Loading the Elevenlabs Text to Speech AudioNative Player...

Blog

How to Create a Default Reply with Timer in Chatbot Builder AI

Enhance user engagement with a Default Reply Timer in Chatbot Builder AI. Automate follow-ups and keep conversations active effortlessly
January 31, 2025

Keeping your users engaged is crucial for a seamless chatbot experience. With Chatbot Builder AI (CBB), you can set up a default reply with a timer to ensure your chatbot remains responsive, even if a user pauses mid-conversation. This step-by-step guide will walk you through creating this popular and practical flow.

Why Add a Timer to Your Default Reply?

A default reply with a timer ensures:

  • Timely Engagement: Users receive a follow-up if they haven’t responded within a set time.
  • Improved Responsiveness: Keeps conversations active and user-focused.
  • Streamlined Communication: Automates follow-ups, saving time and enhancing user experience.

Step-by-Step Guide: Default Reply with Timer

1. Create a New Flow

  1. Navigate to the Flow section in Chatbot Builder AI.
  2. Click Add in the top-right corner and name your flow (e.g., "Default Flow with Timer").
  3. Click Continue to proceed.

2. Generate the Text Reply

  1. Add a Block: Name it "Generate Text Reply."
  2. Insert an AI Action:some text
    • Click Add Content > Actions > Open AI.
    • Instruct the AI to create a friendly reply in 2–3 lines ending with a question. Example:
      "How can I assist you further? 😊"
    • Save the response in a custom field (e.g., "default_reply").
  3. Finalize: Remove any unnecessary functions and click Continue.

3. Set Up the Timer

  1. Create a Timer Node:some text
    • Drag a line from the "Continue" circle to create a new node.
    • Choose "Get User Data" for this node.
  2. Insert the Default Reply:some text
    • Input the default_reply custom field into the text area.
    • Edit the Awaiting User Reply Text section, changing the reply type to text.
  3. Configure Timer Settings:some text
    • Enable Skip After and set the timer (e.g., 30 seconds).
    • In Auto Skip After Filled Attempts, set attempts to zero and save the changes.

4. Clear the Custom Field

  1. Add a Content Action:some text
    • Click Add Content > Actions > Clear Custom Field.
    • Select the last_message custom field.
  2. Reorder the Action:some text
    • Place the "Clear Custom Field" action before the default reply text.
  3. Rename the Block: Title it "Send Reply and Wait."

5. Create a Condition Block

  1. Add a new node and set it as a Condition Block.
  2. Configure it to check if the last_message custom field contains any value.
  3. Use this block to direct the flow based on whether the user responds.

6. Set Up a Follow-Up

  1. Create a Follow-Up Node:some text
    • Name it "Follow Up" and add a Get User Data element.
    • Input a follow-up message like:
      "Hey, are you still with us?"
    • Use the same last_message custom field.
  2. Adjust Timer Settings:some text
    • Set the auto-skip and timer as done previously.

💡 Pro Tip: Add actions such as tagging the conversation as ended or logging the event for analytics.

7. Loop Back or Restart the Flow

  1. If the user responds, connect the condition block to a Start Flow action.
  2. Restart the Default Flow with Timer to reinitiate the sequence.

8. Test and Publish

  1. Test the Flow:some text
    • Use the preview button to simulate user interactions.
    • Adjust the wait time and message content as needed.
  2. Set as Default:some text
    • Disable the default agent in settings.
    • Assign your new Default Flow with Timer as the default flow.
  3. Publish Changes: Ensure everything works seamlessly before making it live.

Benefits of a Default Reply with Timer

  1. User Engagement: Keeps users active in conversations, reducing drop-offs.
  2. Automation: Handles follow-ups without manual intervention.
  3. Efficiency: Streamlines interactions and ensures no user query is overlooked.

Conclusion

By implementing a default reply with a timer, you enhance your chatbot’s responsiveness and user experience. With Chatbot Builder AI’s intuitive tools, setting up this functionality is quick and easy. Start creating engaging, automated follow-ups to keep your users satisfied and your conversations flowing.

Ready to elevate your chatbot? Build your Default Reply with Timer flow today with Chatbot Builder AI!

Try Chatbot Builder AI For Free Today

Take advantage of a FREE Sandbox account for 14 days and request an extension if needed.
No Credit Card Required.
Free Trial