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Can I Do It Myself?

Auto-replying to WhatsApp messages with AI

Expert jobA wrong setup can lead to lost customers, extra costs or regulatory risk.

Set up an assistant that sends a first automatic reply to customer questions about prices, location and appointments, and hands over to a person when needed.

Estimated time: 1–2 weeks (setup, answer library and testing) (for a first-timer, an estimate)

Steps

  1. 1

    Collect the questions

    From last month's messages, write down the 20 most frequent questions and their correct answers.

  2. 2

    Clarify the API and costs

    WhatsApp Business API application, monthly message volume and Meta fees.

  3. 3

    Build an approved answer library

    The assistant should answer only with approved information and hand over to a person when it doesn't know.

  4. 4

    Protect personal data

    Mask personal data before messages reach the AI service; update your privacy notice.

  5. 5

    Test with malicious messages

    Try messages like 'Ignore your previous instructions' to see whether the assistant breaks its rules.

Risks and things to watch

The WhatsApp Business API requires Meta approval and fees: template messages are charged, and from October 1, 2026, service messages above 1,000 per number per month are charged. In Turkey, marketing messages require consent registered in İYS (Turkey's commercial message consent registry). If customer messages go to an AI API abroad, KVKK (Turkey's Personal Data Protection Law) cross-border transfer rules apply. An approved answer library and handover to a person are essential so it doesn't give wrong prices or appointments.

Tools you need

Picking one is enough; the cards show how they differ.

Chatwoot

Open sourceFree · open source

Brings WhatsApp, Instagram, email and site chat together on one screen.

What sets it apart: Open source; an AI agent drafts replies to customer questions.

For: Businesses receiving messages from several channels.

Dify

Open sourceFree + paid

Builds AI assistants and workflows that answer from your own documents.

What sets it apart: Upload your documents and get an assistant you can embed on your site.

For: Businesses that want a chatbot that answers from their documents.

Typebot

AppFree + paid

Builds drag-and-drop chatbots and forms that embed on your site.

What sets it apart: A form that flows like a chat instead of a boring form; connects to Google Sheets.

For: People who want a booking, intake or Q&A form on their site.

Why is this a job for an expert?

It can be set up, but a wrong setup can cost customers, bring unexpected costs or cause compliance problems. The risks are above; if you want to set it up together, see our solution page.

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