How to set chatbot keyword triggers ​

A keyword trigger starts a chatbot when an inbound WhatsApp message matches a start keyword. In AvenPing, select the Start node, set Trigger on to Keywords (when message contains a keyword), choose Part of or Exact, then add Start Keywords.

Prerequisites ​

Step-by-step ​

  1. Open the chatbot Start node
    Go to Automation → Chatbots. Click Create Chatbot or row-menu Edit. Select the Start node.

  2. Set Trigger on to Keywords
    Set Trigger on to Keywords (when message contains a keyword). Other options: First-time client (new contact only), No trigger (manual/internal only), and All messages (every message). All messages is disabled if an AI agent is on for that line. The helper text says the AI bot is on; turn it off in Settings, or use AI Agents.

  3. Choose Keyword match
    Set Keyword match to Part of (message contains keyword) or Exact (message equals keyword). Part of triggers when the message contains the keyword anywhere. Exact triggers only when the entire message equals the keyword.

  4. Add Start Keywords
    In Start Keywords, type a keyword and press Enter or comma. Maximum 5 triggers per chatbot. Avoid reusing the same keyword on another enabled chatbot for the same line.

  5. Save and resolve conflicts
    Click Save. On first save, the modal title is Save Flow; the field is Chatbot Name. If keywords already exist on another chatbot, Duplicate Triggers Detected lists Duplicate Triggers (will be removed) and Unique Triggers (will be saved).

TIP

No trigger (manual/internal only) never auto-starts on inbound messages. Use it as a Connect Chatbot target or an AI Agent Handoff destination.

WARNING

Only one enabled chatbot per account can use All messages, and only one can use First-time client. Keyword chatbots cannot share the same start keyword while both are enabled.

FAQ ​

What is the difference between Part of and Exact?

Part of matches if the inbound text contains the keyword. Exact matches only if the whole message equals the keyword (comparison is case-insensitive in the simulator).

Why did save ask to drop some keywords?

Another chatbot on the account already uses those start keywords. You can save with only the unique keywords, or change the other chatbot first.

Does First-time client use keywords?

No. First-time client (new contact only) runs when a brand-new contact sends their first message. You do not add Start Keywords for that mode.