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
Approved Display Name
High-Quality Ratings
Tip: If you're unsure about the status of your display name in Meta, a good indicator is your messaging limit. Once the display name is approved, Meta typically increases your messaging limit to 1,000 customers per 24 hours. At that point, you'll also be able to submit your WhatsApp flow.
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.
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 is WhatsApp Flows in Wati?
→ WhatsApp Flows is a feature in Wati that allows you to create input-based forms for use cases like lead generation, surveys, and feedback collection directly within WhatsApp chats.
2. Who can use WhatsApp Flows in Wati?
→ WhatsApp Flows is available to customers on Wati's Pro and Business plans.
3. What are the prerequisites for using WhatsApp Flows?
→ To use WhatsApp Flows, you need:
A verified Business Portfolio in Meta.
An approved display name.
High-quality ratings on your WhatsApp account.
Creating WhatsApp Flows
4. How do I create a WhatsApp Flow in Wati?
→ In Wati, go to the "Automation" section and click "WhatsApp Flows." You can use predefined templates or create a new flow using the drag-and-drop builder.
5. Can I edit a published WhatsApp Flow?
→ No, published flows cannot be edited. However, you can save a flow as a draft and edit it before publishing.
6. What templates are available for WhatsApp Flows in Wati?
→ Wati provides two predefined templates: "Lead Generation" and "Feedback Form." You can use them as-is, edit them, or duplicate them to create new flows.
Using WhatsApp Flows
7. How can I use WhatsApp Flow in a chatbot conversation?
→ You can add a "WhatsApp Flow node" in Wati's Chatbot Builder. Then, configure the node by selecting a created flow and setting up the message content.
Data collection from WhatsApp Flows
8. How is user data collected from a WhatsApp Flow?
→ When a user submits a flow form, Wati automatically captures the data using custom attributes.
9. What are flow-specific custom attributes?
→ A flow-specific custom attribute contains all data entered in the flow in JSON format. Its name includes the flow name as a prefix. For example: Leadgen_content.
10. What are field-specific custom attributes?
→ Each field in your flow form has its own custom attribute containing the specific value entered by the user.
11. Where can I view the custom attributes collected from a WhatsApp Flow?
→ You can view custom attributes in:
The Team Inbox (custom parameter area).
The WhatsApp Flow node section in the Chatbot Builder.
Additional resources
12. Is there a video walkthrough for creating WhatsApp Flows?
→ Yes. You can view it here:
13. Why am I seeing a "request failed" error when trying to publish a WhatsApp flow?
→ If you're unsure about the status of your display name in Meta, a good indicator is your messaging limit. Once the display name is approved, Meta typically increases your messaging limit to 1,000 customers per 24 hours. At that point, you'll also be able to submit your WhatsApp flow.
To help trigger this automatic upgrade, use the account actively over the next few days.