> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.bizmagnets.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.bizmagnets.ai/conversation/initiate-conversation.md).

# Initiate Conversation

You can start chatting with a customer in BizMagnets if their contact is already added, or you can add their contact first and then send them a WhatsApp Template message.

{% hint style="info" %}
WhatsApp allows you to send only pre-approved template messages to initiate a conversation with a customer. 
{% endhint %}

## Start Chat with Saved Contact in BizMagnets Conversations

To start a chat with a saved contact, follow the below steps.

1. Go to **'Inbox'** from the dashboard.
2. Click to select the contact you wish to start a conversation with. After selecting the contact, the chat window will open. 

<figure><img src="/files/dY45O4ITYRejooCis6Vf" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. You need to create your message [templates](/template/bizmagnets-template-messages.md) to initiate the conversation. These templates must be pre-approved by Meta.

<figure><img src="/files/klOuiWLADMNUWsY04HuW" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Start Chat with Unsaved Contact in BizMagnets Conversations

You can create a [new contact](/contacts/add-contact.md) by clicking on "Add New Contact" and then start the conversation by sending the template message.

<figure><img src="/files/G54ttfZH9aVEpOidD6WM" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Send a Text to a BizMagnets Contact Individually

If you wish to send a text to a specific contact while browsing through your contacts in BizMagnets, you can do so by clicking on the "send' icon as shown in the below image.

<figure><img src="/files/rhEP9Fgb7Q86DKhvSkzN" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Replying to a customer's message&#x20;

You can immediately reply when a customer messages you, allowing you to engage in a chat conversation for next 24 hours.