What does the “First Message” tag mean in WhatsApp (AcmeChat) and how do I use it?

What does the “First Message” tag mean in WhatsApp (AcmeChat) and how do I use it?

⚡ Quick answer -

“First Message” is an auto-applied tag that captures the exact source (product page, ad, QR code, etc.) of a contact’s very first WhatsApp message to you. It appears < 1s after the first inbound message, never changes unless edited, and powers segmentation, automation, and revenue attribution.

When should I use this guide?

• You create WhatsApp entry links or QR codes and need reliable tracking.

• You build automations that trigger when a contact’s tag equals a campaign or product.

• You audit attribution data for ads, pages, or offline events.

1. Overview: how the tag works

The platform inspects the first click-through URL used to open WhatsApp and copies the utm_source or data-tag value into a persistent contact tag called First Message.

Landing source example

Auto-assigned tag

https://wa.me/15551234567?utm_source=Product_X

Product X

https://wa.me/15551234567?utm_source=Service_A_2025

Service A

QR code with data-tag=Tradeshow_QR

Tradeshow QR

2. Prerequisites

• WhatsApp Business API connected through AcmeChat.

• Entry links or QR codes containing a single utm_source (or data-tag) parameter.

• The contact has never messaged your number before.

3. Step-by-step: test & verify

Step

Action

1

Build a link: https://wa.me/15551234567?utm_source=Product_X (edit phone & tag).

2

Click the link or scan the QR code to send a test message.

3

Open Inbox → conversation thread.

4

In the Contact Details pane, locate Tags → confirm “Product X”.

5

Use Filters → Tags → Product X to launch an automation or export CSV.

Expected outcome: tag appears instantly and triggers any rule that listens for Tag = Product X.

4. Expected results

• Tag applied within 1 second.

• Tag persists for the lifetime of the contact unless manually edited.

• All automations using the tag fire as designed.

5. Edge cases & when it DOES NOT work

Scenario

System behaviour

Work-around

Contact already has a tag

Existing tag is kept; new tag is ignored.

Manually adjust if necessary.

Multiple utm_source values

First parameter wins.

Use only one utm_source.

Link lacks utm_source/data-tag

Tag defaults to Unknown Source.

Always include a source parameter.

Segment your audience by First Message Tag

Why use it:

• Intent targeting – e.g., send promos only to contacts whose first tag = “Product Inquiry”

• Support prioritisation – auto-route “Urgent” tags to Tier 2 agents.

• Pattern analysis – see which entry points create the most “Pricing Question” tags.

How to segment (Web)

  1. Dashboard › Manage › Conversations.
  2. Click Tag filter → choose First Message Tag.
  3. Pick a tag (e.g., “Order Inquiry”).
  4. Click Create Segment or Export Contacts to launch a campaign or assign agents.

How to segment (Mobile)

  1. App › Conversations › Filters.
  2. Select First Message Tag, choose the tag, tap Save as Segment or Export.

Expected result:

A dynamic segment containing only contacts whose very first inbound message carried the selected tag—ready for campaigns, routing rules, or analytics.

6. Troubleshooting guide

Symptom

Possible cause

Fix

No tag after first message

Link missing utm_source

Regenerate the link and retest.

Wrong tag value

Typo in URL parameter

Correct the link; future contacts will tag properly.

Automation not firing

Rule references the wrong tag spelling

Update the rule to match the exact tag text.

Keywords: First Message tag, WhatsApp utm_source, contact segmentation, AcmeChat automation