WhatsApp Automation and Quick Replies

Message customers3 min readUpdated 2026-03-12

WhatsApp Automation and Quick Replies

Reduce response time with automated messages and quick replies. Set up away messages for off-hours, create quick reply shortcuts for common responses, and trigger workflows based on incoming WhatsApp messages.

Available on: Pro Plus plan and above (WhatsApp add-on required)


Away Messages

Automatically respond when customers message you outside business hours.

Set up an away message

  1. Go to Settings → WhatsApp → Automation.
  2. Toggle Away Message on.
  3. Set your business hours (or link to your JustCall business hours schedule).
  4. Write your away message. Example:

    Thanks for reaching out! Our team is available Monday–Friday, 9 AM–6 PM EST. We'll reply when we're back. For urgent issues, call us at 512-555-0100.

  5. Click Save.

Away messages send once per contact per 24-hour period (not on every message).


Quick Replies

Quick replies are pre-written responses you can insert with a keyboard shortcut. Unlike message templates, quick replies are not reviewed by Meta — they're only used within active 24-hour conversation windows.

Create a quick reply

  1. Go to Settings → WhatsApp → Quick Replies.
  2. Click Add Quick Reply.
  3. Enter a shortcut keyword (e.g., /hours, /pricing, /directions).
  4. Write the reply text.
  5. Optionally attach a media file (image, document).
  6. Click Save.

Use a quick reply in a conversation

  1. Open a WhatsApp conversation.
  2. Type / followed by your shortcut keyword (e.g., /hours).
  3. Select the quick reply from the dropdown.
  4. The reply text populates the compose field. Edit if needed.
  5. Click Send.

Workflow Triggers

Connect WhatsApp events to your JustCall workflows or CRM automations.

Available triggers

TriggerWhen it fires
New incoming WhatsApp messageCustomer sends any message
Keyword matchCustomer message contains a specific word or phrase
New conversation startedFirst message from a new contact
Conversation assignedA WhatsApp conversation is assigned to a team member

Common workflow actions

  • Auto-assign the conversation to a team member or round-robin group.
  • Tag the contact in your CRM based on message content.
  • Send a template message in response to a keyword.
  • Create a task or ticket in your connected helpdesk (Zendesk, Freshdesk, HubSpot).
  • Notify a Slack channel when a high-priority keyword is detected.

Set up workflows under Settings → Workflows → WhatsApp Triggers.


WhatsApp + SMS Bot

If you use SMS Bot for keyword-based auto-replies, note that SMS Bot rules apply to SMS only. WhatsApp has its own automation system. For WhatsApp keyword automation, use quick replies or workflow triggers.


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