> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ownchat.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ownchat.app/bot/ask-action/ask-url.md). # Ask URL The **Ask URL** action allows the chatbot to collect a **valid website URL from users** during a conversation. This action ensures that the user submits a properly formatted website link, which can be used for verification, review, or redirection purposes. The collected URL is stored in a variable and can later be used in the chatbot workflow for automation, validation, or integration with other systems. {% embed url="" %} ### **When to Use Ask URL** Use the **Ask URL** action when the chatbot needs to collect a **website or link from the user**. **Common Use Cases** * Collecting company website links * Gathering portfolio or profile links * Submitting social media URLs * Website review requests * Redirecting users to external services Example interaction: Bot: Please share your website URL so we can review it and provide suggestions.\ \ User: The chatbot stores the submitted link for further processing. ### **How to Add Ask URL** Follow these steps to add the Ask URL action in your bot workflow. * Open **Bot Builder** * Click **Add Node** {% embed url="" %} * Select the **Ask** tab * Choose **Ask URL** {% embed url="" %} * Configure the required fields * Click **Create** Once added, the chatbot pauses at this step until the user enters a valid URL ### **Ask URL Configuration** When creating an Ask URL action, several configuration fields must be completed. #### **Action Name** The **Action Name** identifies the Ask URL action within the bot workflow. {% embed url="" %} This name is visible only inside the bot builder. Example: Collect Website URL\ Submit Portfolio Link\ Enter Business Website The screenshots show an example action name such as **"Collect Valid Url."** #### **Message** The **Message** field contains the prompt displayed to the user. {% embed url="" %} Example: Please share your website URL so we can review it and provide suggestions.\ \ Example: This message tells the user what information is required and shows a valid example format. The message supports: * Dynamic variables * Text formatting * Emojis Variables can be inserted using the **Add Variable** option. #### **Error Attempt** The **Error Attempt** field defines the number of invalid attempts allowed. {% embed url="" %} Example: Error Attempt: 3 If the user submits an incorrect link multiple times, the chatbot triggers the configured **Action on Invalid** behavior. #### **Error Message** The **Error Message** is displayed when the user submits an invalid URL. {% embed url="" %} Example: That doesn't look like a valid URL.\ Please enter a correct website link starting with http\:// or https\:// This helps guide users toward submitting a properly formatted link. #### **Action on Invalid** This setting determines how the chatbot handles repeated invalid responses. Available options include: **End the Flow** Stops the chatbot conversation. **Skip the Question** Allows the chatbot to continue without collecting the URL. **Fall Back Flow** Redirects the conversation to another predefined flow. ### **Store Response in Variable** The **Store Response in Variable** option allows you to save the URL entered by the user for use later in the chatbot workflow. {% embed url="" %} This stored value can be used for: * Website verification * Profile or portfolio review * CRM data collection * Automated follow-up processes To configure this option: * Go to the **Store Response in Variable** field. * Select an existing variable from the dropdown, or create a new variable. Example variable: valid\_url #### **Creating a New Variable** If a suitable variable does not already exist, you can create one directly from this section. Follow these steps: * Click **Create New Variable**. * Enter a variable name. {% embed url="" %} Example: Valid\_Url * Select the variable to store the response from the **Ask URL** question. * Click **Create** to save the configuration. Once configured, the chatbot will store the submitted website link in the **Valid\_Url** variable, allowing it to be used later in the workflow for automation or processing. ### Save and Deploy After configuring the action: 1. Click **Create** to add the action to the flow
{% embed url="" %} 2. Connect the node appropriately 3. Click **Publish** to deploy the configuration #### **Example Ask URL Interaction** Example chatbot conversation: Bot: Please share your website URL so we can review it and provide suggestions.\ Example: \ \ User: The chatbot stores the response in the variable: valid\_url and continues to the next step in the workflow. ### **Best Practices** Follow these recommendations when using Ask URL. **Provide an example URL** Show a valid format such as . **Encourage HTTPS links** Secure URLs improve reliability and trust. **Use clear error messages** Help users correct formatting mistakes quickly. **Store URLs properly** Save responses in variables for further automation. **Use collected links for automation** Use the URL in verification flows, profile checks, or external integrations. ### **Summary** The **Ask URL** action allows chatbots to collect **valid website links from users** during conversations. {% embed url="" %} With Ask URL, you can: * Collect website or profile links * Validate URL format * Limit invalid input attempts * Store submitted links in variables * Use collected URLs in automated workflows This feature helps businesses **gather and verify website links efficiently through chatbot interactions**.