Sequence Triggering Options: Tags, Time, and More

Introduction

BotSailor’s Messenger and WhatsApp sequence campaigns allow you to automate communication through scheduled message sequences. One of the most powerful features of this system is the ability to trigger these sequences in various ways—including through keywords, buttons, and timing rules. You can also control whether the message falls within the 24-hour Meta policy window or beyond, using approved message templates.

This guide explains how to trigger sequences effectively using keywords, buttons, time scheduling, and Meta-compliant message templates.

Use Cases

• Lead Magnet Follow-up: Instantly trigger a sequence when a user opts in via a bot flow or keyword.
• Product Walkthrough: Deliver a timed educational sequence after signup.
• Event Countdown: Build anticipation with scheduled updates.
• Re-engagement Campaigns: Use templates to reconnect beyond 24 hours.
• Hybrid Messenger/WhatsApp Nurturing: Combine time-based logic and tags to manage both platforms seamlessly.

Sequence Triggering Options in BotSailor

✅ 1. Triggering via Keyword in Start Bot Flow

You can assign a keyword (e.g., bsp) in the Configure Reference panel under the “Start Bot Flow” element.
 From here, select the sequence from the Send reply section and choose a New Sequence to attach automatically when that keyword is triggered.

🔄 It’s recommended to connect this trigger to an interactive element (e.g., a generic template for messenger and interactive for whatsapp) rather than triggering the sequence directly.

✅ 2. Subscribe via Button (Recommended Method)

1. From the Interactive Element, add a button (e.g., “Subscribe”).
2. Set the action for the button to Subscribe to Sequence.
3. Choose an existing sequence or create a New Sequence.

This ensures a smooth user experience and keeps your campaign flow organized and modular.

✅ 3. Creating a New Sequence Campaign

When you create a new sequence, you must configure:

• Sequence Campaign Name (e.g., WhatsApp Sequence Campaign)
• Preferred Delivery Time for messages outside the 24-hour window (e.g., 00:00)
• Timezone (e.g., GMT+6 Asia/Dhaka)

Once saved, your sequence is ready for message scheduling.

✅ 4. Schedule Messages by Time Interval

You can send messages:

• Inside 24-Hour Window:
  
  
  • After 1 Hour
    
    
  • After 12 Hours
    
    
• Outside 24-Hour Window:
  
  
  • After Day-1, Day-2, ... up to Day-30
    
    

For messages scheduled outside the 24-hour window, you must select a Meta-approved template.

📌 Example Setup:

• First Message: 1 Hour (inside 24h)
• Second Message: 12 Hours (inside 24h)
• Third Message: Day-1 (outside 24h → Template Required)

Meta Compliance Notice

According to Meta’s messaging guidelines:

• Messages sent within 24 hours of last user interaction can be freeform text.
• Messages sent after 24 hours require prior template approval and must use pre-approved message tags (like ACCOUNT_UPDATE, CONFIRMED_EVENT_UPDATE, etc.).

BotSailor makes this easy with toggle options for:

• ✅ Send within 24-Hour Window
  
  
• ✅ Send Outside 24-Hour Window (Daily Sequence) → Requires template selection
  
  

Conclusion

Effective sequence triggering in BotSailor lets you manage both instant and long-term user engagement with precision. Whether you're automating onboarding, delivering product tips, or managing event campaigns, leveraging time windows and Meta tags ensures your messages are compliant and impactful.

For long-term communication, always plan sequences with proper timing, and don’t forget to configure message templates for anything beyond 24 hours.

FAQs

Can I trigger a sequence using a keyword?
 Yes. You can assign a keyword in the Start Bot Flow and map it to a new or existing sequence directly.

What’s the recommended way to trigger a sequence?
 Using a button in an interactive card is more structured and user-friendly.

What happens if I send a message after 24 hours without a template?
 Meta will block the message. You must use an approved template for compliance.

How far in advance can I schedule messages in a sequence?
 You can schedule up to 30 days after the subscription event.

Can I edit the sequence timing later?
 Yes. You can modify message timing, content, and templates anytime.