> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.risponse.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Automated replies

> Send instant WhatsApp replies in Risponse for greetings, keywords, after-hours messages, and mentions, so customers never wait in silence.

Automated replies answer customers the moment they write. They are ideal for simple, repeated messages.

## What you can automate

* **Keyword replies.** A customer writes "hello" or "opening hours". The rule sends the matching answer.
* **After-hours replies.** A message arrives when you are closed. The rule says when you will be back.
* **Mention replies.** A teammate is tagged in a conversation. The rule confirms the request was received.

## Example

Your shop closes at 7 pm. At 9:30 pm a customer asks about a delivery. The rule sends: "Thanks for your message. Our team is back at 9 am and will reply first thing."

## Set it up

**1. Create a rule**

Open automation rules and start a new one. 

**2. Pick the trigger**

Choose the event for a new incoming message.

**3. Add conditions**

Add the keywords you want to catch. For after-hours replies, add a condition for the time of day. 

**4. Write the reply**

Add the send-message action. Write it in your own voice. You can add a file, image, or other media if it helps. 

**5. Publish**

Save and turn the rule on.

> [!TIP]
>
> Keep replies short and honest. Say what happens next and when. Avoid promises your team cannot keep.

> [!WARNING]
>
> A reply sent by a rule can trigger another rule. Check that your rules cannot reply to each other in a loop.

> [!NOTE]
>
> Customers can tell when a reply is automatic. A clear, friendly note works better than pretending to be a person.

## Related

* [Set up an automation rule](https://docs.risponse.com/automations/setup.md)
* [Rule building blocks](https://docs.risponse.com/automations/components.md)
* [Automated notifications](https://docs.risponse.com/automations/notifications.md)


## Related topics

- [Automation rules overview](https://docs.risponse.com/automations/overview.md)
- [Set up an automation rule](https://docs.risponse.com/automations/setup.md)
- [Automated ticketing](https://docs.risponse.com/automations/ticketing.md)
- [Automated escalation](https://docs.risponse.com/automations/escalation.md)
- [Automated notifications](https://docs.risponse.com/automations/notifications.md)


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