WhatsApp Flows: In app Appointment Booking

Modified on: Tue, 22 Oct, 2024 at 8:15 AM

How to send WhatsApp Flow for Appointment booking 




WhatsApp Flows is a feature that allows businesses to create interactive, guided conversations within WhatsApp. It enables the creation of structured, multi-step interactions that can collect information, provide choices, and guide users through specific processes - like booking an appointment.



TABLE OF CONTENTS


Why Integrating Flows for Appointment Booking Will Increase Booking Rates and Reduce Drop-offs:

  • Reduced Friction: Users can complete the entire booking process within WhatsApp, eliminating the need to switch to external websites or apps.
  • Familiar Interface: WhatsApp is a widely used platform, so users are already comfortable with the interface.
  • Immediate Interaction: Users can start the booking process instantly from a conversation, capitalizing on their initial interest.
  • Personalization: User details can be pre-filled
  • Reduced Load Times: Unlike external websites, Flows operates within WhatsApp, typically resulting in faster load times and interactions.

How to create appointment booking flow


Step 1: Go to Settings > WhatsApp > Flows


Step 2: Create new Flow > Add Flow Name > Pick a Calendar where you want the appointments to be booked > Next



Step 3: Arrange the default form fields


Step 4: Add the Header, Body, Footer and Button text > Publish



Note:
Calendars which have payments enabled will not be supported through WhatsApp flows since currently WhatsApp does not have payment capabilities



How to send WhatsApp Flows through templates

Step 1: Go to WhatsApp > Templates > Create Template


Step 2: Add template name > Category > Language > Header Text > Body and Footer


Step 4: Add Button > Flow 




How to send WhatsApp Flow from Workflow


Note:
Recurring calendar events are currently not supported through WhatsApp Flows



OPTION 1: SEND WhatsApp Flow: In App Appointment booking trough WhatsApp template


Step 1: Go to Automations > Create Workflow > Start from Scratch 



Step 2: WhatApp Action > Select template with WhatsApp Flow > Save Action





OPTION 2: SEND WhatsApp Flow: In App Appointment booking inside an open conversation for free of cost


Step 1: Go to Automations > Create Workflow > Start from Scratch 



Step 2: Click on the + button > WhatsApp: Customer Service Window Check > Save Action



Step 3: Under the Open branch > WhatsApp: Send Flows > Select WhatsApp Flow to send



Step 4: Save Action




1. How do I send a WhatsApp Flow for Appointment Booking?

To send a WhatsApp Flow for appointment booking, follow these steps:

  • Option 1: Using a WhatsApp Template

    • Go to Automations > Create Workflow > Start from Scratch.
    • Select the WhatsApp Action > Choose a template with the WhatsApp Flow for appointment booking > Save Action.
  • Option 2: Using an Open Conversation

    • Go to Automations > Create Workflow > Start from Scratch.
    • Click on the + button > WhatsApp: Customer Service Window Check > Save Action.
    • Under the Open branch > WhatsApp: Send Flows > Select the WhatsApp Flow to send.
    • Save the Action.

2. How to create an appointment booking flow?

Follow these steps to create your appointment booking flow:

  1. Go to: Settings > WhatsApp > Flows.
  2. Create a new flow: Add a flow name and select the calendar for the appointments.
  3. Arrange form fields: Use the default form fields for appointment booking.
  4. Customize the content: Add header, body, footer, and button text.
  5. Publish the flow.

Note: Calendars with payment options are not supported as WhatsApp currently does not process payments.


3. How do I send WhatsApp Flows through templates?

Here’s how to send flows using templates:

  1. Go to WhatsApp > Templates > Create Template.
  2. Add a template name, category, language, header text, body, and footer.
  3. Add a button and select Flow to link it to the WhatsApp Flow.

4. Why does integrating flows for appointment booking increase booking rates and reduce drop-offs?

  • Reduced Friction: Users complete the booking process entirely within WhatsApp, avoiding external sites or apps.
  • Familiar Interface: Since WhatsApp is a widely used platform, customers feel more comfortable.
  • Immediate Interaction: Customers can start booking directly from a conversation, capturing their interest instantly.
  • Personalization: Key details like name and contact info are pre-filled, reducing effort.
  • Faster Load Times: Since the flow operates within WhatsApp, interactions happen quickly without the lag of external websites.

5. What are the key benefits of using WhatsApp Flows for Appointment Booking?

  • Reduced friction: Everything happens inside WhatsApp, leading to a smoother booking experience.
  • Pre-filled customer details: Critical information such as name, email, phone number, and time zone is automatically filled in.
  • Increased engagement: Step-by-step guided conversations help reduce confusion and increase completion rates.
  • Faster load times: Flow interactions happen directly within WhatsApp, speeding up the process.
  • Free conversations: The first 1,000 service conversations for appointment booking are free each month.

6. What limitations should I be aware of with WhatsApp Flows for Appointment Booking?

  • No payment processing: Appointments that require payments cannot be booked through the WhatsApp Flow, as WhatsApp currently does not support payments.
  • Custom fields: Only default form fields are supported. Custom fields must be handled manually.
  • Recurring appointments: Recurring calendar events are not supported.
  • Guest support: Guest booking functionality is not available within the WhatsApp Flow.

7. How can I create a personalized appointment booking experience using WhatsApp Flows?

To personalize the experience:

  • Use customer-specific data fields like name, email, and phone number, which will be automatically pre-filled.
  • Customize the messaging templates with variables that match customer preferences, offering a tailored and seamless booking experience.

8. Are there any costs associated with sending WhatsApp Flows for appointment booking?

The first 1,000 service conversations for appointment booking using WhatsApp Flows are free each month. After that, charges may apply based on WhatsApp's pricing model.



 


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