WhatsApp Business Greeting Message Generator.

How to set a WhatsApp Business greeting message

1. Open the WhatsApp Business app on your phone. This is the green app with a "B" badge — separate from the regular WhatsApp app. If you have not downloaded it yet, it is free on both Android and iOS.

2. Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select Settings, then tap Business Tools. This is the section where all your automated message settings live.

3. Tap Greeting Message. You will see a toggle at the top and a default message below it. The default says "Hi! Thanks for getting in touch…" — you will replace this with your custom message.

4. Toggle the greeting on if it is not already enabled. Then tap the edit (pencil) icon next to the current message to open the text editor.

5. Delete the default text and paste your generated message. You can also personalise it further — add a personal note, change the emoji, or tweak the wording to match your voice. WhatsApp supports up to 255 characters.

6. Tap Save. The greeting is now live. The next time a new customer messages your number — or an existing customer messages after 14 days of inactivity — they will receive it automatically.

Why your greeting message matters

The first message a customer sends you on WhatsApp is a moment of high intent. They have already decided they want to talk to your business. What happens in the next 30 seconds determines whether they stay or move on.

A well-crafted greeting message does four things simultaneously. It confirms that the message was received, so the customer does not feel they are messaging into a void. It tells them your working hours, so they know when to expect a reply. It tells them what information to share, so when you do reply you have everything you need. And it signals that you are a professional outfit — not a personal number run by someone who may or may not check WhatsApp.

In India, where WhatsApp is often the primary business communication channel — ahead of email, ahead of phone calls — the greeting message is essentially your digital receptionist. A blank response (or no response) loses the enquiry. A warm, informative greeting converts browsers into buyers.

Studies from Meta's own data show that businesses with an active greeting message on WhatsApp Business see up to 30% higher response rates from customers, because customers feel acknowledged even before a human has replied. For a restaurant, that is the difference between a table booking and a lost cover. For a clinic, it is an appointment confirmed versus a patient who calls a competitor.

Tips for a great WhatsApp Business greeting

• Keep it under 160 characters when possible. Shorter messages are read completely. Longer ones get skimmed and the important parts — your hours, your ask — get missed.
• Always mention your working hours. "We'll reply shortly" is not enough. "We're open Mon–Sat 10am–7pm" tells customers exactly when to expect a human response and prevents frustration outside those hours.
• If your customers primarily speak a regional language, open with a greeting in that language. "Namaste", "Kem Cho", "Vanakkam", or "Namaskar" at the start of the message immediately signals that you understand your audience.
• Tell customers what information you need from them. "Please share your name, preferred date, and reason for visit" means when you do reply, the conversation can move straight to booking rather than back-and-forth collecting basics.
• Avoid excessive emoji. One or two emoji — a folded hands or a smile — add warmth. Five or more look unprofessional and can trigger spam filters on some devices.
• Update your greeting every time your hours change. Festival shutdowns, summer timings, Diwali breaks — if your greeting says you are open when you are closed, you are actively misleading customers.

Frequently asked questions