June 2026 · 6 min read
Facebook Away Message Examples 2026: 12 Templates for Every Business Type
Facebook Away Message fires automatically when someone messages your Page outside your business hours. The difference between a good away message and a generic one is the same as the difference between a closed sign with no information and a sign that says 'closed until 9am Monday — book online at [link].' Both acknowledge you are away; only one actually helps the customer.
Key Takeaways
- Away Message fires only outside your configured business hours — Instant Reply fires anytime
- The best away messages include: closed acknowledgement, return time, and one useful alternative action
- A booking link in your away message converts evening and weekend inquiries without any follow-up
- Setup: business.facebook.com → Inbox → Automated Responses → Away Message → set schedule → write message
- Test it by sending a message during away hours from a personal account
What separates useful away messages from unhelpful ones
Unhelpful:
"We're currently away and will respond as soon as possible."
No return time, no alternative, no useful information. The customer knows nothing more than before they sent the message.
Useful:
"We're closed right now — back at 9am Monday.
To book in the meantime: [link]. For urgent queries, call [number]."
Four lines that tell them when you're back, give them a self-service option, and handle urgency.
The pattern for every good away message: closed acknowledgement + return time + alternative action.
12 Facebook away message templates
Service businesses
1. General service business
"We're currently closed — we'll be back at [time] on [day].
Your message is saved and we'll reply then.
Browse our services and book online at [website]."
2. Photography / creative studio
"Studio is closed right now — back at [time] [days].
To check my availability and book a session, visit: [booking link].
See recent work at [portfolio link]."
3. Personal trainer
"Currently away from messages — back tomorrow at [time].
Check out my current coaching packages and book a free intro call at: [link].
See client transformations at [portfolio]."
4. Accountant / financial services
"Our office is closed. We are available [hours] [days].
Your message is saved — we will reply first thing.
For urgent tax matters: [number]. To book a consultation: [booking link]."
Hospitality and food
5. Restaurant
"We're closed right now — open [hours] [days].
To reserve a table: [reservation link] or call [number] during opening hours.
View our current menu at [link]."
6. Cafe / bakery
"We're currently closed — open from [time] tomorrow.
See our daily menu and specials at [Instagram link or website].
Catering or event orders: email [address] and we'll get back to you next business day."
Healthcare and wellness
7. Dental practice
"Our practice is closed — we are open [hours] [days].
To book an appointment: [booking link] or call [number] when we open.
For dental emergencies, please call [emergency number] or visit your nearest emergency dental clinic."
8. Physiotherapist / therapist
"Currently out of office — back at [time] [day].
Your message is saved and I will reply then.
To book an appointment: [booking link]."
Retail and e-commerce
9. Online shop
"Our team is offline right now — back at [time] on [day].
You can browse and order 24/7 at [website].
Orders placed now ship within [X] business days."
10. Clothing boutique
"We're closed! Back at [time] [day].
Shop the full collection at [website] — new arrivals added weekly.
Returns and exchanges: see our policy at [link]."
Professional services
11. Estate agent / real estate
"Our team is currently unavailable — back at [time] [day].
Your message is saved and an agent will follow up then.
Browse current listings at [website]. For urgent matters: [number]."
12. Coach / consultant
"Currently away — back at [time] [day].
To book a discovery call: [Calendly link] — slots open 7 days ahead.
While you wait, grab my free [lead magnet] at [link]."
How to set up your Facebook Away Message
- Go to business.facebook.com
- Click Inbox in the left menu
- Click Automated Responses
- Click Away Message
- Toggle on
- Set your schedule — the hours you ARE available (away message fires outside these hours)
- Write your message using one of the templates above
- Click Save
To test: send a message from a personal Facebook account during your configured away hours. The away message should arrive within a few seconds.
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