The greeting message is the first thing a new customer sees after they tap your link. Get it right and they feel welcomed and know what happens next; get it wrong and they wonder whether anyone is really there. Below are twenty examples grouped by business type, followed by setup steps and formatting rules.
How the greeting message works
In the WhatsApp Business app, the greeting is sent automatically:
- to a customer messaging you for the first time, or
- to a customer who hasn't messaged in 14 days.
It fires once per conversation, so it should introduce you, set a reply-time expectation, and optionally ask one qualifying question. It is not an away message — that's a separate automation for outside business hours, covered in our away messages guide.
Setting it up
- Open WhatsApp Business → Settings → Business tools → Greeting message.
- Toggle Send greeting message on.
- Tap the message to edit it.
- Choose recipients: everyone, everyone not in your address book, or everyone except selected contacts.
- Save and send yourself a test from another phone.
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Retail and e-commerce
1. General shop
Hi, and welcome to Maple Home! Thanks for messaging. We reply within 30 minutes during shop hours (9–18, Mon–Sat). What can we help you find today?
2. Order questions
Hello! You've reached the Bloom Studio order desk. If you're asking about an existing order, please send your order number and we'll check it right away.
3. Sizing and stock
Hi! Thanks for reaching out to North Outfitters. Tell us the item and size you're after and we'll confirm availability in a few minutes.
4. Catalog-first
Welcome to Sable Jewelry. Browse our catalog by tapping the shop icon above, or tell us what you're looking for and we'll send options.
Services and trades
5. Plumber / electrician
Hi, this is Reyes Plumbing. Thanks for getting in touch. Please share your address and a short description (or photo) of the issue so we can quote and schedule quickly.
6. Cleaning company
Hello and welcome to FreshNest Cleaning! For a quote, send us: home size, how often you'd like cleaning, and your postcode. We usually reply within the hour.
7. Photographer
Hi! Thanks for messaging Lumen Photography. What kind of session are you thinking about, and do you have a date in mind? I'll get back to you today.
8. Tutor / coach
Welcome! I'm Dana, a maths tutor for ages 12–18. Tell me the student's year and what they're struggling with, and I'll suggest a plan and pricing.
Restaurants, cafés and food
9. Reservations
Hi, welcome to Trattoria Nova! For a reservation, send the date, time and number of guests. For orders, tell us what you'd like and we'll confirm the total.
10. Bakery / pre-orders
Hello! Thanks for contacting Golden Crust. Custom cake orders need 48 hours' notice — share the date, size and design idea and we'll reply with a quote.
Health, beauty and wellness
11. Clinic
Hello, you've reached Riverside Dental. To book, please send your full name and preferred day. For emergencies, call the number in our profile.
12. Salon
Hi! Welcome to Studio Kai. Tell us the service you'd like and a preferred time, and we'll confirm the next available slot.
13. Fitness studio
Welcome to Core Collective! Interested in a trial class? Reply with "TRIAL" and we'll send this week's schedule.
Real estate and automotive
14. Estate agent
Hi, this is Sam from Harbour Realty. Thanks for reaching out. Are you looking to buy, rent or sell? Let me know the area and budget and I'll send matching listings.
15. Car dealership
Hello and welcome to City Motors! Send the model you're interested in (or a link from our site) and we'll reply with availability, price and test-drive slots.
Agencies and B2B
16. Marketing agency
Hi! Thanks for contacting Northline Digital. We reply within one business hour. To help us prepare, share your website and the goal you're working on.
17. Software / SaaS support
Welcome to Ledgerly support. Please describe the issue and, if possible, include a screenshot. Most questions are answered within 2 hours on weekdays.
18. Wholesale
Hello! You've reached Atlas Supply trade desk. Send your company name and the products you need and we'll reply with a price list.
Lead-focused and ad-driven
19. After a click-to-chat ad
Hi! Thanks for clicking our ad. Reply with "INFO" for details and pricing, or ask us anything — a real person replies within minutes.
20. Free consultation offer
Welcome! You're one step from a free 15-minute consultation. Reply with your name and the best time to call, and we'll confirm shortly.
What makes these work
- Name the business so the customer knows they're in the right chat.
- State a reply time — honest, specific, and kept.
- Ask one question that moves things forward. Two questions is fine; five is a form.
- Match the tone of your brand. A law firm and a smoothie bar shouldn't sound the same.
- Keep it under five lines on a phone screen.
Mistakes to avoid
- Sending a greeting that looks like a bot ("Your message is important to us").
- Promising "instant" replies you can't deliver.
- Stuffing links, emojis and promotions into the first message.
- Forgetting to update the greeting when hours or offers change.
Pair the greeting with a good entry point
The greeting only fires after someone messages you, so the quality of your entry points matters just as much. Create your free WhatsApp link with a pre-filled message, add a website chat button, and put a WhatsApp QR code on printed material. Then let the greeting do its job: reassure, set expectations, and get the first useful answer.