Creating a Drag & Drop Chatbot Using Pabbly Chatflow Flow Builder

The Pabbly Chatflow Flow Builder enables you to create static chatbots effortlessly using an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. This guide will walk you through the process of building a chatbot in just 10 minutes.

Types of Messages You Can Create Using the Flow Builder​

1. Text Replies​

Text replies allow you to send simple messages to users. You can also incorporate buttons and additional message types by adding context.

2. Media Button​

This node enables the inclusion of images, videos, audio, and documents. You can either upload files via drag-and-drop or provide a URL. Captions and buttons can also be added to enhance interactivity.

3. List Messages​

Use list messages to offer users multiple options to choose from. This feature is particularly effective for displaying a set of predefined choices.

4. Template Messages​

Chatbots can be programmed to trigger pre-approved template messages based on specific keywords sent by users. Note that templates must be created in the Template Module before being used in the flow.

Action Nodes Available in Pabbly Chatflow​

1. Condition Node​

Equal If-Else Condition​

This condition verifies if the user input matches a predefined value. If the value matches, a "True" response is sent; otherwise, a "False" response is delivered.

Example: If a user enters "Bhopal" as their city and the condition is set to "Bhopal," the chatbot will return a "True" response. Otherwise, it will return "False."

Exists If-Else Condition​

This condition checks whether a user has provided any input. If a value exists, a "True" message is sent; otherwise, a "False" message is returned.

Example: If a user submits their PAN card details, they receive a "True" response. If no details are provided, they receive a "False" response.

Time-Based and Date-Based Conditioning​

This feature allows chatbots to provide customized responses based on specific time ranges.

Example: A chatbot can be programmed to send a welcome message between 10 AM and 7 PM. Messages received outside these hours can trigger an off-hour response. Similarly, date-based conditioning can be used for holidays and vacations.

2. Ask Address
This node enables the chatbot to collect the user’s address. The chatbot prompts the user to enter their complete address, which can then be stored for future interactions, deliveries, or support queries.

Example: If a business requires shipping details, the chatbot can request the address and store it for processing orders or deliveries.

3. Ask Location​

The chatbot can request the user’s live location to facilitate location-based services. The user will be prompted to share their current GPS location using WhatsApp’s built-in location-sharing feature.

Example: If a service provider wants to allocate a technician for a home service, the chatbot can collect the customer’s location to assign the nearest available technician.

4. Ask a Question​

This feature allows the chatbot to collect structured information from users, such as their name, email, phone number, or any other relevant details. You can define specific input fields to ensure accurate data collection.

Example: A chatbot for an online event may ask users for their full name and email address to send them a confirmation link.

5. Ask Media​

This node enables users to upload and share media files such as images, videos, documents, or audio clips. The chatbot can collect media for verification purposes, customer support, or documentation.

Example: A banking chatbot may ask users to upload a scanned copy of their identity proof for verification purposes.

6. Set Custom Field & Tag​

This feature captures user responses as attributes and assigns values accordingly. Users can also be categorized using tags.

Example:

• If a chatbot presents two quick reply buttons, "Show Offers" and "Not Interested," the chatbot assigns the "Optin" attribute to both.
• Clicking "Show Offers" assigns the "Optin" attribute with a "Yes" value, while "Not Interested" assigns it a "No" value.
• These responses can then be used for lead segmentation and further communication.

7. API Request​

The chatbot can integrate with external systems via API calls to fetch and send data dynamically. This ensures a personalized and efficient user experience.

8. Connect Flow​

Pre-existing chatbot flows can be linked together to streamline development and save time. This feature enhances efficiency and ensures modular chatbot design.

How to Create a WhatsApp Chatbot Using Flow Builder?​

Creating a chatbot using Flow Builder is extremely easy. All you need to do is choose the necessary elements (like Lists or Media Buttons) and drag & drop them onto the builder.

Step-by-Step Guide​

1. Login to your Pabbly Chatflow account.

2. Navigate to the left sidebar and select "Flows" to create a chatbot.

3. Click on "Add Flow" to initiate chatbot creation.

4. Upon clicking "Add," you will see a Flow Start Node. Here, you can choose how to trigger the chatbot flow using one of the three methods:

• Using Keyword: The chatbot flow triggers when the predefined keyword is received in a message.
  
  
• Using Regex (Regular Expression): This method allows for more advanced message pattern recognition. The flow gets triggered when the user message matches the regex pattern. (Requires technical knowledge for regex creation.)
  
  
• Using Choose Template: Only approved WhatsApp message templates with quick replies (previously created in the template module) will be listed. Selecting one will trigger the flow when the template is used.

5. After selecting the flow start option, drag and drop the required message type or action nodes according to your business requirements.

Finalizing Your Flow​

Once the flow is built according to your needs, follow these steps:

• On the top of the Flow Builder screen, you will see an option to name your flow.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• On the right corner, you can enable the toggle to make your flow active.
• Click on the Save button to save your created flow.
  
  
  

Now, once a user initiates a conversation, if any keyword or regex matches, the flow will trigger automatically. Similarly, if a conversation is initiated using templates and a quick reply button connected to a flow is clicked, the flow will get triggered seamlessly.

Learn More​

To know more, you can watch our video tutorial here: How to Create a Drag & Drop Chatbot

Conclusion​

With Pabbly Chatflow's intuitive Drag & Drop Flow Builder, creating chatbots has never been easier. By leveraging powerful message nodes, action nodes, and seamless integrations, you can automate conversations, provide prompt customer support, and drive sales efficiently. Start building your chatbot today and enhance your business communication like never before!