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WhatsApp Business Hours: Setup Guide for WordPress

OrbixWP TeamJanuary 9, 20257 min read

WhatsApp Business Hours: Setup Guide for WordPress


Managing customer expectations is crucial. Here's how to set up business hours for your WhatsApp chat button.


Why Business Hours Matter


Without business hours configured:

  • Customers expect instant responses 24/7
  • Unanswered messages frustrate visitors
  • Your team burns out trying to keep up
  • No clear expectations = poor experience

    • With business hours:

  • Clear availability expectations
  • Different messages for online/offline
  • Better work-life balance for your team
  • Improved customer satisfaction

    • Setting Up Business Hours in Click to Chat


    Step 1: Access Settings


  • Go to WordPress Dashboard
  • Navigate to Click to Chat → Settings
  • Click on "Business Hours" tab

    • Step 2: Enable Business Hours


    Toggle "Enable Business Hours" to ON.


    Step 3: Configure Your Schedule


    For each day:


    **Monday - Friday:**

  • Start time: 9:00 AM
  • End time: 5:00 PM
  • Status: Active

    • **Saturday:**

  • Start time: 10:00 AM
  • End time: 2:00 PM
  • Status: Active

    • **Sunday:**

  • Status: Inactive

    • Step 4: Set Timezone


    Select your business timezone:

  • Auto-detect (uses visitor's timezone)
  • Specific timezone (recommended)

    • **Tip:** Use your business timezone so hours are consistent for all visitors.


    Step 5: Configure Messages


    **Online Message:**

    ```

    Hi! We're online and ready to help.

    How can we assist you today?

    ```


    **Offline Message:**

    ```

    Thanks for reaching out! We're currently offline.

    Our hours are Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM EST.

    Leave a message and we'll reply when we're back!

    ```


    Step 6: Save and Test


  • Click "Save Changes"
  • Visit your website
  • Check button shows correct state
  • Test the message

    • Advanced Configuration


    Multiple Schedules


    For businesses with varying hours:


    **Support Team:**

  • Mon-Fri: 9 AM - 9 PM
  • Weekends: 10 AM - 4 PM

    • **Sales Team:**

  • Mon-Fri: 8 AM - 6 PM
  • Weekends: Closed

    • Holiday Hours


    Configure special dates:

  • Black Friday extended hours
  • Christmas closures
  • Summer hours

    • Break Times


    Add lunch breaks:

  • Morning: 9 AM - 12 PM
  • Break: 12 PM - 1 PM
  • Afternoon: 1 PM - 5 PM

    • Display Options


    During Business Hours


    Options for online display:

  • **Green indicator**: Shows you're online
  • **Animated button**: Draws attention
  • **Custom message**: Welcome text
  • **Agent avatar**: Personal touch

    • Outside Business Hours


    Options for offline display:

  • **Different color**: Grey/muted
  • **Clock icon**: Indicates offline
  • **Next available time**: "Back at 9 AM"
  • **Alternative contact**: Email form

    • Best Practices


    1. Be Accurate


    Don't say you're available when you're not. Customers will test this.


    2. Provide Alternatives


    When offline, offer:

  • Email contact form
  • FAQ/Help center link
  • Callback request option

    • 3. Use Auto-Responses


    Even offline, acknowledge messages:

  • "Thanks for your message!"
  • "We'll respond within 24 hours"
  • "For urgent issues, call [number]"

    • 4. Consider Time Zones


    If you serve international customers:

  • Show local time conversion
  • Consider extended hours
  • Use "available in X hours" messaging

    • 5. Regular Updates


    Review and update hours:

  • Seasonal changes
  • Team availability
  • Performance data

    • Measuring Impact


    Metrics to Track


    **Before business hours:**

  • Response time expectations
  • Customer complaints
  • Message volume by hour

    • **After implementation:**

  • Reduced frustration
  • Better response alignment
  • Improved satisfaction scores

    • Analytics Review


    Use Click to Chat analytics to see:

  • Peak message times
  • After-hours attempts
  • Conversion by availability

    • Common Issues and Solutions


    Issue: Wrong Timezone Displayed


    **Solution:**

  • Verify WordPress timezone (Settings → General)
  • Set specific timezone in Click to Chat
  • Clear cache after changes

    • Issue: Hours Not Updating


    **Solution:**

  • Clear browser cache
  • Clear WordPress cache
  • Disable caching plugins temporarily
  • Re-save settings

    • Issue: Team in Multiple Timezones


    **Solution:**

  • Use multiple agents
  • Set individual schedules
  • Or set wide "covered" hours

    • Template Messages


    Professional Services


    **Online:**

    "Hello! How can we assist with your [legal/accounting/consulting] needs today?"


    **Offline:**

    "Our office hours are Mon-Fri 9-5. For urgent matters, please call [emergency number]."


    E-commerce


    **Online:**

    "Hi! Looking for help with products or orders? We're here to help!"


    **Offline:**

    "We're closed now but check your order status anytime at [link]. We'll reply to messages by [time]."


    Restaurant/Hospitality


    **Online:**

    "Welcome! Ready to make a reservation or have questions about our menu?"


    **Offline:**

    "We're currently closed. Hours: [hours]. Book online anytime at [link]."


    [Get Click to Chat with Business Hours →](/plugins/click-to-chat)


    Conclusion


    Business hours configuration is essential for professional customer communication. Take 15 minutes to set it up properly and save hours of customer service headaches.


    WhatsAppBusiness HoursWordPressCustomer SupportConfiguration
    O

    OrbixWP Team

    Support Team