wablyDocs
Automation

Build Your First Keyword Chatbot

Build a menu-driven WhatsApp chatbot in Wably's Flow Builder — Chatbot Manager → Automation → Keyword Replies → Create, set trigger keywords, add messages and buttons, and save.

A keyword chatbot replies automatically when a customer sends certain words ("hi", "menu", "price") or taps a button. It's the backbone of most WhatsApp automations.

Where it lives#

Chatbot Manager → select your number → Automation → Keyword Replies. The list shows every flow with its ID, reference name and last update. Use the action icons to duplicate, export, edit or delete a flow, or move it into a folder. The camera icon next to Create opens a video tutorial.

Keyword Replies — your list of chatbot flows
Keyword Replies — your list of chatbot flows

How the Flow Builder works#

Click Create (or edit an existing flow) to open the Flow Builder. Drag blocks from the left panel onto the canvas and connect them with lines.

The Flow Builder — blocks on the left, your flow on the canvas, Save at the top right
The Flow Builder — blocks on the left, your flow on the canvas, Save at the top right
Block group Blocks
Messages Text, Image, Audio, Video, File, Location, AI Reply
Data Collection User Input Flow, WhatsApp Flows, Appointment
Interactive Interactive Message (buttons or list), Template Message, CTA URL Button
Flow Control Condition, New Sequence Campaign, Label Assign, Random Number Generator
Integrations HTTP API, Google Sheet Data Fetch

Every flow starts with a Start Bot Flow block. It holds the flow name, the bot trigger keywords and the keyword matching type (for example Exact keyword match).

Build a simple main menu#

  1. Go to Automation → Keyword Replies → Create.
  2. In Start Bot Flow, enter a name (Main menu) and trigger keywords: hi, hello, menu, start. Choose the matching type.
  3. Drag an Interactive Message block onto the canvas and connect it from Compose Next Message. Write the text and add buttons: > Welcome to Fresh Mart 🛒 What would you like to do? > [Shop Products] [Track Order] [Talk to Agent]
  4. From each Button, connect the next block:
    • Shop Products → a Text or CTA URL Button with your store link
    • Track Order → a User Input Flow that asks for the order ID
    • Talk to Agent → a Text ("Connecting you to our team 🙋") — then use the Chat with Human quick action
  5. Click Save at the top right.
  6. Send hi to your number from another phone to test.

Tips for flows people actually finish#

  • Max 3 buttons per message. Use a List for 4–10 options.
  • Button text is short — 20 characters max.
  • Always offer a way out — a "Main menu" or "Talk to Agent" button on every branch.
  • Tag as you go — add a Label Assign block when someone taps an interest, so you can follow up later.

Tip

Set your Main menu flow as the Get-started quick action so new contacts see it automatically.

Need help? Email support@wably.in with a screenshot and your WhatsApp number — we're happy to help.