How to Collect Data from Users Using Input Flow

Collecting structured data from users is essential for lead generation, bookings, surveys, and customer profiling. BotSailor’s Input Flow makes this process smooth by allowing you to design question-based flows that automatically save users’ responses.

This guide walks you through how to use Input Flow to gather data through your chatbot across channels like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Telegram, and web chat.

Why Use Input Flow?

With Input Flow, you can:

• Ask users questions during a chatbot conversation
• Store replies in custom/system fields
• Automatically export to Google Sheets or Webhook endpoints
• Use the data for follow-ups, personalization, and CRM integration

It’s perfect for forms, surveys, quizzes, onboarding questions, and order-taking.

Step-by-Step: Collecting Data with Input Flow

1. Create a New Input Flow Campaign

Go to the Input Flow section in the flow builder and click “Add new input flow.”
Give your campaign a descriptive name like “Email Collection” or “Customer Feedback.”

2. Add a Question Node

After connecting your bot’s starting message to the Input Flow block, click to add a new question.

You can choose:

• Free Keyboard Input – for text replies (email, name, etc.)
• Multiple Choice – for quick button selections

3. Map Responses to Fields

Each user response must be saved to either:

• A Custom Field (create your own fields like user_email, preferred_service)
• A System Field (predefined options like phone, name, etc.)

Use the Add new button to create custom fields as needed.

4. Optional: Enable Google Sheets or Webhook

To forward collected data outside of BotSailor, use:

• Google Sheets Integration: Enter your Google Sheet URL
• Webhook URL: Send responses in real-time to external apps

5. Add More Questions or a Thank You Message

Connect additional questions to collect more data, or end the flow with a Thank You message node.

6. Save and Use in Bot Sequence

Click Save, and you can now connect this flow inside your Messenger or WhatsApp automation campaigns.

Use Cases

• Email Capture for Newsletters
• Service Booking Preferences
• Product Interest Surveys
• Customer Onboarding
• Job Application Collection

Tips for Better Data Collection

• Ask one question at a time
• Use custom fields with clear names
• Validate inputs with regex if needed
• Keep questions short to reduce drop-off
• Combine with sequences to trigger follow-ups

FAQs

Q: Can I collect emails or phone numbers using Input Flow?
Yes. Simply ask for the info and save the response to a custom or system field like "email" or "phone."

Q: Can I skip questions or make them optional?
Yes. In multiple choice questions, you can add a "Skip" button for optional responses.

Q: Can I see collected data later?
Yes. You can export data from BotSailor or send it live to Google Sheets or your own Webhook.

Q: Can I use Input Flow in Facebook and WhatsApp both?
Yes, the same Input Flow campaign can be used in any channel supported by BotSailor.