Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Find quick answers to common questions about AutomateIt, our AI, pricing, and setups.
Welcome to the AutomateIt FAQ center. Here you will find answers to all customer questions, organized by category to help you get started, understand billing, or configure integrations.
🚀 Getting Started
What is AutomateIt?
AutomateIt is a Meta-approved WhatsApp Business platform that lets you automate customer conversations with AI, send bulk campaigns, and manage all your WhatsApp communications from one dashboard. Perfect for Nigerian businesses and agencies.
What do I need to get started with AutomateIt?
You'll need three things:
- A Facebook/Meta account (free to create, or use your existing one).
- A phone number that isn't currently registered on WhatsApp.
- Basic business info (name, address, website).
During signup, Meta guides you through creating a Business Portfolio and automatically sets up your WhatsApp Business Account — which you'll own. Takes 5-7 minutes, no technical knowledge needed.
Will my WhatsApp number get banned?
No. We use the official WhatsApp Business API — the same infrastructure Meta built for businesses. This is completely different from unauthorized web-scraping tools that risk bans. We're Meta-approved, so your number is 100% safe.
How long does it take to set up?
Most customers are live in under 5 minutes. Sign up → Connect your number → Our AI asks a few questions about your business → Done. No coding or complicated configurations needed.
Do I need to download any software?
No. AutomateIt is 100% cloud-based. Access it from any browser on your phone, tablet, or computer. No downloads or installations are required.
Can I use my existing WhatsApp number?
Only if it's not currently on WhatsApp. WhatsApp Business API requires a number that hasn't been used on WhatsApp (personal or business app) for at least 6 months. We recommend getting a new dedicated business line.
What if I already use the WhatsApp Business App?
You can migrate to AutomateIt (WhatsApp Business API), but you'll need a new phone number. The WhatsApp Business App and API cannot share the same phone number. You can export your contacts from the app and import them into AutomateIt, then inform your customers about your new business number.
💰 Pricing & Billing
How much does AutomateIt cost?
Plans start at ₦15,000/month for our Starter tier. Most growing businesses choose our Pro plan (₦45,000/month) with advanced AI features. We also offer yearly plans with 20% savings.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Nigerian Naira (₦) via Paystack (card, bank transfer, USSD) and USD via credit card. Nigerian businesses can pay in Naira at today's exchange rate.
Is there a free trial?
Yes! All plans come with a 14-day free trial. No credit card required. Test the full platform with your real customers before paying anything.
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes. No long-term contracts or cancellation fees. Cancel from your dashboard settings at any time. If you cancel mid-month, you keep access until the end of your billing period.
What happens if I exceed my plan limits?
We'll notify you when you approach your limits (e.g., broadcast messages, WhatsApp numbers). You can upgrade your plan or purchase add-ons. We never shut off your service mid-month — we'll discuss options with you first.
Do you offer discounts for annual payment?
Yes! Save 20% with yearly billing. For example, Pro is ₦45,000/month (₦540,000/year) or ₦36,000/month when paid annually (₦432,000/year) — saving you ₦108,000 per year.
Is there a setup fee?
No. Zero setup fees. You only pay the monthly subscription. We include onboarding, number setup, and AI training at no extra cost.
🏢 For Agencies
I'm an agency managing multiple clients. Which plan should I choose?
Choose our Agency tier (₦149,000/month). It includes a multi-tenant dashboard where you manage unlimited clients from one login, white-label branding, and 20 WhatsApp numbers. Perfect for agencies managing multiple client accounts.
What is multi-tenant?
Multi-tenant means you manage all your clients from ONE dashboard without logging in and out. Switch between clients with a dropdown, run bulk campaigns, and see unified analytics. Each client's data remains private and isolated.
Can I white-label AutomateIt with my agency branding?
Yes. On the Agency tier, you get a custom domain (e.g., whatsapp.youragency.com), your logo, and your colors. Clients see it as your proprietary software.
How do I bill my clients if I use the Agency tier?
You pay us ₦149,000/month (one invoice). You charge each client whatever you want (typically ₦30k-50k/month as part of your retainer or service). Your clients never see AutomateIt's billing — you control the pricing and invoicing.
Can my clients log in to see their own data?
Yes. You control access. Give clients read-only access to their dashboard (view conversations, analytics) or full access (manage campaigns). Each client sees ONLY their data, never other clients' data.
What if I lose a client? Can I remove them?
Yes. Archive or delete client accounts anytime from your agency dashboard. Their data is isolated, so removal doesn't affect other clients. No penalties or fees.
🤖 AI & Automation Features
How smart is the AI chatbot?
Our AI uses Claude 3.5 Sonnet (Anthropic) and GPT-4 (OpenAI)—the same models powering ChatGPT and Claude. It understands context, remembers past conversations, speaks multiple Nigerian languages, and handles complex business questions.
What languages does the AI speak?
Our AI automatically detects and responds in Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, English, Pidgin, and other languages. Customers can chat in their preferred language.
Can I customize the AI's personality?
Yes. Choose from preset tones (Professional, Friendly, Casual) or create a custom personality. Example: "Respond like a Lagos restaurant owner who loves football and uses lots of food puns."
Does the AI handle voice notes?
- Pro: Basic (transcribes voice notes to text, responds in text)
- Enterprise: Full (listens to voice notes, responds with voice notes back)
Can the AI take payments or process orders?
Yes, on Pro & Enterprise plans. The AI can collect orders, send Paystack payment links, confirm payments, and update your order system. Customers complete checkout without leaving WhatsApp.
What are "business actions"?
Business actions let the AI do real tasks beyond just chatting. Examples: Process orders, schedule appointments in your calendar, create CRM entries, check inventory, and send payment reminders.
Will the AI make mistakes or say wrong things?
Our AI is highly accurate, but we recommend:
- Train it on your FAQs (we help with this).
- Set up human escalation for complex issues.
- Review conversations weekly (we send summaries). The AI is programmed to escalate to humans when unsure rather than make up an answer.
Can the AI remember past conversations?
- Starter/Pro/Agency: 30-day memory (remembers conversations from last month).
- Enterprise: Long-term memory (remembers customer details forever).
📱 Technical & Integration
What is the WhatsApp Business API?
The WhatsApp Business API is Meta's official solution for medium-to-large businesses. Unlike the WhatsApp Business App (for solo entrepreneurs), the API allows unlimited team members, automation, bulk messaging, and integrations.
Can multiple team members use AutomateIt at the same time?
Yes! Add unlimited team members (depending on your plan). Assign conversations, set permissions (admin, manager, agent), and collaborate in real-time. Everyone sees the same unified inbox.
What are "Connectors"?
Connectors sync AutomateIt with your other tools. Examples:
- Google Sheets: Log new contacts automatically.
- HubSpot/CRM: Create leads from conversations.
- Google Calendar: AI books appointments directly.
- Shopify: Sync orders and inventory.
Can I integrate AutomateIt with my website or app?
Yes (Pro & Enterprise). We provide an API and webhooks. Your developers can send WhatsApp messages from your app and receive message events in real-time.
Is my data secure?
Yes. We are SOC2 compliant and use bank-level encryption. Your customer data is stored in secure, ISO-certified data centers. You own your data and can export it anytime.
📢 Messaging & Campaigns
What's the difference between AI conversations and broadcast messages?
- AI conversations: Customer messages you, AI responds. Unlimited on most plans.
- Broadcast messages: YOU send bulk promotional messages to many customers at once. Limited per plan.
Can I send promotional campaigns to all my contacts?
Yes. Create campaigns, select target audiences (e.g., "customers who ordered last month"), and send. Broadcasts are sent to customers who opted in to receive marketing messages.
What if I need more broadcast messages than my plan includes?
Purchase add-ons: ₦3,000 per 1,000 extra broadcasts. Buy as needed, no plan upgrade required.
Can I schedule campaigns for later?
Yes. Schedule broadcasts for specific dates and times. Perfect for flash sales at midnight or Monday morning promotions.
📊 Analytics & Reporting
What analytics do I get?
You get:
- Total conversations & response rate.
- Busiest hours/days.
- Most common customer questions.
- Campaign performance (open rate, click rate).
- Revenue generated (if using payment integrations).
- AI performance (how often it escalates to humans).
Can I track which campaigns are making sales?
Yes (Pro & above with payment integration). See exactly which broadcast campaigns generated orders and revenue. Example: "Weekend Sale campaign generated 47 orders, ₦389,000 revenue."
How do I know if customers are satisfied with the AI?
We track:
- Conversation resolution rate (did AI solve the problem?).
- Escalation rate (how often customers ask for human help).
- Response sentiment (are customers happy or frustrated?).
🆚 AutomateIt vs. Competitors
How is AutomateIt different from Meta Business Agent?
- Meta Business Agent: Free chatbot for single businesses. Good for solo entrepreneurs.
- AutomateIt: Full platform with campaigns, multi-tenant for agencies, white-label, advanced automation, and CRM. Built for growing businesses and agencies.
Why should I pay for AutomateIt if Meta Business Agent is free?
Meta Business Agent is reactive (answers when customers message you). AutomateIt is proactive (send campaigns, drip sequences, re-engagement messages). Plus, AutomateIt includes multi-tenant administration, advanced CRM, and custom integrations.
🛠️ Support & Compliance
What support do you offer?
- All plans: Email support, help center, video tutorials.
- Starter: 24-hour response time.
- Pro: 12-hour response time + live chat.
- Enterprise: 4-hour response time + dedicated account manager + phone support.
Is AutomateIt compliant with WhatsApp's policies?
Yes. As a Meta-approved Tech Provider, we are audited by Meta to ensure compliance with the WhatsApp Business Policy. We guide you on opt-in requirements and compliance windows.
What if WhatsApp changes their policies?
We monitor Meta's policy updates 24/7. When changes happen, we update our platform automatically and notify you of any adjustments affecting your account.
🌍 Nigeria-Specific Questions
Does AutomateIt work in Nigeria?
Yes! We are built specifically for Nigerian businesses. We support:
- Naira (₦) pricing.
- Paystack payments (card, bank transfer, USSD).
- Nigerian phone numbers (+234).
- Local languages (Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Pidgin).
- Lagos-based customer support.
Can I pay in Naira?
Yes! All prices are in Naira (₦). Pay via Paystack with your Nigerian debit card, bank transfer, or USSD. No need to worry about dollar conversions or international limits.
Do you support other African countries?
Yes! We work across Africa, including Kenya (Shillings), South Africa (Rand), Ghana (Cedi), and 15+ other countries.
🚨 Troubleshooting & Edge Cases
What if my internet connection is unstable?
No problem! AutomateIt is cloud-based, so the AI keeps responding to customers even if YOUR internet is down. You can check messages later when reconnected.
Can customers block my WhatsApp number?
Yes, customers can always block your number (WhatsApp policy). We help you implement best practices to keep block rates under 2% by securing proper opt-ins.
Do you offer custom enterprise solutions?
Yes. The Enterprise tier includes custom integrations with internal systems, dedicated cloud infrastructure, custom SLAs, and on-premises deployments. Contact sales@automateit.com for custom quotes.