Send Private Welcome Messages to New WhatsApp Group Members with Evolution API

Description

Who's it for

This template is perfect for community managers, business owners, and WhatsApp group administrators who want to create a welcoming experience for new members. Whether you're running a support group, managing a business community, or moderating a hobby group, this automation ensures every new member feels valued from the moment they join.

How it works

The workflow automatically detects when someone joins your WhatsApp group and sends them a personalized welcome message directly to their private chat. It uses Evolution API to interface with WhatsApp Business and includes a natural delay to make the interaction feel more human. The entire process is hands-off once configured, ensuring consistent engagement with new members 24/7.

What it does

Monitors group activity - Receives real-time notifications when members join or leave
Filters for your specific group - Ensures messages are only sent for your designated group
Validates new joins - Confirms the event is a member joining (not leaving)
Adds natural timing - Waits a customizable period before sending the message
Sends private welcome - Delivers your welcome message directly to the new member's chat

Requirements

Evolution API instance** (self-hosted or cloud service)
WhatsApp Business account** connected to Evolution API
Group admin permissions** for the WhatsApp group
n8n instance** (self-hosted or cloud)

How to set up

Import the workflow into your n8n instance
Configure the Set Variables node with:
Your WhatsApp group ID (format: [email protected])
Evolution API key
Instance name from Evolution API
Evolution API URL
Custom welcome message
Delay time in minutes

Copy the webhook URL from the Webhook node
Configure Evolution API to send group notifications to your webhook URL
Test the workflow by having someone join your group
Activate the workflow for continuous operation

For a detailed video tutorial on setting up this workflow, check out: https://youtu.be/WO2MJoQqLvo

How to customize the workflow

Welcome message**: Edit the message in the Set Variables node to match your group's tone
Timing**: Adjust the wait time to send messages immediately or after several minutes
Multiple groups**: Duplicate the workflow and change the group ID for each group
Rich media**: Extend the HTTP Request node to send images or documents with the welcome
Conditional messages**: Add IF nodes to send different messages based on time of day or member count
Follow-up sequence**: Chain additional HTTP Request nodes to create a welcome series