialogflow). This URL will be where your bot listens for messages.

Step 3: Create a Bot Using Dialogflow

1. Sign Up for Dialogflow: Go to the Dialogflow website and create an account if you don’t already have one.
2. Create a New Agent: In Dialogflow, click on “Create Agent” and give your bot a name. Choose the default time zone and language.
3. Set Up Intents: Intents are what your bot will respond to. Create intents for common messages you expect to receive (e.g., "Hello", "I need help", etc.). For each intent, provide training phrases and define responses.
4. Integrate with Twilio: Use the Dialogflow fulfillment webhook to connect it with Twilio. This involves setting up a server that can handle HTTP requests from Twilio and forward them to Dialogflow.

Step 4: Code Your Fulfillment Webhook

1. Set Up a Server: You need a server to act as an intermediary between Twilio and Dialogflow. You can use services like Google Cloud Functions, AWS Lambda, or even your own server.
2. Write the Code: Write the code that listens for incoming messages from Twilio, forwards them to Dialogflow, and then sends the bot's response back to Twilio. Here’s a basic example using Node.js:

const express = require('express');
const bodyParser = require('body-parser');
const request = require('request');
const app = express();
app.use(bodyParser.json());
app.post('/webhook', (req, res) => {
 const msg = req.body.Body;
 request({
 method: 'POST',
 uri: 'https://dialogflow.googleapis.com/v2/projects/YOUR_PROJECT_ID/agent/sessions/YOUR_SESSION_ID:detectIntent',
 json: {
 queryInput: {
 text: {
 text: msg,
 languageCode: 'en-US'
 }
 }
 }
 }, (error, response, body) => {
 if (error) {
 console.log(error);
 } else {
 const result = body.queryResult.fulfillmentText;
 res.send(`<Response><Message>${result}</Message></Response>`);
 }
 });
});
app.listen(3000, () => console.log('Server running on port 3000'));

Step 5: Test Your Setup

1. Send a Test Message: Use your Twilio number to send a WhatsApp message to yourself and check if the bot responds correctly.
2. Debug Any Issues: If there are any problems, check the logs on both Twilio and Dialogflow to debug and fix issues.

By following these steps, you can effectively set up an automatic message system on WhatsApp using third-party services like Twilio and Dialogflow. This setup allows you to ensure that your messages are handled efficiently even when you're not available to respond manually.