# Ask URL {% embed 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. ### **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** * Select the **Ask** tab * Choose **Ask 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. #### **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. 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**. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.ownchat.app/bot/ask-action/ask-url.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.