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.
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: https://yourwebsite.com
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: https://yourwebsite.com
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: https://yourwebsite.com User: https://examplebusiness.com
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 https://example.com.
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.
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