Summary
Wati allows you to create and customize chatbots to automate customer interactions. This guide walks you through the steps to create a new chatbot, build it using different chatbot nodes, and configure advanced conditions for dynamic conversations.
Instructions
Creating a New Chatbot
Follow these steps to create a chatbot in Wati:
Go to your Wati Dashboard and navigate to Automation.
Click on Chatbots from the Automation Menu.
Click the green Add Chatbot button.
Choose a template if your chatbot aligns with a predefined structure, or select Start from Scratch.
If starting from scratch, enter your Chatbot Name in the pop-up that appears.
Your chatbot is now created, and you can begin building its flow.
Building a Chatbot
Wati's chatbot builder uses a drag-and-drop interface. To configure your chatbot:
Want to post a message? Just click "Send a message".
Have a question for the team? Click "Ask a question" to add it to the board.
Need to set a specific condition? Use the "Set a condition" button.
Need a bigger view of the map? Click the "< -- >" button to expand it and hide the node options.
The zoom controls provide comprehensive map manipulation:
Zoom In: Get a closer look.
Zoom Out: See the bigger picture.
Reset Zoom: Return to the default view.
Center Map: Put the focus back in the middle.
Lock/Unlock Mouse Zoom: Decide whether your mouse wheel controls the zoom.
The floating window gives you an overview of your entire chatbot structure.
Click "Save Chatbot" to keep your changes!
Types of Chatbot Nodes
1. Send a Message (No User Input Required)
This node sends a message without expecting a reply. It’s typically the last node in a chatbot sequence. Supported message types include:
Text
Image
Video
Audio
Document (PDF, DOCX, etc.)
2. Ask a Question (User Input Required)
This node collects user responses and validates inputs. There are two response types:
Predefined Answers: Users can create answer variants, and the chatbot directs the conversation based on user responses.
Saved Inputs: User responses can be stored in variables for later use in the chatbot flow.
Advanced Input Validation
To ensure correct inputs, use validation rules under the Advanced Options section. Available validations include:
Number: Define min/max values and set error messages.
Date: Ensures user input follows a valid date format.
Date + Time: Validates both date and time inputs.
Time: Restricts input to valid time formats.
Pattern (Regex): Define custom input patterns, e.g., National ID formats.
If no condition matches, the chatbot defaults to the Expected Answer response. Below is an example of the existing default chatbot:
3. Conditions (Dynamic Flow Control)
Conditions help decide the chatbot's next step based on saved variables. A condition consists of:
IF @ input: Select the variable or custom parameter to check.
Note: The CustomParam is the parameter that we store the customer's input value in the current chatbot.
Condition Operator: Options include equal to, not equal to, contains, etc.
Value / Variable Input: Define a value or variable to compare.
Add Rule (AND/OR): Combine multiple conditions for complex logic. If the condition evaluates as TRUE, the chatbot follows the Green Path. If FALSE, it follows the Red Path.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Questions
What is Wati's chatbot feature? → Wati allows you to create and customize chatbots to automate customer interactions, using a drag-and-drop interface with various chatbot nodes.
Who can use Wati's chatbot builder? → Anyone with access to the Wati dashboard can use the chatbot builder to automate customer conversations.
Creating a Chatbot
How do I create a new chatbot in Wati? → Navigate to your Wati Dashboard, go to Automation, select Chatbots, and click "Add Chatbot." You can choose a template or start from scratch.
Can I use a template instead of creating a chatbot from scratch? → Yes, Wati provides predefined templates to help you get started quickly.
What should I do after creating a chatbot? → Once your chatbot is created, you can start building its flow by adding nodes and configuring responses.
Building a Chatbot
How do I add chatbot nodes? → Use the drag-and-drop interface to add nodes like "Send a Message," "Ask a Question," or "Set a Condition."
How can I preview the chatbot structure? → The floating window provides an overview of your entire chatbot structure.
How do I save my chatbot progress? → Click "Save Chatbot" to ensure your changes are stored.
Chatbot Nodes & Functions
What is a 'Send a Message' node? → This node sends a message without expecting a user response. It can include text, images, videos, audio, or documents.
What is an 'Ask a Question' node? → This node collects user input and can validate responses. User inputs can be predefined answers or stored variables.
How can I validate user inputs? → Under Advanced Options, you can set validation rules such as number range, date format, regex patterns, and more.
Advanced Chatbot Features
What are chatbot conditions? → Conditions allow dynamic flow control by evaluating user responses or stored variables and directing the chatbot accordingly.
What happens if a condition is met? → If a condition evaluates as TRUE, the chatbot follows the Green Path. If FALSE, it follows the Red Path.
Can I combine multiple conditions? → Yes, you can use AND/OR rules to create complex logic for chatbot flows.
Navigation & Controls
How can I adjust the chatbot map view? → Use the zoom controls to zoom in, zoom out, reset zoom, or center the map.
Can I disable Mouse Zoom? → Yes, you can lock or unlock mouse zoom as needed.