Answer every message, even while you sleep

Why bother

Someone likes your video enough to message you. Then they wait. By the time you answer, they have moved on. These tools fix that, and most creators never turn them on.

• An instant reply, so nobody gets silence.
• An away message, so people know when you are asleep.
• Up to four FAQs that answer common questions before anyone types.
• Saved replies, so the answers you type by hand take five seconds.

Before you start

• You need a Business or Creator account. Look for a Professional dashboard button on your profile. No button? Switch in Settings. It is free.
• Meta Business Suite on a computer does everything. Your Instagram has to be linked to a Facebook Page.
• The Instagram app is fine for quick edits, but some settings only show on desktop.

1. 1Open business.facebook.com and sign in.
2. 2Click Inbox in the left menu.
3. 3Click Automations at the top right.

Instant reply

It goes out the moment someone messages you for the first time. Do this one first.

1. 1In Inbox, open Automations.
2. 2Choose Instant reply.
3. 3Pick the accounts it covers: Messenger, Instagram, or both.
4. 4Write your message. Use the button that adds their first name.
5. 5Turn it on and click Save changes.

Hey <first name>, thanks for the message.
I read everything myself, so it might take me a day to get back to you. If it is about working together, reply with the word WORK and I will move you up the list.

Hi <first name>, thanks for getting in touch.
Someone will reply within one working day. If you need opening times or prices, tap one of the questions below and you will get an answer now.

• Keep it to two short lines.
• Say when you will really reply.
• Give them something to do while they wait, like "reply with WORK".
• Do not sell anything here.

Away message

It only goes out in the hours you choose, and it takes the place of the instant reply in those hours.

1. 1In Inbox, open Automations.
2. 2Choose Away message.
3. 3Tick the accounts it covers.
4. 4Set the days and hours you are away.
5. 5Write the message. Turn it on and save.

Thanks <first name>, you have caught me out of hours.
I pick messages up weekday mornings and I will get to yours then. If it is urgent, say URGENT and I will see it first.

Hi <first name>, I am away until <date> and not checking messages.
Yours is safe here and I will answer when I am back. Nothing gets lost.

FAQs

Questions people can tap before they type. Meta allows four, so pick the four you are most tired of answering.

1. 1In Inbox, open Automations.
2. 2Choose Frequently asked questions.
3. 3Write each question the way a customer would ask it.
4. 4Write the answer under it. Add up to four, then save.

Q: How much do you charge?
A: It depends what you need, so here is the honest range. <your range>. If that works for you, tell me a bit about the project and I will send a proper number.

Saved replies

Not automation. Messages you write once and drop into a chat with two taps.

1. 1In the Instagram app, go to your Professional dashboard.
2. 2Find Saved replies.
3. 3Add one. Give it a short word as a shortcut.
4. 4In any chat, type the shortcut and tap the button that shows up.

Write these four first: your rates, what you film with, a polite no, and your booking link.

Thanks for thinking of me for this.
It is not the right fit for me at the moment, so I am going to pass. I hope it goes well and do keep me in mind for future things.

Mistakes that cost you