Ask Flow
The Ask Flow action allows the chatbot to redirect users to a predefined WhatsApp Flow to collect structured information during a conversation.
Instead of collecting individual inputs step-by-step, Ask Flow launches a WhatsApp Flow form where users can complete multiple fields in a single interface.
The submitted form responses are captured and stored in a variable, allowing the chatbot to process the collected data and continue the workflow.
The diagram shown in the final screen demonstrates how the Ask Flow node appears in the bot workflow after configuration.
When to Use Ask Flow
Use the Ask Flow action when the chatbot needs to collect multiple pieces of information through a structured form.
Common Use Cases
Lead generation forms
Appointment booking forms
Feedback forms
Customer onboarding forms
Registration forms
Example interaction:
Bot: Please complete the quick form to continue. User: Opens the form and submits the required details.
The chatbot collects the submitted form data and continues the workflow.
How to Add Ask Flow
Follow these steps to add the Ask Flow action to your bot workflow.
Open Bot Builder
Click Add Node
Select the Ask tab
Choose Ask Flow
Configure the required fields
Click Create
Once added, the chatbot will prompt the user to open and complete the selected WhatsApp Flow.
Ask Flow Configuration
When creating an Ask Flow action, several configuration fields must be completed.
Action Name
The Action Name identifies the flow step inside the chatbot workflow.
Example:
Collect data using flow Customer Registration Flow Lead Capture Form
In the walkthrough example, the action name used is "Collect data using flow."
Message
The Message field contains the prompt displayed to the user before launching the flow.
Example:
Hi 👋 Welcome to OwnChat! You've unlocked our Year-End WhatsApp Automation Offer 🎉 Let's get you started - please fill this quick form. Once done, we'll activate your setup right away.
This message informs the user about the form they are about to complete.
The message supports:
Dynamic variables
Text formatting
Emojis
Variables can be inserted using the Add Variable option.
WhatsApp Flow
The WhatsApp Flow field allows you to select the flow that will be triggered.
To configure this:
First create the flow in the Flow Builder.
Return to the Ask Flow configuration.
Select the required flow from the WhatsApp Flow dropdown.
Example:
Demo booking flow year end sale
This flow will open when the user interacts with the Ask Flow action.
Has Media
The Has Media option allows you to attach media to the flow message.
When enabled, you can upload a media file such as:
Image
Video
Document
Example:
Media Type: Image
Media helps provide additional context before users open the form.
Header Text
The Header Text field allows you to add a title for the Ask Flow form.
Example:
Quick Registration Form
This text appears at the top of the flow dialog.
Footer Text
The Footer Text field allows you to add additional context or instructions.
Example:
This form takes less than 2 minutes to complete.
Button Text
The Button Text field defines the button label used to open the form.
Example:
Tap to fill details
This button appears in the chatbot message and launches the WhatsApp Flow form.
Error Attempt
The Error Attempt field defines the maximum number of invalid attempts allowed.
Example:
Error Attempt: 3
If the user fails to submit the form correctly, the chatbot will trigger the configured fallback behavior.
Error Message
The Error Message appears when the form submission fails or is incomplete.
Example:
Please fill the form to continue.
This message prompts users to complete the required fields.
Action on Invalid
This setting defines how the chatbot responds when the maximum number of invalid attempts is exceeded.
Available options include:
End the Flow
Stops the chatbot conversation.
Skip the Question
Allows the chatbot to continue without collecting the form response.
Fall Back Flow
Redirects the user to another predefined flow.
Store Response in Variable
The Store Response in Variable option saves the submitted form data.
Example variable:
Form_response
The walkthrough shows creating a variable such as Form_response to store the collected flow data.
Creating a New Variable
If a variable does not already exist:
Click Create New Variable.
Enter a variable name.
Example:
Form_response
Select the variable in the Store Response field.
Click Create to save the configuration.
Example Ask Flow Interaction
Example chatbot conversation:
Bot: Please complete the quick registration form. User: Clicks "Tap to fill details" User: Submits the form
The chatbot stores the collected form data in the variable:
Form_response
and continues the workflow.
Best Practices
Follow these recommendations when using Ask Flow.
Use flows for complex data collection
Forms are ideal for collecting multiple inputs efficiently.
Provide clear instructions
Explain why the user needs to fill the form.
Use clear button labels
Make the button action obvious.
Store form responses properly
Save responses in variables for later automation.
Test flows before publishing
Ensure the form fields and validations work correctly.
Summary
The Ask Flow action allows chatbots to redirect users to a structured WhatsApp Flow form to collect detailed information.
With Ask Flow, you can:
Launch WhatsApp Flow forms inside chatbot conversations
Collect structured data through forms
Attach media and customize form prompts
Store submitted responses in variables
Automate workflows based on form submissions
This feature helps businesses collect structured information efficiently and streamline complex chatbot workflows.
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