Conversation Setup

The Conversation Setup tab controls the first reply every lead gets and, depending on the mode, may also control a full back-and-forth conversation before the follow-up sequence begins.

Getting here

In Auto-Respond, go to Sources → select a source → Messaging Settings → Conversation Setup tab.

Two channels: primary and SMS

Conversation Setup has two panels, each configured independently:

• The primary channel panel - named after the source (e.g. Yelp, Thumbtack) - controls replies on the platform the lead came in on. Everything below (the mode toggle, AI Assistant, Predefined Messages, delay) applies to this channel.
• The SMS panel - an optional two-way text-message conversation on a number Auto-Respond provides, with its own welcome, AI, and follow-ups, and a one-time registration. See SMS Messaging.

Each channel picks its own mode - the primary channel can run AI while SMS runs predefined, or any combination.

The mode toggle

At the top of the tab you’ll see two buttons:

• Predefined Messages (default)
• AI Assistant

These two modes are mutually exclusive - pick one. Switching changes which configuration appears below.

Predefined Messages

You write a list of messages ahead of time. Each message has a set of trigger keywords; when a lead’s incoming message matches, that message is sent as the welcome. The last message in the list is a catch-all that covers anything that doesn’t match a specific keyword.

Best when you want complete control over the exact wording customers see and your inquiries fall into predictable patterns.

Configure Predefined Messages →

AI Assistant

An AI writes the welcome reply (and, optionally, continues the conversation for several messages). You give it a business description, pricing information, and what services you don’t offer - it uses those to respond in a way tailored to each lead’s specific question.

Best when every lead’s question is a little different and you want the reply to actually address what they asked.

Configure AI Assistant →

Welcome Message Delay (available in both modes)

Regardless of which mode you pick, you can add a small delay before the welcome message is sent.

• Label: “Delay sending the welcome message” (checkbox), with a delay-length input that appears when the checkbox is on.
• Default: off (welcome is sent instantly).
• When on: the welcome is held for the specified number of minutes before being sent. Range: 1–30 minutes (whole numbers only).
• When off: the welcome is sent as soon as the lead’s inquiry is received.
• Use this when: you want the reply to feel a little more human (“just saw your message”) rather than landing the instant the lead hits send.

Configure Welcome Message Delay →

Sub-pages

Questions? Email support@auto-respond.com.