How to Set Up WhatsApp Business Auto-Reply for Your Shop

Is running your kedai or restaurant in Johor Bahru keeping you busy from morning till night? Spending all day glued to your phone answering WhatsApp messages from customers? Imagine trying to juggle orders, deliveries, and customer service – it’s exhausting! Let’s talk about how setting up WhatsApp Business auto-reply can be a game-changer for your business, freeing up your time and ensuring no customer feels ignored.

Why WhatsApp Auto-Reply is a Must-Have for Malaysian SMEs

In Malaysia, WhatsApp is king. Almost everyone uses it, from ordering nasi lemak to arranging Grab rides. If your business isn’t on WhatsApp, you’re missing out. And simply being on WhatsApp isn’t enough. You need to be responsive. Customers expect near-instant replies, and that’s where auto-reply comes in. Think of it as a digital receptionist, always on duty.

Here’s why it’s crucial:

• 24/7 Availability: Even when you’re sleeping or busy packing orders, your business is still “open.”
• Instant Acknowledgement: Let customers know their message is received. This prevents frustration.
• Consistent Information: Provide standardized answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs).
• Time Savings: Automate responses to common inquiries, freeing you to focus on more important tasks.
• Improved Customer Service: Faster response times lead to happier customers.

Consider a customer messaging you at 11 PM asking if you deliver to Taman Molek. Without auto-reply, they might have to wait until the next morning for a response. With auto-reply, they instantly get a message confirming delivery areas and operating hours. Much better, right?

Setting Up Your WhatsApp Business Auto-Reply: A Step-by-Step Guide

Setting up auto-replies on WhatsApp Business is surprisingly simple. Here’s how:

1. Download WhatsApp Business: If you’re not already using it, download the WhatsApp Business app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. It’s free!
2. Access Business Tools: Open WhatsApp Business and tap on the three dots (menu) in the top right corner. Select “Business Tools.”
3. Choose Away Message: Under “Business Tools,” you’ll find the “Away message” option. This is your auto-reply.
4. Customize Your Message: Write a clear and helpful message. Here are some examples:
   • “Thank you for contacting [Your Business Name]! We’ve received your message and will get back to you within [ timeframe, e.g., 2 hours]. For urgent inquiries, please call us at [phone number].”
   • “Selamat datang ke [Your Business Name]! Terima kasih atas mesej anda. Kami akan membalas secepat mungkin. Untuk tempahan, sila layari [website address].”
   • “欢迎来到[Your Business Name]! 感谢您的留言。 我们会尽快回复您。 如需订购，请访问 [website address].”
5. Set the Schedule: Choose when your auto-reply will be sent. You can select:
   • Always send: Sends the auto-reply to all messages outside of your defined business hours.
   • Custom schedule: Specify specific days and times to send the auto-reply.
   • Outside of business hours: Sends the auto-reply only when it’s outside your regular operating hours (set in your business profile).
6. Choose Recipients: Decide who will receive the auto-reply:
   • Everyone: Sends to all contacts.
   • Not in address book: Sends to contacts not saved in your phonebook.
   • Everyone except…: Sends to all contacts except those you select.
   • Only send to…: Sends only to contacts you select.

Experiment with different messages and schedules to find what works best for your business.

Advanced WhatsApp Automation: Beyond Basic Auto-Reply

While the built-in WhatsApp Business auto-reply is a great starting point, it has limitations. For instance, you can’t create complex workflows or personalized responses based on customer inquiries. This is where dedicated WhatsApp automation comes in.

With GX Automation’s WhatsApp solutions, we can help you:

• Build interactive chatbots: Guide customers through a series of questions to understand their needs and provide relevant information. See examples of this on our /showroom.
• Automate bookings and appointments: Allow customers to book services directly through WhatsApp.
• Capture leads and qualify prospects: Collect customer information and automatically segment them based on their interests.
• Integrate with your CRM: Seamlessly sync WhatsApp data with your existing customer relationship management system.

Imagine a customer asking about your menu. Instead of a generic auto-reply, a chatbot could ask them their preferred cuisine, dietary restrictions, and location, then recommend specific dishes and provide ordering instructions, all within WhatsApp.

We believe in providing powerful tools at accessible prices. Our one-time payment model, ranging from RM 2,688 to RM 7,688, means you avoid ongoing monthly subscription fees. You might also be interested in our /pricing.

Optimizing Your Auto-Reply for Maximum Impact

Here are a few tips to make your WhatsApp auto-reply even more effective:

• Keep it concise: Get straight to the point. No one wants to read a lengthy wall of text.
• Use clear and simple language: Avoid jargon or overly technical terms. Remember, your audience is diverse.
• Include essential information: Provide key details like your business hours, contact information, and website address.
• Set expectations: Tell customers when they can expect a response.
• Offer alternatives: If you can’t respond immediately, provide alternative ways for customers to get help, such as calling you or visiting your website. For example, if you are running an e-commerce store on Shopee, you can direct users to your store page to browse available products.
• Monitor and adjust: Regularly review your auto-reply and make changes based on customer feedback and common inquiries. You can use our free website /audit tool to check other ways to improve customer experience on your website.

By following these tips, you can create a WhatsApp auto-reply that not only saves you time but also enhances your customer service.

Ready to Supercharge Your WhatsApp Marketing?

Setting up WhatsApp auto-reply is a quick and easy way to improve your customer service and free up your time. But if you’re looking for even more powerful automation solutions, GX Automation can help. We specialize in creating high-performance websites and WhatsApp automation systems for Malaysian SMEs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you grow your business.

Click here to start your WhatsApp automation journey: https://wa.me/60169383640