WhatsApp automation

WhatsApp Business Automation for Businesses in the UK and Worldwide

Many customers would rather send a WhatsApp message than call. We set up WhatsApp automation that replies instantly, answers common questions, sends order and booking updates and passes conversations to your team when a person is needed, for businesses across the UK and worldwide.

What is WhatsApp Business automation?

WhatsApp Business automation means using tools to handle routine WhatsApp conversations automatically. That can be a greeting and away message, quick answers to common questions, an order or booking update, or a chatbot that collects details before a member of staff takes over.

There are two main options. The free WhatsApp Business app suits a small team on one phone, with basic automatic replies. The WhatsApp Business Platform (often called the WhatsApp API) suits businesses that need several staff on one number, automated updates, chatbots or connections to other systems. We help you choose the right one.

What we set up

Our WhatsApp automation services

Instant replies and away messages

A friendly reply the moment a customer messages, with your opening hours and what happens next.

FAQ answers

Quick answers to common questions such as prices, location, opening times and availability.

Order and booking updates

Automatic confirmations, reminders and status updates for orders and appointments, to customers who have opted in.

WhatsApp chatbots

A guided chatbot that collects enquiry details, qualifies leads or takes simple orders before handing over.

Team inbox and hand-over

Several staff can manage one WhatsApp number, with clear hand-over from automation to a person.

Connections to your systems

Send new WhatsApp enquiries to your CRM, booking system or ordering tool, so nothing is retyped.

Rules

WhatsApp messaging rules you need to know

Opt-in comes first. Before your business starts a WhatsApp conversation with someone, Meta requires that they have agreed to receive messages from you.
The 24-hour window. When a customer messages you, a 24-hour customer service window opens. Inside it you can reply freely. Outside it, you can only send pre-approved message templates, and only to people who have opted in.
Marketing messages follow UK rules too. PECR sets rules for electronic marketing. In general you need consent, or the soft opt-in for existing customers, and every marketing message should make it easy to opt out.
Be clear when it is automated. Let customers know when they are talking to an automated assistant, and give them an easy way to reach a person.
Protect personal data. Explain in your privacy notice how WhatsApp conversations are used and stored, in line with UK GDPR.

We set up opt-in wording, templates and hand-over rules with these points in mind. If you trade in other countries, local rules differ, and we check them with you. This is general information, not legal advice.

Who it is for

Is WhatsApp automation right for your business?

WhatsApp automation suits businesses whose customers already message them: restaurants and takeaways, salons, clinics, trades, shops, property businesses and service companies with clients in the UK and abroad.

You get the same questions on WhatsApp every day
Messages arrive when you are busy or closed
Several staff need to reply from one number
Customers ask for order or appointment updates
You want WhatsApp enquiries to land in your CRM

How it works

How we set up WhatsApp automation

Free consultation

We look at the messages you receive, how fast you reply and what customers ask.

Choose the set-up

We recommend the WhatsApp Business app or the Business Platform and the tools around it.

Build and test

We write replies, templates and chatbot flows in your tone of voice and test them with your team.

Launch and improve

We review real conversations and refine answers and hand-over rules.

FAQs

WhatsApp automation questions answered

What is the difference between the WhatsApp Business app and the API?

The WhatsApp Business app is free and suits small teams using one phone, with basic automatic replies. The WhatsApp Business Platform, often called the API, supports several users, automated updates, chatbots and connections to other systems, and usually involves message fees from Meta.

Can I send WhatsApp messages to customers who have not messaged me?

Only if they have opted in to receive messages from you, and outside the 24-hour customer service window you must use pre-approved message templates.

Can a WhatsApp chatbot hand over to a real person?

Yes. We set up clear rules so the chatbot passes the conversation to your team when a question needs a person, or when the customer asks for one.

Can I keep my existing WhatsApp number?

Often, yes. Moving a number from the WhatsApp Business app to the Business Platform is possible in many cases, but chat history may not move with it. We check your situation before making changes.

How much does WhatsApp automation cost?

It depends on whether you need the app or the Business Platform, the number of users, the automations and Meta's message fees. We give you a clear quote after a free consultation. See how we price projects.

Related services

Talk to us about WhatsApp automation

Tell us what customers ask you on WhatsApp. We will suggest the right set-up and give you a clear quote after a free consultation.