# Build your first journey

> A worked example from trigger to final message.

_Source: https://hexafloww.com/docs/automations/build-your-first-journey_

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Here's a common journey: **welcome new WhatsApp contacts, then follow up if they don't reply.**

## The plan

1. Someone opts in to WhatsApp → send a welcome template.
2. Wait 2 days.
3. If they haven't replied → send a gentle follow-up.
4. If they replied → do nothing (a person will take over in the inbox).

## Build it

1. **New automation.** Automations → New Automation.
2. **Trigger: WhatsApp opt-in.**
3. **Step — Send WhatsApp message:** choose your approved `welcome` template and map any variables (e.g. first name with a fallback).
4. **Step — Wait:** 2 days.
5. **Step — Check contact (if/else):** *WhatsApp replied* within 48 hours.
   - **No path → Send WhatsApp message:** a `follow_up` template.
   - **Yes path:** leave empty — the journey just ends.
6. **Activate.**

![Automation canvas showing the welcome journey](https://hexafloww.com/docs/automations/welcome-journey.webp)

## Test it

Opt a test contact in (message your number from a test phone, or use the bulk opt-in on one contact) and watch the enrollment progress on the automation's page.

> [!TIP]
> The builder includes starter recipes — including **WhatsApp welcome** and **Cross-channel nudge** — that you can drop in and adjust.