Facebook comments can be overwhelming, especially for public figures or businesses. Auto replying to comments allows you to quickly and efficiently respond to comments while saving time. Here’s how to set up auto replies for Facebook comments for free.
Why Auto Reply to Facebook Comments?
There are a few key reasons why auto replying to Facebook comments is useful:
- Saves time – You don’t have to manually reply to each comment which can be tedious.
- Responds to comments instantly – As soon as someone comments, an auto reply is triggered.
- Increases engagement – Auto replies encourage more comments and discussion.
- Promotes products/services – Include links to your website, special offers, etc.
- Provides answers – Auto replies can instantly provide answers to common questions.
For public figures, businesses, and brands with a large audience, auto replying to Facebook comments can dramatically increase efficiency and engagement. Let’s look at how to do it.
How to Auto Reply to Facebook Comments for Free
There are a few different methods you can use to auto reply to Facebook comments 100% free. Here are the top options:
1. Use the Native Facebook Auto Reply
Facebook has a built-in auto reply feature you can enable. Here’s how to use it:
- Go to your Facebook Page
- Click “Settings” in the top right
- Select “Comments”
- Toggle “Automatically reply to comments” to ON
- Write your auto reply message
- Click “Confirm” to save
This will now automatically reply to any new comments on your Facebook posts. The downside is you can only have one auto reply, so it works best for a generic message.
2. Use a Social Media Management Tool
Social media management tools like Hootsuite, Sprout Social, and Buffer allow auto replies as part of their paid plans. Here’s how to use them for Facebook auto replies:
- Sign up for the tool
- Connect your Facebook account
- Go to the auto reply section
- Create auto reply rules and messages
- Enable auto replies for the rules you set up
The benefit of social media tools is you can create multiple tailored auto replies. The downside is you need a paid subscription.
3. Use Zapier to Connect Facebook to Other Apps
Zapier is an automation tool that lets you connect Facebook to other apps like MailChimp. To auto reply to Facebook comments:
- Set up a Zapier account
- Connect Facebook and set a trigger like “New comment on post”
- Connect another app like MailChimp as the action
- Set up a template auto reply email
- Turn on the Zap and test it
When you get a new Facebook comment, Zapier will auto send your template reply email. This takes more set up but lets you customize replies.
4. Try a Facebook Chatbot
Facebook chatbots can engage with users and automatically reply to comments. Popular options include:
- ManyChat
- Chatfuel
- MobileMonkey
- Sequel
- Octane AI
These tools let you visually build chat flows to engage users. You can set triggers to auto reply when users comment. Chatbots provide tailored, conversational replies.
5. Use a Script or App
For more advanced users, browser extensions and scripts allow auto replies. Examples include:
- Social Reply Chrome Extension
- FB Robot Firefox Addon
- Social Suite PHP Script
These require installing software and JavaScript skills. But you can fully customize replies and triggers this way.
Best Practices for Facebook Auto Replies
When setting up auto replies for Facebook, keep these best practices in mind:
- Be authentic – Don’t overuse auto replies or be overly promotional. This turns off users.
- Customize for your audience – Tailor replies based on who is commenting.
- Humanize your replies – Don’t be too robotic. Include emojis, humor, etc.
- Post consistently – Auto replies work best on active, regularly updated posts.
- Monitor frequently – Check for negative feedback and improve replies.
- Follow Facebook’s guidelines – Avoid spammy, aggressive promotional replies.
- Focus on value – Offer useful info related to the post topic in replies.
Do this, and auto replies can be a valuable free addition to your Facebook marketing. Just be sure not to over-automate.
Auto Reply FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Facebook auto replies:
Can you get banned for auto replying on Facebook?
You won’t get banned just for auto replying. However, Facebook may ban you if your replies are spammy, overly promotional, or breach their guidelines. As long as you provide value and follow their rules, auto replying is allowed.
Do auto replies hurt Facebook reach?
Generally, no. Auto replies can improve your reach and engagement by encouraging comments and discussion. Poorly done auto replies that are spammy can negatively impact reach. But well-crafted, authentic replies should boost it.
Can you auto reply to Facebook Messenger?
Yes, many of the tools above like ManyChat let you auto reply to Messenger the same way. You can set triggers so when users message your Page, predefined replies are sent automatically.
Do auto replies work on Facebook groups?
It depends – Facebook restricts third-party tools from accessing private groups. For public groups, tools like chatbots can auto reply to comments on your posts. But not for private groups or comments you’re tagged in.
Is auto replying free on Hootsuite/Sprout Social?
Hootsuite, Sprout, and Buffer require paid plans starting around $30+/month to unlock auto replies and scheduling. However, their free plans may offer limited scheduling features.
Conclusion
Auto replying to Facebook comments is an easy way to increase engagement and save time. The best free options are the native Facebook auto reply or using a tool like Zapier.
When crafting your auto reply messages, focus on being helpful, authentic and providing value. Avoid spammy self-promotion. Test different reply formats and fine-tune them over time.
Used properly, auto replies can take your Facebook marketing results to the next level. Implement them on your top posts to free up your time to focus on other content and strategy.