WhatsApp Business Greeting Messages: 15 Examples You Can Use

The first reply sets the tone of the whole conversation. A good greeting message confirms the customer reached the right place, sets expectations and makes the next step obvious.

Setting it up

In the WhatsApp Business app, greeting and away messages live in the business tools section of the settings. Greeting messages are sent to new contacts or after a period without contact; away messages are sent outside the hours you define. With the Business API, a chatbot flow takes over this job and can personalise the reply.

What makes a good greeting

• Short: two or three lines read better than a paragraph.
• Specific: say what you can help with.
• Honest about timing: when will a person reply?
• Actionable: offer quick options or ask one clear question.

General examples

1. Hi! Thanks for reaching out to [Business]. How can we help you today?
2. Hello and welcome to [Business] 👋 Tell us what you need and we'll get back to you within the hour.
3. Thanks for your message! For order questions, please share your order number so we can help faster.
4. Hi! You can ask us about products, delivery or returns — or type 'agent' to talk to our team.

Away message examples

1. Thanks for your message! We're closed right now and will reply tomorrow from 9:00.
2. Hi! Our team is offline until Monday morning. For urgent order issues, share your order number and we'll prioritise it.
3. Thanks for writing! While we're away, you'll find answers to common questions at [link].

Industry examples

1. Retail: Hi! Looking for something specific? Send a photo or product name and we'll check stock for you.
2. Restaurant: Welcome to [Restaurant]! Reply 1 to book a table, 2 for today's menu, 3 for delivery.
3. Practice: Hello! To book or change an appointment, tell us your preferred day and time. For emergencies, please call 112.
4. Salon: Hi! Which treatment are you interested in? We'll send you the next free slots.
5. Real estate: Thanks for your interest! Which property are you asking about? We'll send details and viewing times.
6. B2B software: Hi! Are you an existing customer or exploring [Product]? We'll connect you with the right person.
7. Travel: Hi! Tell us your destination, dates and number of travellers and we'll send matching offers.
8. Education: Welcome! Which course are you interested in? We'll send dates, fees and the next info session.

A greeting isn't a formality. It's the first answer.

Going further

Static greetings are a great start. With an AI chatbot, the first reply can recognise returning customers, answer the actual question and route urgent requests to the right person — in the customer's language.