First impressions matter, especially when running a business on WhatsApp. The moment a customer messages you, they’re already forming an opinion. A great greeting message can make them feel valued, set the right expectations, and even spark their interest in your products or services.

But a greeting isn’t just a simple “hello.” It’s your chance to introduce your brand’s personality, build trust, and create a connection from the start. The right message makes customers feel welcome and encourages them to engage with you.

Not sure how to write the perfect WhatsApp Business greeting or auto-reply? No worries! This guide walks you through everything—why they matter, how to write them, and the best examples for different situations. Let’s get started!

What Are WhatsApp Business Greeting and Auto-Reply Messages?

WhatsApp auto-reply and greeting messages are instant automated responses that engage customers. WhatsApp Business greetings and auto-reply messages help businesses respond instantly, helping you attend to your customers instantly.  

A greeting message is the first response a customer receives when they message your business for the first time or after a long gap. An auto-reply ensures they get an immediate response even when you're unavailable.

These messages do more than just acknowledge a customer. They introduce your business, set expectations, and keep conversations flowing. A well-crafted message makes a strong first impression and keeps customers engaged.

Businesses use greeting and auto-reply messages to:

• Welcome customers and establish a connection.
• Provide essential details about products or services.
• Set clear expectations for response times.
• Ensure smooth communication even outside business hours.

Recommended Reading: “How to Set up a Greeting Message”.

Why are WhatsApp Auto Replies and Greeting Messages Important?

Imagine walking into a store and no one greets you. Feels off, right? That’s exactly how it feels when a customer messages your business and gets silence in return.

In today’s age of real-time conversations, response time is everything. Customers expect quick, personalized interactions. According to a Forbes report, customers typically wait only 1 to 5 minutes for a reply.  

Here’s why WhatsApp auto-replies and greeting messages are important:

1. Welcome Shoppers Instantly

Your WhatsApp greeting message is often the first interaction a shopper has with your brand. Making a good impression early can influence whether they stay, browse, and buy.

Auto replies and greeting messages:

• Helps customers feel acknowledged as soon as they reach out.
• Sets a professional and friendly tone for future communication.
• Allows you to highlight ongoing offers or popular product categories upfront.

2. Reduce Cart Abandonment with Quick Acknowledgements

Many customers abandon their carts simply because no one replies in time. The global cart abandonment rate in online shopping is currently at 70.19%. Auto-replies bridge the gap between a customer's inquiry and your team’s actual response. 

Here’s how auto-replies help:

• Assures customers that their query has been received and is being handled.
• Keeps the customer engaged during decision-making moments.
• Prevents missed sales by addressing doubts before the customer leaves.

Recover abandoned carts and re-engage customers with Zoko. Start your 7 day free trial today and see the difference firsthand!

3. Provide 24/7 Customer Support

E-commerce stores attract customers around the clock. Auto-replies make sure you’re never missing out on conversations, even when your team is offline.

Here’s how auto-replies help:

• Sends timely responses during non-business hours or high-volume periods.
• Shares essential info like return policies, shipping timelines, or FAQ links.
• Builds trust by showing customers they can reach out anytime and still get a response.

4. Greeting Messages Can Create Opportunities for Lead Generation

Beyond standard welcomes, greeting messages can serve as powerful touchpoints during festive seasons or brand milestones. When timed right, they not only delight customers but also spark new conversations that lead to meaningful engagement.

Here’s how it helps:

• Holiday or festival greetings can re-engage dormant customers and drive traffic to seasonal collections or exclusive offers.
• Occasion-based greetings—like store anniversaries or new product launches—can include special coupons or early access links.
• These messages feel personal, yet strategic, helping you grow your contact list and build lasting customer relationships.

5. Capture Leads for Follow-Up

Not all visitors buy immediately—but you can still turn them into future customers. Auto-replies are a great tool to gather information and stay in touch.

Here’s how auto-replies help:

• Prompts users to share their contact info or product preferences.
• Auto-replies help you add them to your marketing list for personalized follow-up messages.
• Increases the likelihood of conversion through ongoing engagement.

Now that we’ve seen why auto-replies and greeting messages are so important, let’s take a look at some examples.

Best WhatsApp Business Auto Reply and Greeting Message Examples

Auto-replies and greeting messages each serve a unique purpose in shaping how customers experience your brand on WhatsApp. Greeting messages create strong first impressions, while auto-replies ensure timely responses when you're away or managing high volumes.

We’ve organized the examples into two clear sections—greeting messages and auto-replies—each with specific use cases and ready-to-use examples.

1. WhatsApp Greeting Message Examples

Greeting messages help businesses make a great first impression when a customer starts a new chat or returns after a period of inactivity. In e-commerce, they are an opportunity to welcome, guide, and even convert.

There are various types of greeting messages like standard welcome greeting, festive greeting etc. Here’s a clear explanation of various WhatsApp greeting message examples.

Standard Welcome Greeting

These messages are your go-to for greeting new visitors on WhatsApp. They aim to be warm, professional, and informative—setting the tone for the interaction.

Use-case: When a user initiates a chat for the first time or after 14+ days of inactivity.

Examples:

Here are some common examples:

• Hi there! Thanks for reaching out to [Store Name]. How can we help you today?
• Welcome to [Store Name]! We're happy to have you here. Let us know if you're looking for something specific.
• Hello! You’ve reached [Store Name] – your go-to place for [product category]. Our team is here to assist you with anything you need.
• Thanks for messaging [Store Name]! Feel free to explore our latest collection while we connect you to a team member.
• Hey! Great to see you here. Whether you’re browsing or buying, we’re just a message away to help.

Festive or Occasion-Based Greetings

These greetings are a great way to connect with customers during special moments. They help build goodwill, spark engagement, and drive traffic to your seasonal offers or limited-time collections.

Use-case: Sent during widely celebrated global festivals like New Year, Christmas, Black Friday, Valentine’s Day, or your brand's anniversary.

Examples:

Here are some examples of festival or occasion-based greetings:

• Merry Christmas from all of us at [Store Name]! We’ve got something special waiting for you—shop our holiday deals now.
• Happy New Year! Start 2025 with something fresh—check out our exclusive new arrivals today.
• It’s Black Friday! Unlock massive savings—limited stock, shop now before it’s gone.
• Happy Valentine’s Day! Treat yourself or someone special with handpicked gifts from [Store Name].
• We’re turning 3 today! Celebrate our anniversary with 15% off everything this week—just for you.

Recommended Reading: “Boost Your Holiday Sales with WhatsApp Marketing: Tips and Strategies”

Greetings with a Special Offer

These greeting messages combine a warm welcome with a compelling offer. They're great for encouraging first-time purchases, promoting limited-time sales, or driving traffic to high-converting product pages.

Use-case: Sent when a customer initiates a conversation or visits your WhatsApp during a running discount, exclusive deal, or special promo.

Examples:

Here are some examples of greetings with special offer:

• Welcome to [Store Name]! As a thank-you for stopping by, enjoy 10% off your first order—just use code HELLO10 at checkout.
• Hey there! Good news—our Mid-Week Flash Sale is live! Don’t miss up to 30% off on selected items.
• Thanks for connecting with [Store Name]! To make your visit sweeter, here’s an exclusive WhatsApp-only deal just for you.
• We’re glad you’re here! Enjoy early access to our weekend sale—shop now and save big before everyone else.
• New to [Store Name]? Welcome! Use code WELCOME15 and get 15% off your first purchase. Let us know if you need any help.

Lead Nurturing or Product Discovery Greetings

These are designed to guide visitors deeper into the product journey—great for informing or helping users discover the right items.

Use-case: To inform active and inactive users about new products and help them explore.

Examples

Here are some common examples of lead nurturing or product discovery greetings:

• Need help choosing the right product? We’re here to guide you—just reply with what you’re looking for.
• Hi there! Not sure where to start? Explore our bestsellers or chat with a product expert.
• Looking for something specific? Tap below to browse by category or ask for recommendations.
• Thanks for connecting! Whether you're shopping for yourself or gifting someone, we've got something for everyone.
• Let’s find your perfect match—reply with your preferences and we’ll do the rest.

Recommended Reading: “The Perfect Timing: 10 Best Times To Send Your WhatsApp Marketing Messages with Zoko”.

2. WhatsApp Auto-Reply Message Examples

Auto-replies are sent automatically when customers message your business outside working hours or trigger specific keywords. They help ensure no message goes unanswered and keep the customer experience smooth and responsive, even when your team isn’t immediately available.

You can use auto-replies in different ways to engage with your customers, and specific use will depend on your business. 

Here we have given examples of some common types of auto-reply messages that businesses widely use. 

Away Message (Outside Business Hours)

Auto-replies during off-hours help set clear expectations and reassure customers that their message is received. These are essential for maintaining trust and avoiding frustration when your team is unavailable.

Use-case: Sent when a customer messages you after business hours, during holidays, or when your store is temporarily closed.

Examples

Here are some examples of away messages that you can use:

• Thanks for reaching out! We're currently offline but will respond during our business hours: Mon–Sat, 9 AM to 6 PM.
• Hi! You've caught us outside our working hours. We’ll get back to you first thing tomorrow morning. Thanks for your patience!
• Our team is away right now, but your message is important to us. We’ll reply as soon as we’re back online.
• We’re currently closed, but feel free to leave your message here. You’ll hear from us once we’re back in action!
• Thanks for getting in touch! We’re away for the day, but your inquiry is in queue and we’ll respond soon.

To learn how to set up away messages check out our blog, “How to Set up Greeting and Away Messages”.

Quick Acknowledgment (During High Volume)

Even when your inbox is full, a fast acknowledgment shows customers that their message hasn’t gone unnoticed. It buys you time while keeping them engaged.

Use-case: Sent instantly when customer queries come in during peak hours or when your support team is handling a backlog.

Examples

Here are some examples of quick acknowledgements you can use:

• Thanks for your message! We’ve received it and will get back to you shortly.
• Hi! We’re currently assisting other customers, but we’ll be with you as soon as possible.
• We’re experiencing high traffic right now—thank you for your patience. A team member will respond soon.
• Got it! We’re working hard to reply quickly and appreciate your understanding.
• Your message is in our queue. We’ll follow up soon—thanks for waiting!

Acknowledge every customer instantly with Zoko’s auto-replies. Start free today.

Order-Related Auto-Replies

Customers frequently reach out for updates on their orders. These auto-replies provide quick, clear responses and help reduce repetitive support queries.

Use-case: Triggered when customers inquire about order tracking, shipping delays, or delivery timelines.

Examples

Here are some examples of order related auto-replies that you can use:

• Want to track your order? Just click here and enter your order ID: [tracking link].
• Your order is on its way! You’ll receive a shipping update shortly.
• We’re sorry—your delivery is running a bit late. We’re following up and will keep you updated.
• Thanks for your patience! You can view your order status anytime here: [order status link].
• Having issues with your delivery? Let us know your order ID and we’ll look into it right away.

Support/FAQ-Based Auto-Replies

Answering frequently asked questions automatically helps streamline your support process and ensures customers get quick solutions.

Use-case: Sent when customers ask common questions like return policy, shipping info, or payment methods.

Examples

Here are some common examples of 

• Need help with something? Here are quick links to our FAQs: Returns, Shipping, and Payments — [FAQ link].
• Thanks for your message! Our standard return window is 15 days from the delivery date. Learn more here: [Returns link].
• Shipping usually takes 3–7 business days, depending on your location. Full details here: [Shipping Info].
• We accept multiple payment methods including credit/debit cards, PayPal, and digital wallets. More info: [Payments page].
• Looking for quick help? Reply with an option below to get answers faster:
  
  • Return Policy
  • Shipping Info
  • Payment Options

Recommended Reading: “Why Your Shopify Store Needs WhatsApp Auto Reply”

We’ve seen how the right auto-replies and greeting messages can enrich customer experience and drive engagement. Now let’s explore why Zoko is the ideal platform to power these conversations on WhatsApp.

Why Use Zoko for Auto-Replies & Greetings?

Auto-replies and greeting messages are only as effective as the platform powering them. Zoko equips e-commerce brands with the right tools to automate, personalize, and scale customer conversations. 

Major brands such as FabUs, Petsy, Zillionaire and Genrage use Zoko for their all in one platform. Zoko helps you set up four unique and powerful ChatGPT Bots for auto-replies, greetings and other uses. These are:

• Hallo: Hallo is an AI powered chatbot that not only greets customers but also identifies purchase intent. 
• Wismo: Wismo helps customers track orders and instantly replies with an update. 
• Sello: Sello helps customers by answering specific questions while shopping.
• Guru: Guru helps customers by answering FAQa, product specific or niche questions.

For example, Genrage successfully resolved 1079 repeated customer queries using Zoko’s AI-FAQ bot Guru. 

In brief, Zoko is the best choice for setting up auto-replies and greetings because it offers:

1. Smart Automation with WhatsApp Chatbots

Zoko lets you build rule-based and AI-powered chatbots that instantly greet users, answer FAQs, or respond to keyword-based triggers—24/7.

• Easily set up greetings for new customers, returning users, or during specific campaigns.
• Auto-reply to common queries like order status, delivery timelines, and return policies.
• Route complex queries to live agents seamlessly after the initial auto-response.

Automate your WhatsApp messages with Zoko. Start today and stay ahead!

2. Greeting Flows That Convert

Zoko enables you to create automated greeting flows that are more than just polite hellos—they’re designed to spark action.

• Trigger welcome messages based on entry points like ad clicks, website visits, or product views.
• Personalize greetings using customer data like name, past orders, or location.
• Schedule festive or promotional greetings in advance to engage users during key sales periods.

3. Unified Messaging with Team Support

It is important to actively follow-up despite auto-replies. Zoko ensures your team is empowered to follow up effectively.

• Agents can see prior interactions even if the first reply was automated.
• Use Zoko’s shared team inbox to ensure context-rich conversations post-greeting.
• Respond faster with quick replies and templated follow-ups after an auto-message is sent.

4. Analytics to Optimize Your Replies

With Zoko, you're not just sending auto-replies—you’re learning from them.

• Track open rates, reply rates, and engagement for each greeting or automated message.
• A/B test different greetings to see what drives better engagement or conversions.
• Use these insights to fine-tune your messaging strategy over time.

5. Official WhatsApp Business API Partner

As an official WhatsApp Business Solution Provider, Zoko ensures compliance, message quality, and deliverability at scale.

• No limits on greeting or auto-reply templates.
• High-speed delivery of messages—even during peak hours.
• Full access to WhatsApp’s latest features for message automation.

Start your free 7-day trial with Zoko and experience the power of automated greetings and replies. No setup hassle—just smarter conversations from day one.

Conclusion 

WhatsApp auto-replies and greeting messages play a vital role in building timely, personalized, and seamless customer interactions. From welcoming new users to answering FAQs and sending festive greetings, they help e-commerce brands boost engagement and streamline support.

Zoko stands out as the ideal platform to power these capabilities. Zoko’s automation, chatbots, personalized greetings, and analytics help brands turn basic WhatsApp messaging into meaningful customer journeys. Zoko gives you team tools to manage chats easily and is officially backed by WhatsApp, making it a complete solution to help your business grow.

Start your free 7-day trial with Zoko today. Experience faster, smarter WhatsApp conversations from day one.

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