Chatavise workflows allow you to automatically respond to incoming text messages based on what a customer sends you. This is perfect for handling common questions—such as requests for your location, hours, or services—without requiring a team member to reply manually.

In this article, you’ll learn how to:

  • Trigger a workflow when a text message is received

  • Filter messages based on exact text

  • Automatically tag the contact

  • Send an instant reply back to the sender




When to Use This Type of Workflow

This approach is ideal when:

  • A customer texts a specific phrase (e.g., “find out location”)

  • You want to reply with information, not marketing

  • You want to avoid SMS marketing opt-in requirements

  • You want fast, consistent responses to common inquiries

This is not a promotional keyword or marketing opt-in—it’s a simple, compliant auto-response to an inbound message.

Step 1: Create a New Workflow

  1. Navigate to CRM → Automations → Workflows

  2. Click Add New Workflow

  3. Name your workflow (for example: Find Location Auto-Reply)

  4. Save the workflow

Step 2: Add an Activation Trigger (Message Received)

  1. Open the workflow and go to the Design tab

  2. Add an Activation Trigger

  3. Select:

    • Platform: Chatavise

    • Event: Message Received

This tells Chatavise to run the workflow every time an inbound text message is received.

Step 3: Add a Message Filter

Next, you’ll filter the workflow so it only continues when a specific message is received.

  1. Add a new Action

  2. Select Chatavise

  3. Choose Filter

  4. Configure the filter:

    • Field: Message Text

    • Condition: Matches

    • Value: find out location

This ensures the workflow only runs when the incoming message exactly matches that phrase.

Tip: If you want flexibility, you can use “contains,” “starts with,” or “ends with” instead of “matches.”

Step 4: Automatically Tag the Contact

Tagging helps you track intent for future follow-ups.

  1. Add another Action

  2. Select Add Tag

  3. Create or select a tag such as:

    • Location Interested

Now, every contact who sends this message will be tagged automatically.

Step 5: Send an Automatic Reply

Now you’ll send the response message.

  1. Add another Action

  2. Choose Send Text Message

  3. Write your response using message variables if desired, for example:

Hi #firstName,  
We are located at 730 Plain St, Atlanta, GA 33440.  
Come visit us soon!

You can personalize responses using message variables like:

  • Contact first name

  • Business name

  • Location name

Step 6: Turn the Workflow On

By default, new workflows are turned off.

  1. Toggle the workflow On

  2. Save your changes

The workflow is now live.

How This Workflow Works

Once enabled:

  1. A customer sends a text message

  2. Chatavise checks the message

  3. If it matches your filter:

    • The contact is tagged

    • An automatic reply is sent instantly

No manual work required.

Why This Method Is Compliant

  • The customer initiates the conversation

  • You are responding directly to their inquiry

  • No promotional or marketing messages are sent

  • No SMS opt-in language is required

This makes it ideal for FAQs, directions, pricing questions, and general business information.

Next Steps

You can expand this approach by:

  • Adding multiple filters for different phrases

  • Creating separate workflows for different questions

  • Routing certain messages to team members

  • Adding delays or follow-up actions if needed

If you’d like to learn how to build more advanced workflows, check the workflow training videos available in the Help Center.

Need Help?

If you have questions:

  • Click the Help button inside Chatavise

  • Search for related workflow articles

  • Contact the Chatavise support team directly

Chatavise workflows help you respond faster, stay compliant, and automate repetitive conversations—so your team doesn’t have to.