Create WhatsApp Messaging flows

Messaging Flows is a WhatsApp feature and helps you automate messages, images, videos, files, validate user input, and more. 

In this article, you will learn about WhatsApp Messaging flows and how to build one. 

What is a WhatsApp Messaging flow?

A Messaging Flow is an automated conversation between you and your customer. You can send messages, ask questions, use conditions to determine what to do next, make API calls to your server, and more - all without writing code.

There are two types of Messaging Flows:

• Inbound
  Triggered by a user sending a message to your WhatsApp number (text or media).
• Outbound
  Triggered by manually uploading a CSV of recipients, selecting them using filters or making an API call to our server.

Flows become even more powerful when combined with other features, like conversation or contact tags, teams and assignment rules, templates, custom fields, and more.

Components of the flow builder

Let’s familiarize ourselves with the flow editor. It has four main sections:

• The canvas
  This is our main working area. Here, we can see all the steps in the flow and how they connect. We can also visualize any conditional and menu branches.
• The map
  This is a small version of the canvas. It allows us to quickly navigate and zoom in and out. It is located on the bottom left of the canvas. 
• The step editor
  Clicking any step on the canvas opens its editor.

• The step library 
  This is where we can find all the steps for our flow. This section appears and disappears automatically when adding a new step.

Create a messaging flow

1. From your ActiveCampaign account, click WhatsApp > Messaging Flows on the left menu. 
2. Click the “+ New Messaging Flow” button. 
3. On the next page, provide a name for your new flow. 
4. Click “Advanced Options” > toggle to trigger webhooks for your messaging flow. This lets you receive webhooks when a contact joins or completes a messaging flow. 
5. Configure your trigger:
   • Select a trigger type.  You can choose from “Inbound Message,” “Outbound Message,” or “Marketing” with Meta Click 2 WhatsApp Ads
   • Select when the trigger will run. These options change depending on the trigger type you select
   • Click “Next”
6. The canvas will load, and your trigger will appear at the top of the workflow. The step library will appear on the canvas. Click the step you want to use, then click “Add.”
7. The step editor will open in the top-right corner of the canvas. Follow the steps to configure the step.
8. Continue to add steps to your flow by clicking the node that appears when you hover over the workflow on your canvas.
9. When finished, you can test your flow by clicking “Test.”
10. To activate your flow, click “Publish.”

Now, contacts who meet your trigger conditions can enter your workflow.