Collecting user information is essential for businesses, but traditional forms can reduce engagement. WhatsApp input flow allows you to collect user details—such as emails, phone numbers, and business information—step by step within a chat. This method enhances user experience and streamlines data collection. In this guide, you will learn how to create an automated input flow on WhatsApp to collect and store user details efficiently.
Table of Contents #
- What is WhatsApp Input Flow?
- Why Use WhatsApp Input Flow?
- Setting Up the Chatbot for Input Flow
- Configuring the Input Flow
- Testing Your Input Flow
- Exporting and Managing Collected Data
- Tips
1. What is WhatsApp Input Flow? #
WhatsApp input flow is a chatbot automation that collects user details step by step through messages. Instead of using forms, users respond to automated prompts in a conversational manner, making the process seamless and user-friendly.
2. Why Use WhatsApp Input Flow? #
- Higher Engagement – Users prefer chat interactions over filling out forms.
- Automation Efficiency – No manual data entry is needed.
- Integration Flexibility – Sync collected data with spreadsheets, CRMs, or automation tools like Zapier.
3. Setting Up the Chatbot for Input Flow #
To get started, create a chatbot that will manage the input flow. Follow these steps:
- Navigate to Bot Manager > Bot reply > Create
- Click on the “Create” button to start a new chatbot.
- Name your chatbot (e.g., “User Input Flow”).
- Assign a keyword (e.g., “input flow”) to trigger the chatbot when users send this message.
4. Configuring the Input Flow #
Creating a Keyword Trigger #
- The chatbot starts only when the user sends the predefined keyword (e.g., “input flow”).
Adding Questions and Response Types #
- Add the User Input Flow element to bring out the Questions element
- You can choose where to store the data ( Webhook URL or Google sheets) while configuring User Input Flow
- First Question: Ask for the user’s email.
- Response type: Email (validated using regular expressions).
- Second Question: Ask if the user’s business is registered.
- Response type: Multiple-choice (Yes/No options).
- You can decide to save the response to a custom field or add a new custom field.
- Additional Questions: Add as many questions as needed.
- Close the flow with a thank you message
5. Testing Your Input Flow #
- Open WhatsApp and send the keyword message (e.g., “input flow”).
6. Exporting and Managing Collected Data #
- Navigate to your chatbot settings and find the collected data.
- Export data as a spreadsheet
7. Tips #
- Keep questions concise and clear.
- Validate responses to ensure accurate data collection.
- Personalize follow-up messages based on collected responses.
- Regularly test and update the chatbot for improved efficiency.
By following these steps, you can effectively collect user details on WhatsApp without traditional forms, improving user experience and automating your data collection process.