WhatsApp reply templates

WhatsApp Business Greeting Message Examples

A greeting message should welcome the person, say when you reply and point them to the one detail that helps you help them faster. Keep it useful rather than writing a long auto-bio.

Local detail: Name your hours and area in the way customers use them. If you serve Harare, Joburg, Lagos or Nairobi, say the time zone or delivery area when it avoids confusion.

Copy-ready replies

Choose the tone that fits the moment.

General businessfriendly

Hi there 👋 Thanks for messaging [business]. We help with [service/product]. Tell us what you need and your area, and we’ll reply during [hours].

Online shopfriendly

Welcome to [shop] 👋 Send the item name, size/colour and delivery area. We’ll confirm price, availability and delivery options during [hours].

Property teamformal

Thanks for contacting [agency]. Please send the property link or area, your move-in date and budget. A consultant will reply during [hours].

Clinic or serviceformal

Thank you for contacting [clinic/business]. Please share the service you need and your preferred day. We’ll respond during [hours]. For urgent care, use [approved urgent-care instruction].

When to use them

Match the message to the customer’s moment.

A customer starts a chat outside your normal hours.
A first-time customer needs to know what to send.
A team wants one consistent opening message.

Make it sound like you

Small details build trust.

Tell customers exactly what to send.
State response hours honestly.
Keep urgent or sensitive instructions separate and approved.

Before you send

Three easy mistakes to avoid.

Promising an instant reply when the team is offline.

Listing every service in the greeting.

Using the same urgent-care language without checking local policy.

Questions people ask

FAQ

How long should a greeting be?

Two or three short lines are usually enough: welcome, what to send and when you reply.

Should I include a menu or price list?

Include a link or ask what the customer needs first so the greeting stays readable.

Can I use emojis?

Yes, if they fit your brand and your audience. Keep them to a few useful signals.

What if several staff members share one number?

Use one greeting and keep the detailed answers in a shared knowledge base.

Can Desk AI draft the next reply after the greeting?

Yes. It can use the customer's first question plus your approved service information.