Ask Flow

Send customized flow forms in your WhatsApp chatbot with input validation, media integration, and dynamic responses.

Overview

The Ask Flow action allows the bot to send a customized flow (form) to users, prompting them to respond based on predefined input fields. This action can be used to gather structured data, such as personal details, preferences, or any other information required by the bot's flow.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Compose Your Message:

   • Enter a message to request user input. The message has a maximum limit of 4096 characters.

   • You can enhance your message using text formatting:

     • Bold: Select text and click the "B" button to enclose it in double asterisks (*).

     • Italic: Highlight the text and click the "I" button to enclose it in underscores (_).

     • Strikethrough: Select text and click the "s" button to enclose it in tildes (~).

   • Add emojis by clicking the emoji icon to make your message more engaging.

2. Adding Variables:

   • Insert dynamic content into your message by clicking "Add Variables". For example, you can pull in user-specific details such as name, making the message more personalized. Tip: Ensure that the variables contain relevant data to display correctly.

3. WhatsApp Flow:

   • Select the flow you want to send to the user. A flow is a form with customized input fields to collect specific responses from the user. You can choose the flow that best matches the type of information you want to gather.

4. Initial Screen:

   • Select the initial screen that will be sent when the flow starts. This screen introduces the form and guides the user on how to respond.

5. Has Media (Optional):

   • You can choose whether to include media (image, video, document) in the message along with the flow. This can help create a more engaging interaction.

6. Media Type:

   • Select the type of media you want to include:

     • Image: Maximum size of 5 MB.

     • Video: Maximum size of 16 MB.

     • Document: Maximum size of 100 MB.

7. Header Text (Optional):

   • Add a heading to the message. This text should not exceed 60 characters. You can use variables in the header, e.g., "Hello {{customer.name}}".

8. Footer Text (Optional)

   • Add a footer to the message. The footer text should not exceed 60 characters and can include variables.

9. Button Text:

   • In WhatsApp flow messages, a button is provided for the user to open the flow. Use this input to set the button text, which has a limit of 20 characters.

10. Error Handling:

• Error Attempt: Define how many wrong inputs (e.g., text instead of valid form data) the bot will allow before triggering an error. This ensures users provide correct data.

• Error Message: Create an error message to notify the user when they have submitted invalid data. Example: "Please complete the form with valid information."

1. Action on Invalid Input:

• End the Flow: If the user exceeds the allowed number of invalid attempts, stop the flow entirely. The bot will no longer continue to the next action.

• Fall Back Flow: Trigger an alternative flow if the user fails to submit valid input after several attempts.

• Skip the Question: If the user does not provide valid input, the bot will skip this action and proceed to the next one in the flow.

1. Store Response in a Variable (Optional):

• Select a bot variable from the dropdown to store the user’s response to the flow. This allows you to use the collected data in future actions. Example: Store the user's form submission in a variable like form_data for later use.

Sample Output

{
  "name": "customer 1",
  "age": "25"
}

• The fields in the sample output (name, age) are based on the components included in the flow. Refer to the flow responses page for further examples and customization.

Examples

• Flow Request: "Please fill out the following form to update your contact information."

• Flow with Media: Include an image or video in the flow request to make the interaction more engaging.

FAQs

1. What types of flows can I send using the Ask Flow action?

   • You can send any flow form that collects structured data, such as personal details, feedback, or survey responses.

2. Can I include media in the Ask Flow action?

   • Yes, you can include images, videos, or documents with the flow, enhancing the user’s experience.

3. What happens if the user submits incorrect information?

   • The bot will handle incorrect submissions based on the defined error attempts and error messages. You can also set fallback actions or skip the question if needed.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Invalid Submissions: Make sure the form instructions are clear and that all required fields are included in the flow.

• Flow Not Working: Ensure the selected flow is correctly set up in your chatbot’s flow management.