Connecting and configuring the WhatsApp visual designer. Where to start?
In this article, we will analyze in detail how and in what sequence the configuration of work with the constructor takes place: how to create an account, how to set up a Webhook and the first bot script, how to add new contacts and send mailings. The article came out quite voluminous, but at the same time it will answer all your questions if you are just starting to explore the capabilities of the bot. If you still have questions after reading the article, then write to us or try to return to the main section of the knowledge base dedicated to the constructor and find an article that will answer your question.
Creating a Visual Bot Designer account
To connect the constructor, first of all, you must create a WEB project or already have a WhatsApp Business API number related to the Chat API. This material lets you find out how to connect a WhatsApp Business API number in 10 minutes.
After that, go to the section of the same name, select an instance with a connected and paid WABA number, and the constructor will be activated.
Important information. Until July 31, 2022, the constructor is provided free, as is Shared Team Inbox Chat. After July 31, the constructor will become a paid tool, but the chat will remain available to Chat API clients. We also immediately note that the constructor has no demo access mode yet, but we are working on this and will display similar functionality in future updates. You can follow the news here.
Let's talk below about the initial setup of the service.
Configuring Webhooks
For the bot to work correctly, it must be connected to our hook. The hook is needed to track incoming and outgoing messages on the number correctly. As a rule, the theme is installed immediately after clicking the constructor. You can always restart it if you suspect some messages have not been sent or received.
Additionally, you can specify five different Webhooks addresses through your account. Commas should separate the address; if all slots are occupied when the bot is connected, then our hook will take the place of the last of these hooks.
Creating the first scenario
By going to the section of the same name, you have the opportunity to create scripts for the bot. A hand is a sequence of actions, messages, and reactions accompanying your clients when contacting a bot. You can find out more about the bot's capabilities here.
Click the "create" button, and you will see a visual designer field where you can create, move, edit and delete all possible script blocks. You do not need coding skills; the bot is straightforward and functional to handle.
Viewing incoming and outgoing messages – Visual Designer Chat
In this section, you will be able to receive incoming messages from clients and write to them. All chats are displayed in the main menu; each talk is accompanied by helpful information about the client that the bot collected during communication. The list of data can be pretty comprehensive, but, as a rule, with the help of variables, users collect the following information about customers:
- Age;
- Client requests;
- Loyalty and number of requests.
In addition, here, you can see which category the bot assigned the client to; for example, if you created a bot to determine the buyer's purchasing power, the bot would mark leads by category, according to your instructions. Read more about it here. Through this section, you will also be able to stop, reconnect, change and resume bot scripts.
When sending messages to users, the rule of 24 hours for accessible communication with the accessing client is worth considering—details about here.
If you write to a client after 24 hours have passed since the last message, then to initialize communication, you need to send a template message to the client. At the same time, our "Quick Messages" function is used in the constructor, which turns any of your outgoing messages outside the 24th window into a template. Details about this are here.
Sending messages via the bot builder
Through the Broadcasts section, you can send out both to all contacts who have been entered into the chat and to the customer groups you have created.
Select a simple message or link the newsletter directly to one of your scripts, allowing you to launch it from the start message.
After that, save the newsletter and manage it from the main menu.
Connecting the store and configuring integration with payment systems
With the help of the bot builder, you can create scenarios that will introduce your customers to the products and services offered and immediately provide the opportunity to make a deal.
To do this, there are three blocks in the constructor:
1 – Catalog – opens the possibility of familiarizing the client with the list of services and goods.
In order for the catalog to function correctly, you must create "products" in the store settings. After you do this, the products will be automatically loaded into the "Catalog" block.
2 – Basket - saves the goods selected by the client, calculates the total cost, opens the way for making a transaction, sending an invoice.
3 – Fix order - send the customer an invoice for payment. Captures information about the transaction in the bot.
To make transactions, you need to integrate with payment services - PayPal. Integration is carried out through the section of the same name in the settings. Follow this links to get detailed integration instructions
The light version of the constructor
If the constructor seems cumbersome to you and most of the function is uninteresting, switch it to the light version through the main menu. This way, you can use only the most necessary functionality while maintaining chats and contact with customers.
Write to us if you have any questions; we will be happy to help you. You can find all the latest news on the work of the service in our telegram channel.