Learn how to use ManyChat for free with this step-by-step tutorial. Automate chats on Facebook, Instagram, SMS, and grow your audience using ManyChat’s free plan.
ManyChat is one of the most powerful tools available today for automating conversations on platforms like Facebook Messenger, Instagram DM, and even SMS. Whether you’re a small business owner, content creator, or marketer, ManyChat allows you to build engaging chatbot flows without requiring coding skills. The best part? You can get started completely free.
In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly how to use ManyChat without paying a single rupee. From setting up your account to building your first chatbot sequence, every step is broken down in easy-to-understand language. If you’re curious about how ManyChat can help grow your audience or improve customer engagement, this tutorial is the perfect place to start.
What is ManyChat and Why Should You Use It?
ManyChat is a chatbot platform that simplifies the process of automating conversations on social platforms. Instead of replying to every customer manually, you can set up smart responses, welcome messages, product showcases, reminders, and more. It’s especially popular for Facebook Messenger, but it also integrates with WhatsApp, Instagram, SMS, and even email.
For small businesses or solopreneurs who want to scale without hiring a full-time support team, ManyChat offers a simple way to deliver fast customer service and marketing at scale.
The free version gives access to all essential features needed to get started — making it ideal for testing the waters before upgrading to a paid plan.
How to Get Started with ManyChat for Free
To start using ManyChat, head over to manychat.com and click on the “Get Started Free” button. You’ll need to sign in using your Facebook or Instagram business account, since ManyChat links directly with your page to manage interactions.
After signing in, ManyChat will ask for permissions. Allow access so that it can connect your business page properly. Once done, you’ll land inside the ManyChat dashboard — the control panel for your chatbot setup.
From here, you can start designing your first automated experiences without coding knowledge. You’ll find tools for creating welcome messages, conversation flows, and keyword triggers.
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This is perfect if you’re looking to test out the full potential of the platform without financial commitment.
Building Your First Chatbot Flow
Inside the dashboard, look for “Automation” in the left-hand menu. Click on it, and then choose “Flows.” This is where you’ll design your first chatbot sequence.
Imagine you run a clothing brand. You want users to message your page and instantly receive your latest catalog. Here’s how you’d do it:
- Create a new flow and name it “Catalog Reply.”
- Add a trigger: when someone types “catalog” or “products.”
- Create a message block with your catalog details and links.
The interface works visually — you’ll drag and connect blocks like a mind map. You can add delays, emojis, quick replies, and images. The free version supports all these features with some limitations (like monthly audience reach).
Once the flow is ready, hit “Publish.” Now, anyone who messages your page with the word “catalog” will get your automated reply.
Using Keywords to Engage Automatically
Another powerful free feature is “Keyword Triggers.” These allow you to reply to specific words automatically. For example:
- If someone writes “Price” – send pricing details
- If someone says “Location” – send your store address
- If they say “Sale” – show ongoing offers
These keywords act like customer shortcuts and reduce manual replying dramatically. You can set them inside the “Automation” tab by choosing “Keywords.”
Each keyword can trigger different flows or message blocks. Even in the free version, you can create multiple keyword responses, giving you control over how you engage with your audience.
Customizing Your Welcome Message
The welcome message is the first thing someone sees when they message your page. It’s your chatbot’s first impression, so make it count.
In the ManyChat dashboard, click “Automation” → “Welcome Message.”
Here you can type a greeting like:
“Hi there 👋 Thanks for reaching out to [Your Brand Name]! How can I help you today? You can type ‘catalog’, ‘support’, or ‘offers’ to get started.”
This sets the tone and guides your audience to interact with your bot instead of waiting for a live person.
Broadcasting Messages to Your Audience
One underrated feature in the free plan is broadcasting. You can send messages to everyone who’s interacted with your page in the past 24 hours. This is perfect for:
- New product launches
- Discount offers
- Event invites
To use broadcasts, go to “Broadcasting” in the dashboard. Choose your message type, audience segment, and schedule. Just make sure you follow Facebook’s 24-hour rule, which means you can only send promotional content within 24 hours of the user’s last interaction.
Even with this limit, it’s a great way to keep people engaged and drive sales without spending on ads.
Quick Tip: Keep Your Bot Human-Like
Although chatbots are automated, try to keep your tone friendly and human. Use emojis, conversational language, and short messages. Ask questions and give users quick reply buttons to keep them engaged.
For example:
“Hey! 👗 Looking for something stylish today? Tap a button below to explore!”
[🛍️ New Arrivals] [🔥 Best Sellers] [🎁 Offers]
Such flows make users feel like they’re chatting with a brand that understands their needs.
Final Thoughts: ManyChat is Worth Trying
Whether you’re looking to boost sales, automate replies, or just engage better with your audience, ManyChat is a solid platform — and its free version offers more than enough to get started.
The setup process is beginner-friendly. The visual builder is intuitive. And the features—like keywords, broadcasts, and welcome flows—are practical and powerful.
You don’t need to be tech-savvy. You just need a few minutes to experiment and explore the platform. Once you do, you’ll realize how much time and effort you can save.
So, if you’ve been considering a chatbot but weren’t sure how to start, ManyChat’s free version is your best first step.
Start building today — your audience (and your future self) will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is ManyChat really free?
Yes, ManyChat offers a free plan with access to essential features like keyword automation, basic flows, welcome messages, and limited broadcasting.
Q2. Do I need coding skills to use ManyChat?
Not at all. ManyChat has a visual drag-and-drop builder that’s perfect for beginners. No programming knowledge is required.
Q3. What platforms does ManyChat work with?
ManyChat integrates with Facebook Messenger, Instagram Direct, SMS, WhatsApp (beta), and email.
Q4. How many messages can I send with the free plan?
The free plan allows broadcasting to users who interacted within the past 24 hours. There are monthly limits on reach, but they are generous for new users.
Q5. Can I upgrade later?
Yes, you can upgrade to a paid plan anytime to unlock advanced features like unlimited audiences, analytics, and integrations.
Q6. Does ManyChat support e-commerce stores?
Absolutely. ManyChat integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, and other tools to automate product updates, order notifications, and customer support.
Q7. Is the platform mobile-friendly?
Yes, you can manage your account and even build flows using ManyChat’s mobile app
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