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Custom Instructions (Prompts)

Custom instructions allow you to tailor Wallu's behavior and responses to match your server's specific needs, tone, and requirements.

What Are Custom Instructions?​

Custom instructions are additional guidelines you provide to Wallu that influence how it responds to users. Think of them as "personality settings" or "behavioral rules" that help Wallu understand your server's context and expectations.

When to Use Custom Instructions​

  • Channel-specific behavior: Different tone for #general vs #support
  • Ticket categories: Specialized responses for billing vs technical support
  • Server personality: Match your community's tone (formal, casual, gaming-focused, etc.)
  • Special requirements: Specific policies, disclaimers, or formatting needs
  • Date/time awareness: Help Wallu understand current events and schedules

Quick Start​

Global Instructions​

Set server-wide behavior in Settings:

Be helpful and friendly. Always end responses with "Let me know if you need more help!"
Today is {current_date}. Our server events happen every Friday.

Channel-Specific Instructions​

Configure different behavior per channel in Channels:

This is our general chat. Keep responses brief and casual.
Avoid answering technical support questions here - direct users to #support instead.

Ticket Category Instructions​

For ticket automation, set category-specific behavior:

This is a billing support ticket. Be patient and helpful.
Always ask for account details if needed for billing issues.
If the issue requires manual review, escalate to human staff.

Prompt Placeholders​

Use dynamic placeholders to make instructions context-aware:

Date & Time Placeholders​

  • {current_date} - Current date (e.g., "April 21, 2025")
  • {week_day} - Current day of the week (e.g., "Monday")

Server Context Placeholders​

  • {server_name} - Your Discord server's name
  • {channel_name} - Current channel name
  • {user_mention} - Mention the user asking the question

Example Usage​

Welcome to {server_name}! Today is {current_date} ({week_day}).
{user_mention}, I'm here to help with questions about our services.

Complete placeholder reference →

Common Use Cases​

Gaming Community​

Be energetic and use gaming terminology. 
Mention our daily events at 8 PM EST (today is {week_day}).
Always remind users about our Discord boost perks!

Business Support​

Be professional and courteous. Always thank users for contacting support.
For account issues, direct users to create a ticket in #billing-support.
Include relevant policy links when applicable.

Educational Server​

Be encouraging and educational. Break down complex topics into simple steps.
Remind users about our study groups every {week_day} at 7 PM.
Always ask if they need clarification on any concepts.

Event Server​

Be excited about our events! Today is {current_date}.
Our next major event is [Event Name] on [Date] - remind users to register!
Always mention our event calendar link: [URL]

Best Practices​

✅ Do​

  • Be specific: Clear instructions work better than vague ones
  • Test regularly: Try different prompts and see what works best
  • Keep it concise: Long instructions can dilute effectiveness
  • Use examples: Show Wallu exactly what you want
  • Update regularly: Keep instructions current with your server changes

❌ Avoid​

  • Contradictory instructions: Don't conflict with your knowledge sources
  • Overly complex rules: Simple, clear instructions work best
  • Outdated information: Remove references to past events or old policies
  • Personal opinions: Stick to factual, helpful guidance
  • Excessive personality: Don't overdo character traits

Advanced Techniques​

Conditional Instructions​

If the user asks about billing, be extra patient and thorough.
For technical issues, provide step-by-step solutions.
For general questions, be brief but helpful.

Context-Aware Responses​

In #general: Keep responses short and casual.
In #support: Be detailed and professional.
In #events: Be enthusiastic about upcoming activities.

Escalation Guidelines​

For complex technical issues, suggest creating a ticket.
For billing problems, direct to #billing-support.
For urgent issues, mention our 24/7 emergency contact.

Integration with Other Features​

Knowledge Sources​

Custom instructions work alongside your FAQs and documents:

  • Instructions set the tone and behavior
  • Knowledge sources provide the actual information
  • Together they create comprehensive, on-brand responses

Bot Setup Modes​

Instructions adapt to your bot setup mode:

  • Support Channel: More formal, helpful tone
  • All Channels: Casual, non-intrusive responses
  • Ticket Automation: Category-specific, solution-focused

Troubleshooting Integration​

Use instructions to improve common issues:

Need Help?​

  • Test your instructions: Use the !wallu command to see how changes affect responses
  • Community examples: Join Wallu's Discord to see how others use custom instructions
  • Support: Contact [email protected] for help crafting effective instructions