Summary
The Google Spreadsheets feature in Wati's Pro Plan add-on allows you to automatically collect and store user data from WhatsApp conversations into a Google Spreadsheet. This eliminates the need for manual data entry, saving time and reducing errors. No additional installation is required to use this feature.
Instructions
Please note that this Google Spreadsheets feature is an add-on to the regular plan and is charged separately.
Why Use This Feature?
This feature is particularly useful for:
Small businesses that do not have the budget for a full-fledged Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.
Teams that spend a lot of time manually entering data.
Organizations that want to streamline data collection and reduce operational costs. By automating data entry into Google Spreadsheets, teams can capture important information efficiently and access it in real-time.
How to Connect a Chatbot to Google Spreadsheets
Follow these steps to link your Wati chatbot with Google Spreadsheets:
Add the Google Spreadsheet Node
Open your chatbot in Wati’s chatbot builder.
Click on the Google Spreadsheet node icon from the left panel to add it to the chatbot flow.
Configure the Google Spreadsheet Node
Click the ⋮ (three-dot) menu on the node and select Edit.
Connect your Google account.
Choose the Google Spreadsheet where the data should be stored.
Select the specific sheet within the spreadsheet where the data should be saved.
Set Up Data Insertion Options You have two options for adding data:
Insert a New Row: Use this option to add each new data entry as a separate row. You can specify variables that will be stored in columns, ensuring they match the variables defined in your chatbot.
Update an Existing Row: Use this if data already exists in the sheet. Define a reference column (an existing column in the spreadsheet), and specify the values to be updated.
Example Configuration
Suppose you have a spreadsheet with a column named Equipment and want to update it dynamically:
Set the reference column to “Equipment.”
Define what should be updated when a user provides new input.
Example: If the spreadsheet contains “No Equipment,” any new responses received via the chatbot will replace this value with the updated information.
Save Your Settings Once all fields are configured, click Save to finalize the setup.
How Does It Work?
When users interact with the chatbot, their responses to buttons or list nodes are automatically collected and stored in Google Spreadsheets. The chatbot’s @value settings ensure that the data aligns correctly with the spreadsheet columns.
Example of a Working Chatbot
A Buttons node is used to collect data.
The value field in the node is set to
@equipment.The Google Spreadsheet node captures this value and updates the spreadsheet accordingly.
Testing Your Setup
To test if the integration is working correctly:
Send the chatbot to a user through Team Inbox.
Set up an automation keyword to trigger the chatbot when a specific phrase is used.
Example: If a user types, “I need help with my equipment,” the keyword equipment triggers the chatbot.
The data will be automatically recorded in the selected Google Spreadsheet.
You can share the spreadsheet with your team for real-time access. With this setup, your team can seamlessly collect, store, and access customer data without manual input, improving efficiency and data accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Questions
What is the Google Spreadsheets feature in Wati? → The Google Spreadsheets feature in Wati's Pro Plan add-on allows you to collect user data from WhatsApp conversations and store it in a Google Spreadsheet automatically, eliminating manual data entry.
Is the Google Spreadsheets feature included in the standard Wati plan? → No, this feature is part of the Pro Plan add-on and is charged separately.
Do I need to install any additional software to use this feature? → No, there is no additional installation required. You just need to connect your Google account within Wati.
Setup & Configuration
How do I add the Google Spreadsheet node to my chatbot? → Open your chatbot in Wati’s chatbot builder, then click on the Google Spreadsheet node icon from the left panel to add it to the chatbot flow.
How do I connect my Google account to Wati? → Click the ⋮ (three-dot) menu on the Google Spreadsheet node and select Edit. Then, follow the prompts to connect your Google account.
Can I choose a specific Google Spreadsheet and sheet for data storage? → Yes, after connecting your Google account, you can select both the spreadsheet and the specific sheet where the data will be stored.
Data Management
What are the available data insertion options? → You can choose from:
Insert a New Row: Add each new data entry as a separate row.
Update an Existing Row: Updates an existing row based on a reference column.
How do I update an existing row in my spreadsheet? → Select the Update an Existing Row option, define a reference column, and specify the values that should be updated.
Can I use multiple variables in my spreadsheet? → Yes, ensure the variables in your chatbot are in sync with the columns in your spreadsheet.
Functionality & Testing
Where does the data come from in my chatbot? → The data is collected from users’ responses to buttons or list nodes, which are configured with @value settings.
How do I test if my chatbot is correctly updating the spreadsheet?
Send the chatbot directly to a client through Team Inbox.
Set up an automation keyword that triggers the chatbot when a user sends a specific phrase.
Check the spreadsheet to confirm that new data is being recorded.
Can I share the spreadsheet with my team? → Yes, once the data is collected, you can share the spreadsheet with your team for real-time access.