How to build a WhatsApp chatbot ​

A WhatsApp chatbot is an automated conversation that replies when a trigger matches. In AvenPing, open Automation → Chatbots, click Create Chatbot, configure the Start node, drag components, test with Test on Mobile, then save. The first-save modal title is Save Flow; the field is Chatbot Name.

Prerequisites ​

Step-by-step ​

  1. Open Chatbots
    Sign in at app.avenping.com. In the left sidebar, open Automation → Chatbots. Optionally pick a WhatsApp line in the page line filter. New chatbots use the default create line.

  2. Create Chatbot
    Click Create Chatbot to open the builder.

  3. Set the Start node trigger
    Select the Start node. Set Trigger on to Keywords (when message contains a keyword), First-time client (new contact only), No trigger (manual/internal only), or All messages (every message). All messages is disabled if an AI bot is on for that line.

  4. Add keywords when you use a keyword trigger
    Set Keyword match to Part of (message contains keyword) or Exact (message equals keyword), then add start keywords. Avoid reusing the same keyword on another chatbot for the same line.

  5. Drag and connect components
    Open Components and drag blocks onto the canvas:

    • Message Blocks: Image, Video, Document, Audio, Form, Link, Location, Send Template, Media Carousel
    • Catalog Blocks: Single Product Catalog, Catalog Message, Multi-Product Catalog, Carousel Catalog
    • Action: Message, List, Connect Chatbot, AI Agent Handoff, Ask Question, Request Location
    • Data: Delay, API, Set Label, Intervene, Assign Agents, Set Attribute
    • Payments: Catalog Order, Razorpay/Cashfree/Stripe payment link or QR (when those integrations are connected)
    • Zoho: Sync Contact, Sync Lead, Sync Deal (when Zoho CRM is active)
    • Support: Call Support, WhatsApp Support
      Connect nodes by dragging between handles. Configure the selected node in the right sidebar.

  6. Simulate, then save
    Click Test on Mobile to simulate the conversation. Click Close Simulation when done. Click Save. On first save, the modal title is Save Flow — enter Chatbot Name and click Save. Validation errors block save; the button reads Save (N issues) until you fix them. Confirm the chatbot appears in the Chatbots table. You can rename it inline in the name column.

TIP

Start with a keyword welcome chatbot, test with Test on Mobile, then add payments, catalogue, or AI handoff.

WARNING

Request Address is not available in Components. It is temporarily disabled because of Facebook API issues with address messages.

FAQ ​

Why does the save modal still say Save Flow?

The product UI is Chatbots, but the first-save dialog title is still Save Flow. The field you fill is Chatbot Name.

Why is All messages disabled?

Another AI agent is enabled on that line. Turn the AI agent off, or use Keywords, First-time client, or No trigger instead.

Is the chatbot live as soon as I save?

Yes. After a successful save it appears in the Chatbots table and runs when its trigger matches incoming messages on that line.