Getting Started with Telegram Business: Start Page, Smart Links & Chatbots Explained

Telegram Business is evolving fast — bringing powerful tools that help brands and businesses build better connections with customers. Among its most impactful features are the Start Page, Smart Chat Links, and Chatbots for Business. Whether you're a small brand, local store, or an international company, these tools help you automate, personalize, and grow.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about each feature, and walk you through a step-by-step tutorial to get started.

What Is Telegram Business?

Telegram Business is a set of enhanced tools designed for companies using Telegram to communicate with customers. From custom welcome messages to automated support bots, Telegram Business offers more control, personalization, and automation for any business looking to scale their messaging.

Let’s explore three of the most useful tools.

1. Start Page: Make a Memorable First Impression on Telegram

Your Start Page is like a virtual storefront. It's the first thing a new customer sees when they open a chat with your Telegram Business account — and that first impression counts.

Think of it as your 24/7 digital welcome mat. It’s your chance to greet users, set the tone for communication, and encourage them to engage — even before you reply.

💡 Why the Start Page Matters

• Sets Expectations: Let users know what kind of support or services you offer via chat.
• Saves Time: Answer FAQs or explain how your business operates up front.
• Boosts Engagement: Invite users to take action — like sending a message, asking a question, or visiting your website.
• Builds Trust: A professional and friendly Start Page shows that your business is active and customer-focused.

🎨 What You Can Customize on the Start Page

Welcome Text

• Up to 300 characters
• Short, clear, and friendly
• Example:
• “👋 Welcome to Deris Dental! We’re here to help with appointments, questions, and more. Just send us a message!”

Sticker

• Optional but highly recommended
• A branded sticker or mascot adds personality and visual appeal
• You can upload a static image or use an animated Telegram sticker
• Example: A waving hand, a smiling tooth (for a dental clinic), or your brand mascot

Chat Behavior

• The Start Page appears only if the user has no previous chat history with your account
• This makes it ideal for attracting and converting first-time visitors

🛠️ How to Set Up Your Start Page (Step-by-Step)

Go to Telegram Settings

• Tap on the three lines in the top-left (on Android) or go to the Settings tab (iOS).

Tap on ‘Telegram Business’

• If you haven’t enabled Telegram Business yet, you’ll see an option to turn it on.

Choose ‘Start Page’

• Here you can:
• Add or edit your welcome message
• Upload a custom sticker or choose one from your sticker packs
• Preview how it will look to new users

Save Changes

• Once saved, the Start Page will be shown to any user who opens a chat with you for the first time and hasn’t messaged you before.

📈 Start Page Best Practices (Pro Tips)

• Keep it conversational. You’re chatting, not writing an email. Use emojis where appropriate.
• Address pain points. If people often ask about opening hours or shipping, mention it here.
• Include a call to action (CTA). For example:
• “Type ‘Hi’ to get started!” or “Tell us how we can help 👇”
• Use your brand voice. If your brand is playful, sound playful. If you’re formal, keep it professional.
• Test and update. Review responses over time and tweak the message to increase conversions.

This creates a frictionless, guided experience from the moment they tap your link to when they get their first reply — automated or manual.

2. Chat Links: Smart Telegram Links That Start Conversations

One of Telegram Business’s most underrated — yet incredibly powerful — tools is the Smart Chat Link. These links allow you to instantly connect with users and guide their conversations from the very first tap.

Whether you’re running ads, managing a website, or printing menus, these smart links bridge the gap between interest and engagement.

⚙️ What Are Telegram Smart Chat Links?

Smart links are special Telegram URLs that:

• Open a chat with your Telegram Business account
• Show the custom Start Page (for first-time users)
• Can include a pre-written message that appears in the input field

Users only need to tap “Send” — making it incredibly easy to start a conversation.

🎯 How to Use Telegram Chat Links in Your Business

These links are perfect for embedding wherever you connect with customers:

💻 On Your Website

Add a “Chat on Telegram” button to your homepage, product pages, or support page.

Example CTA: “Need Help? Tap to Chat with Us on Telegram.”

📱 In Instagram / TikTok Bios

Paste your Telegram link in your social media bio to drive direct communication without needing DMs.

🧾 On Printed Materials

Use a QR code version of your link on:

• Restaurant menus
• Product packaging
• Business cards
• Posters and flyers

📩 In Email Signatures

Include a line like: “Questions? Chat with us instantly on Telegram” with your custom link.

📢 In Ads

Run a paid campaign (Google Ads, Meta, TikTok) that leads directly to your Telegram Business account. Each link can suggest different messages for A/B testing.

✅ Benefits of Using Smart Chat Links

• Higher Conversion Rates: Reduce the steps between interest and interaction
• Faster Customer Support: Let users tell you what they need from the first message
• Personalization: Create unique links for different campaigns, languages, or products
• Better Organization: Use start parameters to trigger specific bot actions or track sources
• Cross-Platform Power: Works on mobile, desktop, browsers, and inside the Telegram app

🧠 Bonus: Use different links with different pre-filled messages for different landing pages or ads, and track performance!

🤖 3. Chatbots for Business: Scale Customer Service & Sales on Autopilot

Telegram Business empowers you to do more than just chat. With Chatbots for Business, you can automate conversations, answer questions instantly, and even guide users through a custom journey — all without lifting a finger.

If you're running a business that gets frequent inquiries, this is a game-changer.

🔍 What Is a Telegram Business Chatbot?

A Telegram chatbot is an automated assistant built using the Telegram Bot API. When integrated with your Telegram Business account, it becomes a frontline worker for your brand — answering questions, handling bookings, providing updates, and more.

With Business Mode, Telegram makes this integration more powerful, secure, and customizable.

🧠 Key Features of Business Chatbots

• 💬 Instant Replies: Bots can respond the moment a user sends a message — no wait times.
• 🎯 Selective Access: Choose whether the bot replies to all chats, only new users, or exclude known contacts.
• 🔘 Interactive Buttons: Use inline buttons for quick actions (e.g., “Book Now,” “Track Order”).
• 📄 Structured Data Collection: Collect emails, phone numbers, feedback, or form-like info.
• 🔄 Multi-step Flows: Guide users through a service flow (e.g., appointment booking or support requests).
• 🌐 System Integrations: Connect with CRMs, Google Sheets, payment gateways, or help desk tools.

📈 Benefits of Using Bots in Telegram Business

• 24/7 Availability: Your business is always open — even during holidays or late nights.
• Save Time: Handle common inquiries like pricing, availability, or tracking without human effort.
• Boost Engagement: Keep users interacting through personalized responses and dynamic content.
• Reduce Costs: Automate support and reduce your dependency on full-time live agents.
• Consistent Communication: Every customer gets the right info, every time.

🛠️ How to Set Up a Telegram Business Bot (Step-by-Step)

Here’s a complete beginner-to-advanced guide:

Step 1: Create a Bot with @BotFather

1. Go to @BotFather in Telegram.
2. Send the command /newbot
3. Enter:

• Bot display name (e.g., Deris Assistant)
• Unique username ending with bot (e.g., DerisDentalBot)

1. You’ll receive an API token — copy and save it.

Step 2: Enable Business Mode

1. In @BotFather, send /business
2. Choose your bot from the list
3. Turn on Business Mode

• You’ll now be able to connect it with your Telegram Business account

1. Under the settings, you can define:

• Which chats the bot can access
• Whether it responds to existing contacts or only new chats

Step 3: Connect the Bot to Your Telegram Business Account

1. Go to Settings > Telegram Business Tools > Chatbot
2. Choose the bot you created
3. Define how it should behave:

• ✅ Respond to new chats only
• ✅ Exclude contacts
• ✅ Allow takeover by human agents

Your bot is now live and active within your business environment.

🧰 Optional Step: Customize Your Bot’s Logic

Depending on your goals, you can:

• Use no-code platforms like Manybot, Chatfuel, or Tars
• Code your own bot using Python, Node.js, PHP, or other languages with the Telegram Bot API

1. Pro tip: For simple flows (like answering FAQs), no-code builders are often enough. For advanced tasks (like dynamic pricing, order tracking, or CRM syncing), a developer may be needed.

🔒 You have full control over where and when your bot replies. It won’t interfere with your existing contact conversations unless you choose so.

Conclusion

Telegram Business is not just about chatting — it's about creating meaningful customer experiences that feel personal, immediate, and helpful. With the Start Page, Chat Links, and Bot Integration, you can:

• Impress first-time users
• Drive more chats from your site or social media
• Automate repetitive support and free up your time