I run a hybrid version of this. Automation handles instant response for predictable triggers — a new client enrolling gets a welcome text immediately, a website form submission triggers automatic follow-up questions. That part is instant because it doesn't require me.
But for random client messages, I don't drop what I'm doing every time my phone buzzes. I only respond during business hours — no weekends, no evenings. If I'm working late and going through messages, I'll schedule the texts to send the next morning during business hours instead of sending them right then. That way nothing sits unanswered overnight, but I'm not training clients to expect instant replies at 9pm either.
My rule is everyone gets a response within 24 hours, just not necessarily the second they message me. Clients have been fine with that — what they actually want is to know they'll hear back, not that you're glued to your phone.
