What it is
The auto-responder is an AI that replies to your clients in Telegram for you when you are busy or off-hours. It writes in your style, can mention your active listings, and replies only when you have not answered yourself within a chosen time.
Every new conversation automatically lands in your personal CRM as a lead, so you never lose an inquiry.
The auto-responder is a tab inside the AI chat assistant tool, not a separate page. Path: cabinet > Tools > AI chat assistant > Auto-responder tab.
Two ways to connect Telegram
You can connect using one of two equal methods. Pick whichever suits you.
| Method | Who the replies come from | Telegram Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Telegram | From your name, in your personal account | Required |
| Lead bot | From a separate bot | Not required |
Method 1. Personal Telegram (recommended)
The AI replies to your clients right inside your personal Telegram, as you. You can take over any conversation at any time. This method requires a Telegram Premium subscription (the Telegram Business feature).
Click 'Connect' on the 'Personal Telegram' card
On the Auto-responder tab, under Reply channels, find the Personal Telegram card (marked as recommended) and click Connect. A step-by-step window opens.
Open our bot and start it
Click Open bot - our bot opens in Telegram. Tap Start.
Add the bot to Telegram Business
In Telegram go to: Settings > Telegram Business > Chatbots and add our bot. Then open Manage Messages and turn on Reply to Messages.
Return to the cabinet and check the connection
Go back to the auto-responder tab and click Check connection. If everything is set up correctly, you will see the status Connected - replies from your name and your Telegram handle.
Personal Telegram works only with an active Telegram Premium subscription. Without it, use the lead bot method.
Method 2. Lead bot (no Premium)
A separate bot replies to your clients for you. Telegram Premium is not required. This is a good fit if you do not want to connect your personal account.
Create a bot via @BotFather
In Telegram, open @BotFather, create a new bot, and copy its token (a string like 123456789:AA...).
Click 'Connect' on the 'Lead bot' card
Under Reply channels, find the Lead bot card and click Connect next to Telegram. A window for the token opens.
Paste the token and connect
Paste the bot token into the Bot token field and click Connect. After a successful connection a green Connected mark appears.
WhatsApp as a reply channel is marked Soon and is not available yet.
How to turn the auto-responder on
Once at least one channel is connected, the main Auto-responder is on switch at the top of the page becomes active. While it is off, the AI never replies to your clients. Turn it on and click Save at the bottom of the page.
Settings
All settings live in the Auto-responder settings section. The AI replies automatically only if you have not answered yourself within the chosen time.
Timing
- Automatic reply - how long before the AI replies to a new contact if you have not answered personally. Options: from 5 minutes to 72 hours. Default: 5 minutes.
- Automatic reminder - when to remind a client who has gone quiet. Same time range.
- Follow up - when to message a client again if there is no response. Options: 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, one week, or until they block.
AI voice and instructions
- AI voice & instructions (on your behalf) - describe how the AI should reply: tone, what to emphasize, what not to promise. For example: "Friendly and concise, always offer a viewing, never discuss legal or tax matters." Up to 2000 characters.
- Greeting on /start - the message a client receives when they open your bot. Leave it empty for a default greeting.
- Disclose that replies come from an AI assistant - when on, replies carry a note that an AI is writing.
- Let the AI mention your active listings - the AI can offer the client your listings from the catalog.
When to auto-reply
The When to auto-reply selector sets your working hours:
- Always - the AI replies at any time.
- Only outside working hours - the AI replies when you are offline (handy for nights and weekends).
- Only during working hours - the AI replies only within the time range you set.
For the last two modes, set the time range (from - to).
After changing any settings, click Save.
Test the reply
In the Test the reply (with your voice) section, type a sample customer message and click Test. The AI generates a reply using your settings, so you can see how it will talk to clients before going live.
Conversations
At the bottom of the page is the Conversations section, a mini inbox of every chat with clients. It shows stats (number of conversations, AI replies, your replies).
- Click a conversation to open the thread. AI messages are labeled separately.
- You can reply to the client manually in the field below, which tells the AI you have taken over.
- The Pause AI button stops automatic replies in a specific conversation; Resume AI turns them back on.
Leads in the CRM
When a client writes for the first time, the auto-responder automatically creates a lead in your personal CRM (not the shared pool). So every Telegram inquiry is collected together with the rest of your leads. More on working with leads: leads in the CRM.
Billing
Every automatic AI reply is charged from your GREM wallet balance (per reply). Make sure your balance has funds, otherwise the AI cannot reply. More details: pricing plans.
Tips
- Describe the AI voice and instructions in detail - this affects reply quality the most.
- Use Test the reply first to make sure the tone suits you.
- If you are often available during the day, choose Only outside working hours so the AI covers for you only when you are away.
- Keep the "replies come from an AI assistant" note on if transparency with clients matters to you.