Summary
WhatsApp Flows feature allows you to create simple, input-based forms for various use cases like lead generation, surveys, and feedback collection directly within WhatsApp. This article will guide you through creating and using WhatsApp Flows in Wati, from initial setup to collecting user data.
Instructions
Understanding WhatsApp Flows
WhatsApp Flows feature enables you to design interactive forms that users can fill out without leaving the WhatsApp chat. For instance, a customer service feedback form can be presented when a user clicks a "Contact Us" button. This opens a form within WhatsApp where users can enter their information and submit it.
Wati Pro and Business plan customers can create customized input-based forms using a drag-and-drop builder available on the Wati platform.
Prerequisites for using WhatsApp Flows
To use WhatsApp Flows, you need to meet Meta's requirements:
Verified Business Portfolio
2000 messaging limit
High-Quality Ratings
Tip: Meta no longer requires display name approval to use WhatsApp Flows. However, you still need a messaging limit of 2,000. If your messaging limit is 2,000 or higher, you can submit and use WhatsApp Flows.
How to create a WhatsApp Flow in Wati
1. Navigate to WhatsApp Flows:
In Wati, go to the "Automation" section and click on "WhatsApp Flows."
2. Start creating a Flow:
Click the Continue button on the intro screen.
You'll see a page with two predefined templates: "Lead Generation" and "Feedback Form".
You can edit these templates, create a new flow from scratch, or duplicate a template to create a new flow.
3. Customize your form:
Select a template to access the drag-and-drop builder.
Customize the form according to your specific needs.
4. Save or Publish your Flow:
Once you've customized the form, you can save it as a "Draft" or click the Publish button to create the new flow.
Note: Published flows cannot be edited. Flows saved as drafts can be edited later and published.
Using a WhatsApp Flow in a chatbot conversation
1. Access the Chatbot builder: Open the Chatbot Builder in Wati.
2. Add a WhatsApp Flow node: Add a "WhatsApp Flow node" to your chatbot conversation flow.
3. Configure the Flow node:
Select the created flow from the dropdown menu.
Set up the header, body, and button text for the message.
Collecting data from WhatsApp Flow
Wati provides custom attributes to collect the values entered by users in the WhatsApp Flow form:
Flow-specific custom attribute: When you create a flow, a custom attribute is automatically generated with the flow name as a prefix. For example, if your flow is named "Leadgen," the custom attribute will be "Leadgen_content." This attribute contains all the data entered in the flow in JSON format.
Field-specific custom attributes: Each field in the Flow form also has its own custom attribute, containing the value entered in that specific field.
You can view these custom attributes in the following locations:
Team Inbox: In the custom parameter area.
Chatbot Builder: In the WhatsApp Flow node section.
Date picker in WhatsApp Flows
Managing bookings, appointments, or follow-ups often means collecting exact dates from customers. The Date Picker in WhatsApp Flows makes this simple by allowing businesses to capture date inputs directly within automated flows. This helps streamline scheduling, confirmations, and any process that requires date-specific information.
Key benefits
Simplifies scheduling: Collect dates in a clear, structured way.
Automates workflows: Use date inputs for bookings, confirmations, or follow-ups.
Plan availability: Date picker in WhatsApp Flows is available for Pro and Business Plan users.
Video Walkthrough
Are you a visual learner? Check our video walkthrough on creating and using WhatsApp Flows.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General questions
1. What are WhatsApp Flows in Wati?
WhatsApp Flows let you create interactive, input-based forms that customers can fill out directly inside a WhatsApp chat.
2. What are common use cases for WhatsApp Flows?
They are commonly used for lead generation, surveys, feedback collection, bookings, and follow-ups.
Access and prerequisites
3. Who can create WhatsApp Flows in Wati?
Only Wati Pro and Business plan users can create and manage WhatsApp Flows.
4. What are the requirements to use WhatsApp Flows?
You need a verified Business Portfolio, a messaging limit of at least 2,000, and a high-quality rating from Meta.
5. Is display name approval required to use WhatsApp Flows?
No. Display name approval is no longer required, but you must still meet the 2,000 messaging limit requirement.
Creating and managing flows
6. Where do I create a WhatsApp Flow in Wati?
You can create a flow by going to Automation and selecting WhatsApp Flows.
7. Can I start from a template or create a flow from scratch?
Yes. You can edit predefined templates, duplicate them, or create a new flow from scratch using the drag-and-drop builder.
8. Can I edit a flow after publishing it?
No. Published flows cannot be edited. Only flows saved as drafts can be modified and published later.
Using flows in conversations
9. How do I use a WhatsApp Flow in a chatbot?
Add a WhatsApp Flow node in the Chatbot Builder, select the flow, and configure the header, body, and button text.
Data collection and attributes
10. How is user data collected from a WhatsApp Flow?
Wati automatically creates custom attributes that store all submitted data in JSON format, along with separate attributes for each form field.
11. Where can I view data collected from a WhatsApp Flow?
You can view it in the Team Inbox under custom parameters and in the Chatbot Builder within the WhatsApp Flow node.
Date picker and advanced inputs
12. What is the Date Picker in WhatsApp Flows used for?
The Date Picker allows customers to select exact dates for bookings, appointments, or follow-ups directly within the flow.