How to Build WhatsApp Automation Workflows in Sparkforge

By Sparkforge Support Team ·Last reviewed May 3, 2026

Sparkforge workflows can trigger on WhatsApp replies, send templates or free-text messages, wait for customer responses, and toggle DND on STOP keywords. Combine WhatsApp with SMS and email in the same workflow.

Workflows let you automate WhatsApp responses, route messages by reply channel, wait for customer replies between steps, and honor opt-outs. This guide covers four common patterns.

Auto-respond to WhatsApp replies

Go to Automations > Create Workflow > Start from Scratch.
Click Add New Trigger and pick Customer Replied.
Add a filter: Reply Channel = WhatsApp so this only fires on WhatsApp messages.
Click + to add an action and choose WhatsApp.
(Optional) Enable Smart Branching for templates with buttons or flows. Branches available: Flow Completed, Undelivered, Timeout. Use them for fallback messages, alerts, or follow-ups.
Click Save Action > Publish > Save.

You can send a pre-approved template or free-form text inside the 24-hour window.

Pick the sending phone number

Only WhatsApp numbers in connected status appear in the dropdown.

Click + in the workflow to add an action.
Search WhatsApp and select it.
Pick the sending number from the dropdown.

Wait for a customer reply

Send an initial WhatsApp message, then pause the workflow until the customer responds before continuing.

Automations > Workflows > Create Workflow > Start from Scratch.
Trigger: Contact Created.
Add action: WhatsApp. Pick a template.
Add action: Wait. Set Wait For = Contact Reply, Reply To = WhatsApp. Save.
Add action: WhatsApp, with None - Manual Text selected so you can send free-form text.
Save and Publish.

Free-form text works at no template fee here because the customer's reply opened a Free Entry Point conversation.

Handle STOP requests with DND

Honor opt-outs by toggling Do Not Disturb when a customer texts STOP.

Trigger: Customer Replied.
Filters: Reply Channel = WhatsApp, Contains phrase = STOP. Save.
Add action: search DND and select Enable/Disable DND.
Choose Enable DND for specific channels > Channels: WhatsApp. Save.

To stop messages on every channel, pick Enable DND for all channels instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does DND on WhatsApp affect SMS and email too?

It depends on your setup. Enable DND for specific channels = WhatsApp only. Enable DND for all channels = no messages on any channel.

What's the difference between None - Manual Text and a template?

Manual Text is free-form copy you write inline — only valid inside the 24-hour customer service window. Templates are pre-approved messages and can send outside the window (with template fees).

Can a workflow combine WhatsApp with SMS and email?

Yes. Each action picks its own channel, so you can send a WhatsApp template, wait, then fall back to SMS or email if there's no reply.

What is a Free Entry Point conversation?

When a customer clicks a Click to WhatsApp ad or a Facebook CTA, a 72-hour window opens (versus the standard 24-hour reply window). During that window you can send free-form and template messages without per-template fees.

Why isn't my WhatsApp number in the dropdown?

Only numbers with connected status appear. Confirm the number is properly linked under the Phone Number tab. Disconnected or pending numbers are hidden.