Ask Text
The Ask Text action allows the chatbot to collect free-text responses from users during a conversation.
This action prompts users to type a response and stores the entered text in a variable. The stored data can then be used later in the chatbot workflow for personalization, automation, or conditional logic.
Ask Text is commonly used when collecting information such as names, feedback, comments, or any open-ended input.
When to Use Ask Text
Use the Ask Text action when you want users to provide custom text input instead of selecting from predefined options.
Common Use Cases
Collecting customer feedback
Asking for user names
Gathering comments or suggestions
Capturing user queries
Collecting form responses
Example interaction:
Bot: We'd love to hear your feedback. Please type your comments below. User: Your service was excellent!
The response is stored and can be used later in the chatbot flow.
How to Add Ask Text
Follow these steps to add the Ask Text action to your bot workflow.
Open Bot Builder
Click Add Node
Select the Ask tab
Choose Ask Text
Configure the required fields
Click Create
Once created, the Ask Text node appears in the workflow and waits for the user's response before continuing the conversation.
Ask Text Configuration
When creating an Ask Text action, several configuration fields must be completed.
Action Name
The Action Name identifies the Ask Text action within the bot workflow.
This name is visible only inside the bot builder.
Example:
Collecting Feedback User Name Input Customer Comments
Message
The Message field contains the question or prompt shown to the user.
Example:
Hi {{customer.name}} 👋 We'd love to hear your feedback. Please type your comments below.
The message field supports:
Dynamic variables
Text formatting
Emojis
You can insert dynamic fields using the Add Variable option.
Adding Variables
The Add Variable option allows you to insert dynamic values into the message.
Examples include:
Customer name
Phone number
Email address
Contact status
Example:
Hi {{customer.name}}
This personalizes the message for each user.
Error Attempt
The Error Attempt field defines the number of invalid responses allowed.
Example:
Error Attempt: 2
If the user exceeds the allowed attempts, the chatbot will follow the selected Action on Invalid.
Error Message
The Error Message is displayed when the user sends an invalid response.
Example:
Please provide your feedback in text format only.
This helps guide users to enter the correct input.
Action on Invalid
This setting determines what happens when the user exceeds the allowed error attempts.
Available options include:
End the Flow
Stops the chatbot conversation.
Skip the Question
Allows the chatbot to continue without collecting the answer.
Fall Back Flow
Redirects the conversation to another predefined action.
Validation Settings
The Validation Setting ensures the user's response meets the required conditions.
When enabled, you can define:
Minimum Characters
The minimum number of characters allowed.
Example:
Min Characters: 50
Maximum Characters
The maximum number of characters allowed.
Example:
Max Characters: 400
These limits help ensure meaningful responses from users.
Store Response in Variable
The Store Response in Variable option saves the user's input for later use.
Example variable:
user_feedback
This stored data can be used for:
Customer records
Personalized messages
CRM integration
Conditional chatbot logic
Example Ask Text Interaction
Example chatbot conversation:
Bot: Hi John 👋 We'd love to hear your feedback. Please type your comments below. User: The ordering process was very smooth and easy.
The chatbot stores the response in the variable:
user_feedback and continues the workflow.
Best Practices
Follow these recommendations when using Ask Text.
Ask clear questions
Ensure users understand what type of response is expected.
Use validation settings
Set minimum characters to encourage meaningful responses.
Personalize messages
Use variables like the customer name.
Provide helpful error messages
Guide users when incorrect input is entered.
Store responses properly
Save user responses in variables for future use.
Summary
The Ask Text action enables chatbots to collect free-text responses from users.
With Ask Text, you can:
Collect open-ended responses
Personalize conversations using variables
Validate input with character limits
Handle invalid responses automatically
Store user responses for automation and analytics
This feature helps create interactive chatbot conversations that gather valuable user insights.
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