You've got a number. Maybe a lead from a form, maybe a contact someone handed you at an event. You want to message them on WhatsApp, but you don't want to save it, open the app, and find out the hard way that it's not even on WhatsApp.

That awkward moment, typing a message, hitting send, and getting an error — is avoidable. You don't need to add a contact to know if it's reachable on WhatsApp.

This is also the exact problem sales and support teams run into at scale. You import 2,000 leads. Maybe 300 of them don't have WhatsApp at all. Messaging all 2,000 anyway wastes credits, tanks your delivery stats, and can get your sending number flagged.

A WhatsApp number checker solves both problems: the one-off "is this person even on WhatsApp" question, and the bulk "which of these 5,000 contacts can I actually reach" question.

What a WhatsApp Number Checker Actually Does

A WhatsApp number checker pings WhatsApp's servers to confirm whether a given phone number is registered with an active WhatsApp account, without sending that number a message, a friend request, or any kind of notification.

It's a lookup, not a message. The number never sees you checked.

This matters for a few different situations:

• You're about to start a WhatsApp outreach campaign and want to clean your list first
• You received a number from a form, CRM import, or old spreadsheet and aren't sure it's still active on WhatsApp
• You're building a support workflow and need to know which channel to default to (WhatsApp vs SMS vs phone) for a given contact
• You manage a sales team and want every rep checking numbers before they spend time drafting outreach

How to Check a Single Number for WhatsApp

If you just need to check one number — say, a new lead who just filled out a form, you don't need code or a spreadsheet. You need a quick lookup tool.

Here's the process with 2Chat's WhatsApp number checker:

1. Open the WhatsApp checker tool
2. Type in the phone number, including the country code
3. Hit check
4. Get an instant yes/no on whether that number has an active WhatsApp account

No account required for a single lookup, no message sent, no risk to your own number. It's the fastest way to confirm a number before you do anything else with it.

How to Check Thousands of Numbers at Once

The single-number tool works great for one-off checks. It doesn't scale if you're sitting on a list of 3,000 leads from a trade show or a CRM export.

For that, you need bulk validation — and the workflow looks different:

The results come back in a simple, scannable format: each number gets marked as having WhatsApp, not having it, or being invalid — so you can filter your list in seconds and only message the contacts who'll actually receive it.

2Chat's help center walks through this exact bulk validation flow step by step, including how to pick the right column in your spreadsheet and read the results once the check finishes.

What It Costs to Check Numbers in Bulk

Bulk WhatsApp checks run on a credit system, and the math is worth knowing before you upload a 10,000-row file.

A standard check (just confirming WhatsApp status) uses fewer credits than a check that also pulls extra profile data, like a name or profile photo. If you only need the yes/no answer, skip the extra data and keep your cost down.

There's also a speed limit tied to how many numbers you have connected — more connected numbers means faster bulk checks, since the rate scales with each one. Trial accounts run at a slower pace than paid plans. Worth checking 2Chat's pricing page if you're planning a large list and want to know which plan fits your volume.

Why You Shouldn't Just Message the Number to Find Out

It's tempting to skip the checker tool and just send a test message. If it doesn't go through, now you know, right?

Not quite. Sending blind to a list that's full of invalid or non-WhatsApp numbers does real damage:

• Wasted spend. Every failed send still costs you a message credit depending on your WhatsApp automation platform.
• Lower delivery rates. A high bounce rate on your sending number looks bad to WhatsApp's systems
• Risk to your number. WhatsApp watches for accounts that send to lots of unreachable numbers and that pattern can trigger restrictions
• Bad data, forever. A failed message doesn't always tell you why it failed, so you end up guessing instead of knowing

Checking first costs a fraction of what messaging blind costs, and it protects the sending number you'll need for the next thousand conversations.

A Quick Example: Cleaning a 1,000-Contact List

Say you've got a CSV from a recent campaign, 1,000 phone numbers, no idea how many are actually on WhatsApp.

You upload the file, point the tool to the phone number column, and run the bulk check. A few minutes later, your spreadsheet has a new column showing each number's status.

Now you split that list into three real segments: confirmed WhatsApp contacts you can message directly, numbers without WhatsApp you should reach by SMS instead, and invalid numbers you should just drop. Instead of guessing across 1,000 rows, you're working from three clean, actionable buckets.

Why This Matters Before You Launch a Campaign

A clean list isn't just about avoiding errors, it's what makes a real bulk campaign possible. Once you know which contacts are actually on WhatsApp, you can build a send list that's ready to go: no wasted sends, no guessing, no numbers that bounce halfway through.

From there, the next step is setting up the campaign itself — personalized messages with dynamic variables, controlled sending speed, and scheduling that targets the hours your contacts actually reply. See how 2Chat's bulk messaging feature works once your list is verified and ready.

Developer Option: Checking Numbers via API

If your team already has an engineering workflow — a CRM sync, a lead-scoring pipeline, an internal dashboard — checking numbers manually isn't the move. You want this built into your existing system.

2Chat's Check Number API makes that possible with a single GET request: pass your connected WhatsApp number and the number you want to verify, and you get back on_whatsapp: true/false in the response, along with country, region, and timezone data on the number itself. Add extra-information=true and it'll also return profile details like business name, profile picture, verification level . It's a solid option if your team already ships code regularly and wants the check to run automatically the moment a new lead lands.

Picking the Right Approach for Your Volume

Not every team needs the same setup. Here's a quick way to think about it:

• Checking 1-10 numbers a day: the free single-number tool is enough on its own
• Checking hundreds to thousands per campaign: bulk upload with Excel/CSV is the right call
• Checking numbers continuously, automatically, as they enter your CRM: the API/developer route makes sense

Whichever bucket you're in, the underlying goal is the same: don't message a number you haven't confirmed.

If you're staring down a list right now and want to know exactly who's reachable before your next campaign, 2Chat's WhatsApp number checker handles both the single lookup and the bulk upload — start with whichever matches the list in front of you.

Whether you need the API for your own stack or the bulk upload tool for a spreadsheet full of leads, both start the same way. Create a free 2Chat account to get access and run your first check today.

FAQ:

• Can you check if a number has WhatsApp without adding it as a contact?
  Yes. A WhatsApp number checker looks up the number's registration status directly through WhatsApp's systems. You never need to save the contact, open a chat, or send anything — the lookup happens silently and the number isn't notified.
• Does checking a number tell the person I looked them up?
  No. The check is a backend lookup, not a message or a contact request. There's no notification, no "seen" status, and nothing that shows up in their WhatsApp app. It's invisible from their side.
• How much does it cost to check a large list of numbers?
  Bulk checks run on credits, with cost depending on whether you only need WhatsApp status or also want extra profile data like a name or photo. Plans and credit packages vary, so check current pricing for your expected volume.
• What's the difference between checking one number and bulk checking?
  A single check is a quick manual lookup for one contact, no account needed. Bulk checking processes an entire spreadsheet of numbers at once and returns a status for each row, which is the better option once you're past a handful of contacts.

You ask three vendors for a quote and get three different numbers. One quotes a flat platform fee. Another quotes "per conversation." A third throws in a per-message rate that changes by country. None of them tell you what you'll actually pay at the end of the month.

That's the real problem with WhatsApp Business API pricing. It's not that it's expensive, it's that it's structured in layers, and most providers only show you one of them.

This guide breaks down both layers: what Meta charges you directly, and what your provider adds on top. By the end, you'll be able to estimate your own monthly bill instead of guessing from a sales call.

How WhatsApp Business API Pricing Actually Works

There are two separate charges every month, from two separate parties.

• Layer 1: Meta's messaging fee. This is what Meta charges for delivered template messages marketing, utility, or authentication. Since July 2025, Meta charges per individual template message delivered rather than per 24-hour conversation window, as it did under the older model. The rate depends on the message category and the recipient's country, not yours.
• Layer 2: Your provider's fee. This is what you pay the platform like 2Chat for all its features like the dashboard, number, automation tools, and support around the API. Some providers like 2Chat charge a flat subscription. Others add a markup on top of every message Meta bills you for.

Confusing the two is how businesses end up with bill shock. You think you're paying $49/month and then a $300 charge shows up because nobody mentioned the per-message fees scale with volume.

What Meta Actually Charges Per Message

Four categories of templates exist, and the price difference between them is significant.

• Marketing: promotions, broadcasts, re-engagement. Usually the most expensive category, with rates roughly between $0.01 and $0.14 per message depending on the market.
• Utility: order confirmations, shipping updates, appointment reminders. Significantly cheaper than marketing, typically 80–90% lower.
• Authentication: OTPs and login codes. Similarly low-cost, in the same range as utility.
• Service: replies to a customer who messaged you first, inside the 24-hour window. Completely free and unlimited since November 2024, with no monthly cap.

That last point matters more than most pricing guides admit. If your messaging is mostly inbound replies, support tickets, order questions, customers reaching out first, your Meta bill can be close to zero. The cost shows up when you're the one initiating, especially with marketing.

Rates also vary wildly by country. To give a rough sense of the spread at the time of posting, marketing messages run around $0.0695 per message in Brazil and roughly $0.0285 in the United States, with rates in most other markets depending on local demand for WhatsApp ads.

A Worked Example: What 5,000 Messages Actually Costs

Numbers help more than percentages. Take a mid-size e-commerce store sending 5,000 messages a month, with a realistic category split for that kind of business:

Running that exact mix through 2Chat's Pro plan, for a US-based audience, comes out to:

Notice where the money actually goes: marketing is only 30% of the volume but two-thirds of the bill. That's the category-cost gap in action, not a pricing quirk, it shows up regardless of which provider you use.

Now add the platform layer on top: a flat monthly plan adds a predictable fixed cost, while a per-message markup model would add a variable amount that scales with that same 5,000-message volume. This is the gap that catches people off guard, not the platform fee, but the variable layer stacked on top of it, and how unevenly it's distributed across categories. For 2Chat you can check out our plans and see which one fits your business best

Marketing vs. Utility: Why the Category You Choose Changes Everything

This is the single highest-leverage decision in your WhatsApp budget, and it has nothing to do with which vendor you pick.

If you're sending order updates, shipping notifications, or appointment reminders and tagging them as "marketing" templates by default, you're paying 5-10x more than you need to. Utility templates exist specifically for transactional, non-promotional content, and Meta prices them accordingly.

Quick checklist before you submit a template for approval:

Misclassifying templates is the most common reason businesses overpay, and it's entirely within your control.

How to Cut Your WhatsApp API Bill Without Cutting Volume

You don't need to send fewer messages to spend less. You need to shift more of them into the free or cheap categories.

1. Design flows so customers message first. Click-to-WhatsApp ads, QR codes, and website widgets all convert paid outreach into free service conversations once the customer replies. You can use 2Chat's automation flows to give a quick and appropriate response, boosting your WhatsApp sales channel
2. Audit your template categories quarterly. Templates get miscategorized as marketing out of habit, especially when teams copy old campaigns.
3. Batch your outbound sends. If you're running bulk messaging campaigns, segment your list so you're not sending marketing templates to people who'd respond fine to a utility-style nudge.
4. Track your service window usage. Every reply within 24 hours of a customer's last message is free, extending that window through smart follow-ups (without crossing into spammy) keeps more of your traffic in the free tier. you can take advantage of 2Chat flow automations to enhance these replies.

Platform Fee vs. Per-Message Markup: Which Model Fits You

Providers generally pick one of two pricing philosophies, and the right one depends on your volume.

• Flat platform fee model: You pay a fixed monthly price for the software, and Meta's message fees are passed through at cost (or close to it). This is predictable, you know your floor, and your only variable is Meta's own rate card. It tends to work better as you scale, since your platform cost doesn't grow with message volume. This is how 2Chat works and it's the best fit for most businesses.
• Per-message markup model: The platform charges a small fee on top of every message Meta bills. This can look cheaper at low volume, but the markup compounds as you scale — sending 50,000 messages a month at a $0.01 markup adds $500 you wouldn't pay under a flat-fee model.

Neither model is universally better. A 5-person team sending a few hundred messages a month might genuinely come out ahead with a markup-based provider with no monthly minimum. A growing sales team running daily campaigns usually does better with a flat fee, since their savings compound with volume. This is exactly the kind of side-by-side you want to run with real numbers before signing a contract,  it's why we built a WhatsApp Business API cost calculator: plug in your country, category mix, and volume, and see what each model actually costs at your scale.

One thing worth clarifying: 2Chat offers two ways to connect your number to WhatsApp Business API. One runs through Gupshup, our partner; the other is a native integration directly with Meta. With the Gupshup integration, you need to keep a balance loaded in your 2Chat account to send WABA messages. but in exchange, you don't need to register a credit card on your Meta account. It's a trade-off worth weighing depending on how you'd rather handle billing.

Choosing Your Setup

Once you know roughly what your message mix looks like, how much is marketing, how much is utility, how much is just replying to people who reached out, the provider decision gets a lot simpler. You're no longer comparing vague monthly prices; you're comparing what each model does to your specific volume.

If you want to see where you'd land, run your numbers through the WhatsApp Business API cost calculator, it's built to show the Meta layer and the platform layer side by side, so there's no guessing which part of the bill is which. And if you're ready to set up a dedicated WhatsApp number with calling, automation, and CRM integrations built in, you can see the full plan lineup and start from there.

FAQ

• How much does WhatsApp Business API cost per message?
  It depends on category and country. Marketing messages typically range from $0.01 to $0.14 per message; utility and authentication run 80-90% cheaper. Service replies within the 24-hour window are free. There's no single flat rate check Meta's rate card for your specific markets.
• Is WhatsApp Business API free?
  Not entirely, but it's closer to free than most guides suggest. Service conversations, replies to customers who message you first, are free and unlimited. You only pay when you initiate marketing, utility, or authentication templates outside that window.
• What's the difference between WhatsApp Business API cost and the regular WhatsApp Business app?
  The free WhatsApp Business app has no per-message fees but limits you to one device and manual sending. The API charges per template message but supports automation, multiple agents, and integrations, the cost trade-off is for scale and structure, not the basic ability to message.
• Why did my WhatsApp Business API bill suddenly increase?
  Most often it's a category mix-up, marketing templates cost far more than utility ones, and miscategorized order updates or reminders can quietly inflate your bill. It can also be volume growth outpacing your provider's markup, or a new country in your customer base with a higher local rate.

Once you know your number, 2Chat's plans start at $40/month if you want calling, automation, and CRM integrations bundled with your WhatsApp setup.

Picture this: your support team calls customers directly from the CRM. No switching tabs, no desk phones, no eye-watering phone bills. The call just happens — right there, inside your app.

That's exactly what the 2Chat Voice SDK makes possible. It's a JavaScript library that any developer can drop into a web application to enable real, carrier-quality phone calls — inbound and outbound — running entirely in the browser.

This guide breaks down what the SDK does, why it matters, how it works under the hood, and how to go from zero to your first working call. No prior telecom experience needed.

What is the 2Chat Voice SDK?

The 2Chat Voice SDK — published on npm as @2chat/voice-sdk — is a JavaScript library that developers integrate into web applications to enable real phone calls directly from the browser. No plugins, no downloads, hardware.

Here's an analogy that makes it click: normally, to make a phone call you need a physical phone, a SIM card, and a carrier plan. The 2Chat SDK replaces all of that with code. Your web app becomes the phone.

💡 Plain English version: Think of it like embedding WhatsApp Web into your own application — except instead of calling other app users, you're calling any phone number in the world.

Under the hood, it uses WebRTC — the same open standard that powers Google Meet and Zoom — paired with a telephony protocol called SIP. 2Chat handles all of that infrastructure complexity. Your team just writes JavaScript.

The Problem It Actually Solves

Companies running customer support, sales, or operations teams deal with a frustrating daily reality: their tools don't talk to each other.

A support agent has the CRM on one screen, a desk phone on the other, WhatsApp history on their mobile, and email in yet another tab. Every call means context-switching, scrambling for customer data mid-conversation, and making mistakes that could have been avoided.

Traditional solutions — on-premise PBX systems, IP phone hardware, enterprise telephony platforms — are expensive, slow to deploy, and require specialized IT support to maintain.

⚠️ The hidden cost of fragmentation: Productivity research on customer support teams consistently shows agents lose 15–20 minutes per day just switching between tools. In a team of 10, that's the equivalent of one full-time employee's output evaporating every week.

The 2Chat Voice SDK flips this on its head. Instead of plugging a phone into your workflow, you embed the phone inside the workflow — with exactly the interface and logic your team actually needs.

Core Features

Here's what you get out of the box when you integrate the 2Chat Voice SDK:

Real-World Use Cases

1. Click-to-call inside a CRM or helpdesk

The agent is already looking at the customer's profile. They click the phone number. The call starts. No alt-tabbing, no dialing, no "hold on, let me pull up your account." The entire conversation — notes, history, and the call itself — lives in one place.

2. Internal admin panels with built-in calling

Logistics companies, e-commerce platforms, and healthcare providers can give their internal teams the ability to reach customers, vendors, or patients without ever leaving the dashboard they already use every day.

3. Multi-agent softphone for modern call centers

A fully browser-based call center — no headsets tied to hardware, no desk phone licensing fees. Each agent gets their own token and their own customized interface. Supervisors can monitor live call status and manage queues from the same system.

4. Branded calling experiences on top of virtual numbers

Already have 2Chat virtual numbers? Build the exact call interface your workflow demands — your branding, your UX, your logic. No generic softphone UI that doesn't quite fit.

✅ Worth noting: Because the SDK is framework-agnostic, you don't need to rebuild your existing app. If your CRM is already live, you can add voice calling with minimal changes to the codebase.

How It Works (No Jargon)

Understanding the architecture helps when you need to explain it to your engineering team. There are three moving pieces:

Step 1 — Your server requests a temporary pass

Your backend (not the user's browser) authenticates with your 2Chat API key and requests a short-lived access token. Think of it as a visitor badge with an expiry time.

Step 2 — The browser receives the temporary pass

Your frontend receives the token and hands it to the SDK. The SDK never sees your original API key. If someone intercepts the token, they have a limited time before it's useless.

Step 3 — The SDK registers and stays ready

Using that token, the SDK registers with 2Chat's telephony infrastructure. From that point on, the application can make and receive calls. When the token is about to expire, the SDK fires a tokenWillExpire event so you can silently fetch a new one without interrupting the agent's session.

Getting Started: Your First Call

Here's the minimum viable code to go from installation to a working browser call. Three steps.

Step 1: Install the package

# Via npm
npm install @2chat/voice-sdk

# Or load directly in HTML without a bundler
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/@2chat/voice-sdk/dist/index.global.js"></script>

Step 2: Generate an access token on your backend

Your server calls the 2Chat API with your secret key and gets back a short-lived token for the agent:

// On your server — the API key never reaches the browser
const response = await fetch('https://api.p.2chat.io/open/sdk/access-token', {
  method: 'POST',
  headers: {
    'X-User-API-Key': process.env.TWOCHAT_API_KEY,
    'Content-Type': 'application/json'
  },
  body: JSON.stringify({
    user_uuid: 'USR48a1c2f0-...',  // the agent's UUID in 2Chat
    label: 'support-agent-1'
  })
});
const { token } = await response.json();
// Return this token to your frontend

Step 3: Initialize the SDK and make your first call

import { Device } from '@2chat/voice-sdk';

// 1. Fetch the token from your backend
const { token } = await fetch('/api/voice-token').then(r => r.json());

// 2. Create the virtual device
const device = new Device({ token });

// 3. Listen for key events
device.on('registered', () => console.log('✅ Ready to call'));
device.on('incoming', (call) => {
  // Inbound call — accept or reject based on your logic
  call.accept();
});

// 4. Refresh the token before it expires
device.on('tokenWillExpire', async () => {
  const fresh = await fetch('/api/voice-token').then(r => r.json());
  device.updateToken(fresh.token);
});

// 5. Register the device
await device.register();

// 6. Make your first call
const call = await device.connect({
  to: '+15551234567',    // destination number
  from: '+15550000000'   // your 2Chat virtual number
});

call.on('accepted', () => console.log('📞 Connected'));
call.on('disconnect', () => console.log('Call ended'));

In-call controls

call.mute(true);         // mute the microphone
call.hold(true);         // place the call on hold
call.sendDigits('1');    // send a DTMF tone (for IVR menus)
await call.disconnect(); // hang up

Why 2Chat Over the Alternatives?

There are other ways to add voice to a web app. Here's an honest comparison:

One thing worth calling out: the Voice SDK isn't a standalone product — it's part of the broader 2Chat platform, which also covers WhatsApp Business API, SMS, and virtual numbers. If you're building for customer communication, you can consolidate your entire stack under one provider and one API instead of stitching together three different vendors.

What Do I Need to Get Started?

The prerequisites are genuinely minimal:

• A 2chat.co account with at least one virtual number or registered caller ID.
• A server (any language — Node.js, Python, Ruby, PHP, Go) capable of making an HTTP request. This is where your API key lives, never in the browser.
• Basic JavaScript knowledge to wire up the SDK in your frontend.

📖 Official docs: The full Quickstart, Device API reference, Call API reference, and error handling guide are all at developers.2chat.co/docs/Voice-SDK/overview.

Start Building Today. The docs are live, the package is on npm, and you can have a virtual number provisioned in minutes.

👉 Read the documentation - 👉 Create a 2Chat account

As a digital marketer, startup founder, or entrepreneur, you already know that every single phone call from a customer is a potential growth opportunity. However, manually handling incoming calls while trying to run your daily operations can quickly become overwhelming.

What if there was a way to route calls made to your personal or traditional mobile number directly to your professional virtual business line?

By enabling call forwarding on your mobile device, you can redirect customer calls directly to your 2Chat virtual number. This simple integration allows you to leverage 2Chat’s powerful suite of features, ensuring your customers are attended to promptly and professionally, all without porting your actual phone number.

Running a business shouldn't mean drowning in missed calls, scattered chats, and clunky phone setups. With 2Chat, your team gets a single, smart phone number that handles voice calls and WhatsApp messaging in one place — no hardware, no headaches. Set up intelligent IVR flows that greet callers, route them to the right person, and keep the experience feeling polished and professional, whether you're a two-person startup or a growing support team. Need a local number in over 90 countries? Done in minutes. Want calls logged automatically in HubSpot or handed off to an AI voice agent? That's built in too. It's the modern phone system your business actually deserves and your customers will notice the difference.

In this quick, practical tutorial, we will walk you through exactly how to set up and disable call forwarding on your mobile device.

Part 1: How to Enable Call Forwarding to 2Chat

Setting this up only takes a couple of minutes. Grab your smartphone and follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Open Your Phone App

First, unlock your mobile device and open the default Phone or dialer application (the app you normally use to make calls).

Step 2: Access the Settings Menu

• Tap on the menu icon (usually represented by three vertical dots or a gear icon) in the search bar or top-right corner.
• Select Settings from the dropdown options.

Step 3: Find Calling Accounts

• Scroll down the settings menu until you find Calling accounts (on some devices, this might be labeled as "Call settings" or "Carrier services").

Tap on it to open the network-related options.

Step 4: Choose Call Forwarding

• Inside the calling accounts menu, look for and select Call forwarding.
• Select the SIM card you want to forward calls from (if you have a dual-SIM phone). The system will take a few seconds to retrieve your current operator settings.

Step 5: Configure "Always Forward"

You will see several options (Always forward, When busy, When unanswered, When unreachable).

• Tap on Always forward.
• A pop-up box will appear asking for a phone number. Type in the virtual phone number you have registered and set up in your 2Chat account. Make sure to include the correct country code.
• Tap Turn on (or Update).
• The device will update your carrier settings. Once loaded, all incoming phone calls to your mobile number will automatically redirect to your 2Chat virtual line, allowing you to handle them seamlessly.

Part 2: How to Disable Call Forwarding

If you ever need to turn this feature off—perhaps during holidays, after business hours, or if you want to resume taking calls directly on your mobile device—reversing the process is just as easy.

Step 1: Return to Call Forwarding Settings

Go back to your Phone App > Settings > Calling accounts > Call forwarding (just like you did in Part 1).

Step 2: Select "Always Forward"

Once the device finishes reading your carrier settings, tap on the Always forward option (which will currently show the 2Chat forwarding number you entered earlier).

Step 3: Turn Off the Forwarding

• A menu will pop up with your forwarded number.
• Tap on the Turn off button.

Your phone settings will quickly update, and your incoming calls will immediately route back to your physical mobile device.

Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs

• Improved Customer Experience: Your clients are routed to your professional business channels immediately, without them needing to save a different phone number.
• Work-Life Balance: You can turn forwarding on during your working hours to keep business conversations inside 2Chat, and easily disable it when you are off the clock.
• Unified Communication: Combining standard mobile calls with 2Chat's virtual environment ensures you keep clean, organized records of your customer interactions.

Are you ready to elevate your customer support and leverage the true power of WhatsApp for your business? Sign up for a 2Chat account today and take control of your customer conversations!

Let’s be real for a second: as a business owner or entrepreneur, your time is your most valuable asset. But every time your phone rings and goes to voicemail because you or your team are too busy, you’re potentially losing a client.

Whether you run a dental clinic, a spa, an auto repair shop, or a consulting agency, managing appointments can become a massive bottleneck. What if you could have a friendly, human-sounding receptionist answering calls, answering FAQs, and booking appointments directly into your calendar—24/7, without taking a single coffee break?

We are going to show you exactly how to build an AI voice agent to do just that. We’ll be using three powerful tools:

• 2Chat (for our virtual phone number)
• ElevenLabs (for the AI voice)
• Cal.com (for the booking calendar).

Step 1: Set Up Your Call Routing in 2Chat

First, we need to tell your 2Chat virtual number to send incoming calls to our AI brain.

• Log into your 2Chat Dashboard.
• Navigate to Channels and select Virtual Number. Click on your active number.
• Go to Inbound Call Handling. Here, we are going to configure the flow.
• Add a trigger for an incoming call, and then add an Integration component: select Send to ElevenLabs.

• Input your 2Chat phone number (in international format, e.g., +1...) and select the SIP TCP option.
  (Entrepreneur Note: "SIP" is just a fancy telecom term for routing voice calls over the internet. You don't need to be a tech wizard to use it—just click save!)

Step 2: Connect Your Number to ElevenLabs

Now, let’s hop over to ElevenLabs to catch that call.

• In ElevenLabs, go to Phone Numbers and click Import Number.
• Choose From SIP Trunk.
• Name your number, enter the exact phone number you used in 2Chat, and hit Import.
  (Leave the advanced settings alone unless you want to restrict which phone numbers can call your AI).

Step 3: Create Your AI Agent (The Fun Part!)

It’s time to give your receptionist a brain and a voice.

• Go to the Agents tab in ElevenLabs and click New Agent.
• To save time, let’s use a template. Browse the templates and select Appointment Scheduler.
• Click Use Template and name your agent (e.g., "Dental Clinic Appointment Scheduler").
• The system will ask you to connect your tools. Select Cal.com.

Step 4: Integrate Cal.com (The Booking Engine)

To let your AI actually book appointments, it needs permission to talk to your calendar. We do this using an API Key.
(Think of an API Key as a VIP backstage pass that lets two software programs talk to each other securely).

• Open your Cal.com account, go to Settings, and find API Keys.
• Create a new key, name it (e.g., "ElevenLabs AI"), and set it to "Never Expires."
• Copy the key, paste it back into your ElevenLabs setup screen, and click Create Agent.
• Pro-Tip for Services: In Cal.com, every service you offer (like a teeth cleaning vs. a root canal) has a specific Event Type ID (a short string of numbers in the URL). You can add these IDs into your ElevenLabs setup so the AI knows exactly which calendar event to book!

Step 5: Customize Your AI’s Personality and Voice

Now you’re in the Agent Dashboard. Let’s dress it up.

• System Prompt: This is your AI's personality. Tell it how to act: "You are a friendly receptionist at Good Smile Dental. You handle scheduling effortlessly."
• Voice: Choose a voice that fits your brand. You can select the language (e.g., English, Spanish) and pick a voice model.
• LLM (Large Language Model): This is the engine processing the conversation. A model like Gemini 2.5 Flash is highly recommended because it’s incredibly fast and very cost-effective for simple scheduling tasks.

Step 6: Train Your AI with a Knowledge Base

You want your AI to answer questions like, "Do you offer teeth whitening?"

• Go to the Knowledge Base tab in ElevenLabs.
• Click Add Document and create a simple text file listing your services, prices, or FAQs.
• Make sure to Enable RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation). This simply means your AI will "read" this document before answering a customer's question, ensuring it gives accurate, business-specific answers.

Step 7: Tweak the Conversation Flow

Go to the Workflow tab. This is a visual map of how the conversation goes. You can edit the initial greeting, decide what information the AI collects, and customize the sign-off message so it politely ends the call (e.g., "Thanks for calling, have a great day!").

Step 8: Test and Launch!

Before going live, click Preview in ElevenLabs. You can literally call or chat with your AI to see how it sounds. Once you're happy, assign your created agent to your imported phone number.

You can also visit the Analysis tab to review past calls, read transcripts, and see exactly how much each call costs you.

Key Takeaways for Business Owners

• 24/7 Availability: You never miss a lead, even if they call at 2 AM.
• Cost Efficiency: Running an AI voice agent is a fraction of the cost of hiring a full-time, round-the-clock receptionist.
• Better Customer Experience: Your clients don't have to wait on hold; they get immediate, accurate answers and instant bookings.

Ready to level up your customer service and put your bookings on autopilot? Sign up for a 2Chat account today and start building your intelligent WhatsApp and voice agents!

Are you looking for a way to connect with your customers on a massive scale, directly on the platform they use most? Imagine sending out a new product announcement, a special offer, or an important update to all your WhatsApp groups with just a few clicks. Sounds like a game-changer, right?

Reaching your audience directly is marketing gold. WhatsApp is a powerful channel for this, but managing bulk communications can be a huge time-sink. What if you could build your own custom tool to handle it, without writing a single line of code yourself?

That’s exactly what we’re going to do today. In this tutorial, I'll walk you through how to use the incredible power of Google's Gemini AI and the flexible 2Chat API to build a functional web application that sends bulk messages to WhatsApp groups. No coding experience? No problem! You just need to know how to ask.

Let's dive in and turn a powerful idea into a real-world tool for your business.

Your Toolkit: What You'll Need

Before we start building, let's gather our two main tools:

• The 2Chat API: Think of an API as a bridge that lets different software programs talk to each other. The 2Chat API is our bridge to WhatsApp. It’s incredibly well-documented and gives us all the functions we need—like listing our phone numbers, seeing our groups, and, of course, sending messages.

To use the API, you need a 2Chat account. Create your trial account now!

• Google AI Studio (with Gemini): This is our "developer." We're going to give Google's Gemini AI a detailed set of instructions (a "prompt"), and it will write all the code for our application for us. It’s like having an expert software engineer on call, ready to build whatever you can describe.

Step 1: Understanding the Building Blocks in the 2Chat API

First, let's get familiar with the tools 2Chat provides. If you look at the 2Chat API documentation, you’ll see it’s packed with features. For our bulk messaging app, we're interested in three key functions:

• List Numbers (/whatsapp/get-numbers): This function allows our app to find which of your WhatsApp numbers are connected and available in your 2Chat account.
• List Groups (/whatsapp/groups): Once we select a number, this function will pull a list of all the WhatsApp groups associated with that number. This is crucial for choosing our audience.
• Send Message (/whatsapp/send-message): This is the action endpoint. We'll use a specific parameter here called to_group_uuid to send our message directly to the groups we selected.

Knowing these specific functions is key because we're going to tell Gemini exactly what to use.

Step 2: Crafting the Perfect Prompt for Gemini

This is where the magic happens. We’re not writing code, but we are writing a very specific set of instructions for our AI developer. A great prompt is the secret to getting a great result.

We'll head over to Google AI Studio and go to the Build section. Here, we'll give Gemini the following prompt. Let's break it down piece by piece.

• Part 1: Give the AI a Role
  We start by telling Gemini who it is. This sets the context for the entire task.You are an expert developer with UX design knowledge.
• Part 2: Define the Goal
  Next, we tell it exactly what we want to build. You need to create a web app focused in sending bulk messages to WhatsApp groups. The app will use 2Chat API...
• Part 3: Detail the Step-by-Step Logic
  Now, we outline the application's flow, referencing the specific 2Chat API calls we found earlier.

You are a expert developer with UX design knowledge. You need to create a web app focused in sending bulk email to WhatsApp groups. The app will use 2Chat API, it will ask for the API Key, next it will list the available phone nummber using a request like this:
curl -L -G 'https://api.p.2chat.io/open/whatsapp/get-numbers?page_number=0' \
    --header 'X-User-API-Key: your_api_key_here'
This is the sample response:
{
    "success": true,
    "count": 1,
    "page": 0,
    "numbers": [
        {
            "uuid": "WPN95841312-b54d-46e3-b0bc-6414f4a5296b",
            "friendly_name": "my testing number",
            "phone_number": "+595981048477",
            "iso_country_code": "PY",
            "pushname": ":v:",
            "server": "595981048477@c.us",
            "platform": "iphone",
            "connection_status": "C",
            "enabled": true,
            "is_business_profile": false,
            "channel_type": "WW",
            "sync_contacts": true,
            "created_at": "2022-10-31 22:05:44",
            "updated_at": "2022-12-01 21:40:04"
        }
    ]
}
Now, using the API Key and the selected phone number it Will list available groups using this request:
curl -L -G 'https://api.p.2chat.io/open/whatsapp/groups/+595981048477' \
    --header 'X-User-API-Key: your_api_key_here'

This is the response sample:
{
    {
    "success": true,
    "data": [
        {
            "uuid": "WAG768beeef-2b96-4bc7-9b7f-045078568723",
            "channel_uuid": "WPN95841312-b54d-46e3-b0bc-6414f4a5296b",
            "wa_group_id": "....@g.us",
            "profile_pic_url": "...",
            "wa_owner_id": "17137157533@c.us",
            "wa_group_name": "2chat test group :ok_hand:",
            "wa_created_at": "2022-10-23T17:11:41Z",
            "wa_subject": "daily motivational quotes :muscle:",
            "size": 4,
            "is_muted": false,
            "is_read_only": false,
            "channel_is_owner": false,
            "created_at": "2023-06-22T20:02:56Z",
            "updated_at": "2023-07-12T19:18:41Z",
            "owner_contact": {
                "uuid": "CON1653490d-194b-4992-8353-e4b46a64e321",
                "first_name": "Mikey",
                "last_name": "Mike",
                "channel_uuid": "WPNc568c832-606c-4d50-8092-fc51b5149d16",
                "profile_pic_url": "..."
            }
        }
    ]
The user can select several groups and now if Will use this API to send bulk messaging using this API request:
curl --location --request POST 'https://api.p.2chat.io/open/whatsapp/send-message' \
--header 'X-User-API-Key: your_api_key_here' \
--header 'Content-Type: application/json' \
--data-raw '{
    "to_group_uuid": "WAG768beeef-2b96-4bc7-9b7f-045078568723",
    "from_number": "+595981048477",
    "text": "Test from 2Chat API",
    "url": "https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/6281a9c52303343ff7c3b269/62a1648ee0273340bf38e3a9_logo-2C.svg"
}'
The app Will list message sending result, this is a reponse sample:
{
    "success": true,
    "message_uuid": "MSG205dec10-523d-4ab3-b739-fd56e7cdeba2",
    "batched": true
}
in the results step in the detailed report in the response / error column add the full json response returned from every api request and also de request sent to the 2Chat API

Conditions:
- Avoid the API CORS error
- Use this color #2243FD as accent color with a light grey background
- The user can go to the next task and return if needed
`

Once your prompt is ready, you paste it into Gemini's build section and click "Build".

Step 3: Watch Your App Come to Life!

This is the most exciting part. Gemini will take all your instructions and, within a minute or two, generate a complete, working web application. You'll see it create the files, write the code, and assemble everything into a functional prototype.

Once it’s done, the preview screen will display your app! It starts, just as we asked, by requesting your 2Chat API key.

• Enter Your API Key: Grab your API key from your 2Chat dashboard (under Developers -> API Access).
• Select Your Phone Number: The app will automatically fetch and display all the numbers connected to your 2Chat account. It even shows their "Active" status!
• Choose Your Groups: After selecting a number, it will load all your WhatsApp groups. Thanks to our prompt, it even includes a search bar to help you find specific groups quickly.
• Compose & Send: Write your message, add an optional image URL, and hit "Send." The app will send your message to all the selected groups and give you a real-time report on the status of each message.

And just like that, you have a custom-built bulk WhatsApp sender!

Ready to Build Your Own?

This is just the beginning. Imagine the other tools you could build to streamline your marketing and sales processes. With the right tools and a clear idea, you can create powerful applications that give your business a competitive edge.

Ready to put this tutorial into action? The first step is getting your 2Chat API key.

Sign up for a 2Chat account today and start exploring the power of WhatsApp automation for your business!

If you're using WhatsApp groups to build a community, launch a product, or keep your clients engaged, you've probably asked yourself: "Is this thing actually working? Are we growing?"

Guessing is not a strategy. To truly understand your community's health, you need data. You need to see who's joining, who's leaving, and when these changes happen. Imagine being able to see a spike in new members immediately after launching a marketing campaign or noticing a trend of people leaving at a specific time. That's powerful, actionable information.

But how do you get it without manually counting participants every day?

That's exactly what we're going to build today. In this tutorial, I'll guide you through creating a powerful, automated dashboard in Looker Studio. This dashboard will connect to your WhatsApp groups via the 2Chat API and use a simple Google Sheet to track every join and leave event automatically.

No more guesswork. Just clear, visual data to help you make smarter decisions. Let's get started!

What Your Finished Dashboard Will Look Like

Before we dive into the setup, let's take a quick tour of the dashboard you're about to create. It's designed to give you all the essential stats at a glance.

Key Metrics at the Top:

• Record Count: The total number of events (joins or leaves) that have been recorded.
• Participants: The total number of unique people who have been in your groups over time.
• Current Group Count: The number of groups you are currently tracking.
• Last Date: The last time the data was updated, so you always know you're looking at fresh information.

Visual Charts for Quick Insights:

• Events by Week: This bar chart is your go-to for weekly performance. It shows you a side-by-side comparison of how many people joined (green) versus how many people left (red) each week. You can even drill down to see this data on a daily level!
• Event by Type: This simple donut chart gives you the overall percentage split between joins and leaves. Is your community growing (more green) or shrinking (more red)? This chart tells you instantly.
• Participants' Growth Per Week: This line graph shows the cumulative growth of your community over time. It calculates the net change (joins minus leaves) each week to show you the overall growth trajectory.
• Total Participants Per Date: This chart tracks the absolute number of members across all your monitored groups daily, giving you a clear historical view of your community size.

The dashboard also includes a Details page where you can see a raw log of every single event—the date, the type of event (join/leave), the group it happened in, and the phone number involved.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Building the Dashboard

Ready to build your own? Let's get this set up. It’s simpler than you think!

Step 1: Get the Google Sheets Template

First things first, you need a place to store your data. We've created a Google Sheets template that has all the necessary scripts and tabs already built in.

• Google Sheets Template: Open the link and click "File" > "Make a copy" to save it to your own Google Drive. This is now your master file.

Step 2: Get Your 2Chat API Key and Channel Number

Now, let's get the information we need from your 2Chat account.

Where can you find the API key in 2Chat | 2Chat’s Help Center

You can integrate 2Chat with other apps through our Developer API key. Learn here how to get yours.

2Chat's Help Center

1. Log into your 2Chat account.
2. Navigate to the Developers section in the left-hand menu.
3. Under API Access, create a New API Key. Give it a memorable name like "Google Sheets Monitor" and copy the key.
4. Next, go to the Channels section. Copy the Phone Number of the WhatsApp channel you want to monitor. Important: This number must be an admin in the WhatsApp groups you plan to track!

Step 3: Configure Your Google Sheet

Head back to the copy of the Google Sheet you made.

1. Go to the "Parameters" tab.
2. Paste your 2Chat API Key into cell A2.
3. Paste your WhatsApp Channel Number into cell B2.

Step 4: Generate Your Webhook URL

This is where the magic happens. We'll use a pre-built script in the sheet to create a unique URL that 2Chat can send data to.

1. In your Google Sheet, click "Extensions" > "Apps Script".
2. A new window with code will open. Don't worry, you don't need to write any code!
3. Click the "Deploy" button in the top right, then select "New deployment".
4. A pop-up will appear. Click the gear icon next to "Select type" and choose "Web app".

Configure the settings:

• Description: Give it a name, like "WhatsApp Group Monitor v1".
• Execute as: Set this to "Me" (your Google account).
• Who has access: Set this to "Anyone".
• Click "Deploy". You may be asked to authorize permissions for the script to run. Go ahead and approve them.

Once done, it will give you a Web app URL. Copy this URL and paste it into the "Webhook URL" (cell C2) in your "Parameters" tab.

Step 5: Schedule a Daily Snapshot of Your Participant Count

While the webhook tracks individual joins and leaves, we also want to track the total number of participants each day. This gives us a historical snapshot of our group's size. We'll set up an automated trigger to do this.

1. Go back to the Apps Script editor you had open.
2. On the left-hand menu, click on the Triggers icon (it looks like a clock).
3. Click the "+ Add Trigger" button in the bottom right corner.
4. Configure the trigger with the following settings:

• Choose which function to run: Select getWhatsappGroups.
• Choose which deployment should run: Leave this as Head.
• Select event source: Choose Time-driven.
• Select type of time-based trigger: Choose Day timer.
• Select time of day: We recommend 11pm to Midnight. This will run the script once a day to log the total participant count for that day.
• Click Save.

Step 6: Set Up Webhooks in 2Chat

Now, we'll tell 2Chat to send a notification to your new URL every time someone joins or leaves a group.

1. Go back to your 2Chat dashboard.
2. Navigate to Developers > Webhooks.
3. Click "New Webhook" and configure the first one:
4. URL: Paste the Web app URL you just copied.
5. Channel: Select the correct WhatsApp channel.
6. Events: Find and select the event "Someone joined the WhatsApp Group".
7. Click Save.

Repeat the process to create a second webhook, but this time, for the Events, select "Someone left the WhatsApp Group".

That's it! Your sheet will now automatically log every time a user joins or leaves one of your groups.

Step 7: Set Up the Looker Studio Report

The final step is to connect this data to your visual dashboard.

• Looker Studio Template

1. Open the template and click the three dots (⋮) in the top right corner, then select "Make a copy".
2. Looker Studio will ask you to choose a new data source. For each of the original sources listed, select your own Google Sheet that you just configured. You will need to connect to the GroupLog, GroupStats, and LastDates tabs, respectively.
3. Click "Copy Report".

The report will now be populated with your data! It will update automatically as new events are logged in your Google Sheet.

Key Takeaways for Your Business

So, what can you do with this powerful new dashboard?

• Measure Community Health: Is your group growing or shrinking? Now you have a clear, data-backed answer.
• Track Campaign Impact: Did you run a promotion or share a link to your group? See exactly how many new members it brought in on a daily or weekly basis.
• Understand Churn: Are people leaving after a specific announcement or during quiet periods? This data helps you identify patterns so you can improve engagement and retention.
• Make Data-Driven Decisions: Instead of guessing, you can now use real metrics to guide your WhatsApp community strategy.

Managing a community is about more than just posting content—it's about understanding its pulse. With this dashboard, you've just built your very own stethoscope.

Ready to Supercharge Your WhatsApp for Business?

This tutorial is just the beginning of what you can achieve with automation. If you're ready to unlock the full potential of WhatsApp for marketing, sales, and support, it all starts with the right tools.

Sign up for your 2Chat account today and start turning your conversations into conversions!

If you're using WhatsApp groups to build a community, run a course, or manage customer support, you know how powerful they can be. But you also know the headache of trying to keep track of who’s coming and going. Manually checking member lists is time-consuming and, let's be honest, a bit of a drag.

What if you could automatically log every single time someone joins or leaves your group directly into a Google Sheet? Imagine having a real-time dashboard of your community's growth and churn. This data is gold! It helps you understand what’s working, when people are most engaged, and when they might be losing interest.

In this tutorial, we’re going to show you exactly how to set up this powerful automation using 2Chat and a workflow tool called n8n. No complex coding required—just a simple, step-by-step process to put your community management on autopilot.

Here’s What You'll Achieve

Once you're done, your system will work like this:

• Someone joins your group? A new row appears in your Google Sheet with their phone number, the date, and the group they joined.
• Someone leaves your group? Another row appears, logging that they left.

This creates an effortless, permanent record of all member activity, giving you invaluable insights at a glance.

What You’ll Need Before We Start

1. A 2Chat Account: This is the tool that connects your WhatsApp to the automation.
2. An n8n Account: This is the automation platform where we'll build our workflow.
3. A Google Account: For the Google Sheet where all the magic will be stored.
4. Admin Privileges: This is crucial! The WhatsApp number connected to your 2Chat account must be an administrator of the group(s) you want to monitor.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Automated Tracking

We've created a ready-to-use template for this workflow, so you don't have to build it from scratch.

Step 1: Import the Workflow into n8n

First, we need to get the workflow into your n8n canvas.

• Download our pre-built workflow template file
• In your n8n dashboard, click the options menu and select "Import from File."
• Select the .json file you just downloaded and import it. You'll see two workflows appear on your screen: one for monitoring joins and one for monitoring leaves.

Step 2: Connect Your 2Chat Account

Now, let's connect n8n to 2Chat so they can talk to each other. We’ll do this for both the "Joins" and "Leaves" workflows.

Where can you find the API key in 2Chat | 2Chat’s Help Center

You can integrate 2Chat with other apps through our Developer API key. Learn here how to get yours.

2Chat's Help Center

• Click on the first node, the "2Chat Trigger" (the one with the WhatsApp icon).
• Under "Credential to connect with," click "Create new credential."
• You'll need an API Key. Think of this as a secure password that lets n8n access your 2Chat data.
• To find it, go to your 2Chat dashboard, navigate to the "Developers" section on the left menu, and click on "API Keys."
• Click "New API Key," give it a friendly name (like "n8n Monitor"), and save it.
• Click the copy icon next to your new key.
• Paste this key back into the credential window in n8n and click Save.

Step 3: Configure Your Triggers

With your account connected, you need to tell the workflow what to watch for.

For the "Monitor WhatsApp group joins" workflow:

• Events: Ensure "New Participant Joined WhatsApp Group" is selected.
• Business WhatsApp Channel: Select the phone number you want to use.
• All Groups: You can choose to monitor all groups; this number is an admin in, or you can select specific groups from the list.

For the "Monitor WhatsApp group leaves" workflow:

• Do the same, but make sure the Event is set to "Participant Left WhatsApp Group."

Step 4: Connect Your Google Sheets

Next, let's tell the workflow where to put the data.

• Click on the second node, "Append row in Sheet."
• Connect your Google Sheets account by following the prompts.
• In the Document field, select the Google Sheet you created for this purpose.
• In the Sheet field, select the specific tab within that spreadsheet.
• The Google Sheets template already maps the data for you (phone number, name, date, etc.), so you don't need to change anything else here!

Repeat this process for the Google Sheets node in the "leaves" workflow.

Step 5: Activate Your Workflow!

You're at the finish line!

• Click the "Save" button at the top right.
• Toggle the switch from "Inactive" to "Active."

That’s it! Your automated WhatsApp group monitor is now live. Sit back, relax, and watch the data roll in.

Key Takeaways for Your Business

So, what can you actually do with this new superpower?

• Measure Community Growth: Track your sign-ups and see how your marketing efforts translate into new members.
• Understand Churn: Identify patterns in when people leave. Was it after a promotional message? Or during a quiet period? This is vital feedback to improve your community strategy.
• Build Your Contact List: You're automatically capturing the phone numbers of interested people who join your group, creating a valuable list for future engagement (just be sure to respect privacy and consent!).
• Implement Retention Strategies: When someone leaves, this automation can be expanded to trigger another action, such as sending a follow-up message to request feedback.

You’ve just saved yourself hours of manual work and unlocked a new layer of insight into your business's community.

Ready to put your WhatsApp marketing on autopilot and get data-driven insights? Sign up for your 2Chat account today and transform how you manage your business communities!

From customer inquiries and project updates to sharing essential documents, files are constantly flowing through your chats. However, let's be honest, manually sifting through conversations to find and save important media can be a significant time drain and a major headache. What if you could automatically save every file your clients send you directly into an organized Google Drive folder? Imagine the time saved, the improved organization, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing all your critical client data is securely backed up and easily accessible.

With a powerful platform like 2Chat and a little help from Google Apps Script, you can set up a seamless automation that keeps your WhatsApp files perfectly organized in Google Drive. This isn't just a technical trick; it's a strategic move to boost your business efficiency, enhance client management, and ensure no important document ever gets lost in the shuffle.

Ready to transform your WhatsApp workflow? Let's dive in!

Step 1: Setting Up Your 2Chat Conversation Flow

Your journey to automated file backup begins in 2Chat, where we’ll configure a "Conversation Flow" to detect and process incoming files.

Initiate the Flow:

• Go to Flows in your 2Chat dashboard.
• Create a new flow (or modify an existing one).
• Set the trigger: When a message is received on your Business WhatsApp Channel.
• Set Flow Memory to "At least once at any time" with a short interval (e.g., 1 second) to ensure all messages are processed.
• Add a Conditional Flow block.
• Configure it to check if the "Last Received Message" Has media and if it Equals True. This ensures only messages containing files (images, documents, videos) proceed to the next step.
• On the "When True" branch of your conditional flow, add an HTTP Request component. This is where 2Chat will send the file's information to our Google Apps Script.
• Request Type: Select POST.
• Request URL: For now, leave this blank. We'll fill it in later once we deploy our Google Script.
• Body (JSON format): This is crucial. You'll send specific data that your Google Script will use to save the file. Here’s an example structure:codeJSON

{
    "message": "{{message}}",
    "remote_phone_number": "{{wa.phoneNumber}}",
    "destinationFolder": "2ChatFiles",
    "allowedFiles": "pdf,xlsx,docx",
    "saveYearMonth": "1",
    "fileURL": "{{messageMediaURL}}"
}

Let's break down these parameters:

• "message": The content of the last received message.
• "remote_phone_number": The WhatsApp number of the client who sent the file. This is fantastic for organizing files by client!
• "destinationFolder": The name of the main folder in your Google Drive where all 2Chat files will be stored. You'll need to create this manually (we'll cover that next).
• "allowedFiles": A comma-separated list of file extensions you want to allow (e.g., pdf,xlsx,docx). This helps filter out unwanted file types.
• "saveYearMonth": This controls your folder structure. Set to "1" to save files in subfolders organized by year and month (e.g., /2ChatFiles/CLIENT_PHONE_NUMBER/2023/08/file.pdf). Set to "0" to save directly within the client's phone number folder.
• "fileURL": The direct URL to the media file received via WhatsApp. This is what the Google Script will use to download the file.

Step 2: Creating Your Google Apps Script

Now, let's create the Google Apps Script that will actually receive the information from 2Chat and save the files to your Google Drive.

Access Google Apps Script:

• Go to your Google Drive (make sure it's the account where you want to store your business files!).
• Click on + New > More > Google Apps Script. This will open a new, untitled Apps Script project.
• Click on "Untitled project" at the top and rename it something descriptive, like "2Chat WhatsApp Files" or "WhatsApp Drive Backup." This helps keep your projects organized.
• Delete any default code in the Code.gs file.
• You'll find the necessary script code on the 2Chat GitHub repository. Navigate to the Tutorials repository, then into GoogleAppScript, and open the 2ChatWhatsAppDrive.gs file.

• Copy the entire code from this file.
• Paste it into your Code.gs file in the Google Apps Script editor.
• Click the Save to save your project.

Step 3: Configuring and Deploying Your Script

Once the code is in place, you need to deploy it as a web application so 2Chat can communicate with it.

Deploy as Web App:

• Click the "Deploy" button in the top right corner.
• Select "New deployment."
• In the "Select type" dropdown, choose "Web app."
• Description: Add a brief description, e.g., "v1" for version 1.
• Execute as: Crucially, ensure this is set to "Me (your-email@yourdomain.com)". This grants the script permission to access your Google Drive account to save the files.
• Who has access: Select "Anyone." This allows 2Chat (an external service) to send requests to your script. Don't worry, the script only saves files, it doesn't expose your entire Drive.
• Click "Deploy."

Authorize Access:

• A prompt will appear asking for authorization. Click "Authorize access."
• Select your Google account.
• Review the permissions (it will ask to see, edit, create, and delete Google Drive files, and connect to an external service). Click "Allow." This gives your script the necessary permissions to function.

Copy the Web App URL:

• Once authorized, the deployment will complete, and you'll see a "Deployment succeeded" message.
• Copy the Web app URL provided. This is the link 2Chat will use to send file data to your script.
• Click "Done."

Step 4: Connecting 2Chat to Your Google Script

Now, let's link your 2Chat flow to your newly deployed Google Apps Script.

Paste the URL:

• Go back to your 2Chat conversation flow (the browser tab you left open from Step 1).
• In your HTTP Request component, paste the copied Web app URL into the "Request URL" field.
• Click "Save Changes" in the top right corner of 2Chat.

Step 5: Preparing Your Google Drive

Before testing, make sure your designated destination folder exists in Google Drive.

Create "2ChatFiles" Folder:

• Go to your Google Drive.
• Click + New > New folder.
• Name this folder exactly what you specified in the destinationFolder parameter in your 2Chat HTTP Request body (e.g., 2ChatFiles).

Key Takeaways for Your Business:

• Effortless Organization: No more searching for lost files! All client documents are neatly categorized by client, year, and month (or directly by client).
• Time-Saving Automation: Free up valuable hours previously spent on manual file handling. Focus on growing your business, not on administrative tasks.
• Centralized Record-Keeping: Keep all important client media in a single, accessible, and secure cloud storage location. Perfect for team collaboration and audit trails.
• Enhanced Client Management: Quickly retrieve client-specific documents, improving your response time and service quality.
• Scalability: This setup grows with your business. As more clients send files, your system automatically handles the backup.

Streamline your WhatsApp Business with ease! Automate file backups and more. Start your free 2Chat trial today!

Sign Up for 2Chat Now!

WhatsApp, with its global reach and user-friendly interface, has become an indispensable tool. But what if you want to keep your personal number separate from your business, or manage multiple business lines without juggling physical SIM cards?

Enter the virtual phone number. Coupled with a powerful platform like 2Chat, virtual numbers offer an elegant solution to streamline your WhatsApp business communications, enhance professionalism, and open doors to incredible automation capabilities.

In this comprehensive tutorial, we'll walk you through the process of activating WhatsApp Business with a virtual number and integrating it seamlessly with 2Chat. Get ready to transform your customer interactions!

Section 1: The Foundation - Getting Your Virtual Number Ready

Before we dive into WhatsApp, you'll need a virtual number ready to go. The beauty of 2Chat is that it often provides these numbers directly, ensuring they're compatible with WhatsApp verification.

Prerequisite: Ensure you have a virtual number purchased and active within your 2Chat account.

How to purchase a virtual number | 2Chat’s Help Center

Get a local number in over 90 countries.

2Chat's Help Center

Check Your 2Chat Virtual Numbers:

• Log into your 2Chat dashboard.
• Navigate to the Channels section on the left sidebar.
• Click on Virtual Number. Here, you'll see a list of your purchased virtual numbers. Make sure the number you intend to use has an "Active" status. For this tutorial, we'll use a Canadian virtual number.

Install WhatsApp Business on Your Phone:

Download and install the WhatsApp Business app from your mobile device's app store (Google Play Store for Android, Apple App Store for iOS).

Open the app and agree to the terms and conditions.

Section 2: Verifying Your Virtual WhatsApp Number

This is where 2Chat's integration truly shines. Traditional WhatsApp verification relies on SMS, which a virtual number might not receive directly on your phone. However, 2Chat is designed to capture these verification calls.

Enter Your Virtual Number in WhatsApp Business:

• On the "Verify your phone number" screen, select the country associated with your virtual number (e.g., "Canada").
• Carefully enter your full virtual phone number.
• Tap "Next."

Wait for the Voice Call Option:

WhatsApp will first attempt to send an SMS verification code. Since your phone doesn't have a physical SIM for the virtual number, this SMS won't arrive on your device.

Be patient. After a short waiting period (usually 10-15 minutes, as shown in the video), WhatsApp Business will offer a "Voice call" option. This is the key!

Select the "Voice call" option and tap "Continue."

Receive the Verification Call via 2Chat:

At this point, you'll hear a ringtone, and an "Incoming call" notification will appear directly on your 2Chat dashboard (web interface).

• Click "Answer" within your 2Chat dashboard. An automated voice will dictate your 6-digit WhatsApp verification code. Listen carefully and note it down.

Complete WhatsApp Business Setup:

After hanging up the call in 2Chat, return to your WhatsApp Business app on your phone.

Enter the 6-digit verification code you received via the 2Chat call and WhatsApp will verify the number. Success! You can now proceed to:

• Grant necessary permissions (contacts, media).
• Create your business profile (business name, category, etc.).
• Set up a catalog, greeting messages, and other WhatsApp Business features as you normally would.

Your virtual number is now fully active on WhatsApp Business!

Section 3: Connecting Your WhatsApp to 2Chat for Automation

Now that your virtual number is active on WhatsApp Business, let's link it to 2Chat to unlock powerful multi-agent, chatbot, and CRM integration features.

Initiate a New Connection in 2Chat:

• Back in your 2Chat dashboard, ensure you are in the Channels section, under WhatsApp.
• Click the "+ New Connection" button (usually in the top right corner).

Configure the Channel:

• In the "Channel configuration" window, enter your virtual phone number (the same one you just verified on your phone).
• Give it a "Friendly name" that's easy to identify (e.g., "2Chat Virtual Assistant" or "My Business Line").
• You have the option to "Enable importing" to synchronize contacts. For this tutorial, we'll skip it, but consider if it's right for your business.
• Click "Add & Connect."

Scan the QR Code:

2Chat will generate a unique QR code. This code is essential for linking your WhatsApp Business app to the 2Chat platform.

On your phone, in the WhatsApp Business app:

• Go to Settings (for iPhone) or Menu (⋮) (for Android).
• Select Linked Devices.
• Tap "Link a Device."
• Your phone's camera will activate. Scan the QR code displayed on your 2Chat dashboard.
• Once scanned, you'll be prompted to name the linked device on your phone (e.g., "Desktop Office"). This helps you identify which device is linked to 2Chat.
• Click "Save."

Congratulations! Your virtual WhatsApp Business number is now seamlessly connected to 2Chat.

Section 4: Key Considerations for a Smooth Experience

To ensure your virtual WhatsApp number and 2Chat integration run smoothly, keep these important points in mind:

Keep Your Phone Active: 2Chat's connection to WhatsApp Web (which powers this integration) requires your phone to be online and connected to the internet at least once every 14 days. This keeps the connection alive.

Contact Sync: Group chats and imported contacts may take a few minutes to appear in 2Chat after initial setup or contact import is enabled.

Bulk Messaging Caution: Be aware that new WhatsApp numbers (including virtual ones) may be subject to temporary bans if used for excessive bulk messaging too quickly. Gradually increase your sending volume to build trust with WhatsApp's algorithms.

2Chat Support: If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to 2Chat's support team via their support bubble.

Conclusion: Empower Your Business Communications

By activating WhatsApp Business with a virtual number and integrating it with 2Chat, you've taken a significant step towards modernizing your business communication strategy. This setup provides:

• Professionalism: A dedicated business number separate from your personal life.
• Scalability: The ability to manage your WhatsApp presence from a centralized platform, ready for team collaboration.
• Automation Potential: Leverage 2Chat's advanced features like chatbots, flows, and CRM integrations to automate responses, manage leads, and enhance customer service.

Stop missing out on leads and start delivering exceptional customer experiences. Your business deserves a robust communication system.

Ready to elevate your WhatsApp Business communications?👉 Visit 2Chat.co and sign up today!

To create a new WhatsApp Cloud API number, you'll need to connect an existing number or get a new virtual number. This tutorial covers obtaining a new virtual phone number and using it to set up a new WhatsApp account.

Find a new number using 2Chat

• Go to https://app.2chat.io/channels/virtual-number/new and select the country and area code you need.

• Make sure to follow the instructions on the screen to buy it, or check this tutorial that explains it in detail.
• Once the number is purchased and activated for inbound calls, you should be able to see it inside your 2Chat account.

Adding your new number in Meta Business Manager

• Go to Meta Business Manager, then select WhatsApp Manager > Phone numbers.

• Click on Add phone number.
• Fill up the WhatsApp profile for your new number.

• Add the number you purchased from 2Chat.

• Open the new number from the list, go to Profile, then click on Send verification code.

• Choose Phone call.

• A phone call will arrive at app.2chat.io where you have logged in. Answer it and take note of the activation code given.

• Enter the activation code and click on Next.

Now your number is verified and ready for use!

As a business owner, digital marketing professional, or startup founder, you know the drill: the phone rings, emails pile up, and your team spends countless hours answering the same questions about order statuses. While keeping customers informed is crucial, this repetitive task can drain valuable resources and pull your team away from critical growth initiatives.

But what if your customers could get instant, accurate updates on their orders 24/7, directly on WhatsApp, without a single human touch?

Imagine freeing up your customer service agents to handle more complex issues, nurturing leads, or focusing on personalized outreach. This isn't a futuristic fantasy; it's a tangible reality with the power of AI chatbots integrated into your existing systems.

In this comprehensive tutorial, we'll walk you through building a powerful AI chatbot on WhatsApp that connects directly to your Google Sheets data. We'll leverage 2Chat for seamless WhatsApp integration, n8n as your robust automation backbone, and of course, Google Sheets as your flexible data repository. Get ready to supercharge your customer service and give your business a competitive edge!

You will need:

• 2Chat account
• n8n account to upload this template

Tutorials/n8n/Order Status Agent.json at main · 2ChatCo/Tutorials

Contribute to 2ChatCo/Tutorials development by creating an account on GitHub.

GitHub2ChatCo

• This Google Sheet template

Try our official n8n node

2Chat integrations | Workflow automation with n8n

Integrate 2Chat with hundreds of other apps. Create sophisticated automations between 2Chat and your stack using n8n. Free and source-available.

n8n.ioigordisco

The Foundation: Your Google Sheet Data

Our chatbot will rely on a simple yet effective data source: a Google Sheet template. This keeps things accessible and easy to manage, especially for startups and small businesses.

Your Google Sheet should contain essential order information. In our example, we use the following columns:

• Order ID: The unique identifier for each order.
• Order Status: Current status (e.g., "Received," "In Transit," "Delivered," "With Issues").
• Notes: Any relevant details about the order.
• Customer Name: The name of the customer.
• Delivery Date: The estimated or actual delivery date.

Pro-Tip for Entrepreneurs: The beauty here is flexibility! You can easily add more columns to your Google Sheet (e.g., product details, tracking links, special instructions). The AI agent is smart enough to leverage any relevant information you provide, making your chatbot even more powerful over time.

How the Magic Happens: The n8n Workflow

At the heart of our intelligent chatbot lies n8n, an open-source workflow automation tool. Think of n8n as the "brain" that connects different services and orchestrates the entire process. It receives the WhatsApp message, understands what the customer wants, fetches the data, and prepares the response.

Tutorials/n8n/Order Status Agent.json at main · 2ChatCo/Tutorials

Contribute to 2ChatCo/Tutorials development by creating an account on GitHub.

GitHub2ChatCo

Here's a breakdown of the n8n workflow components:

The Webhook – Your Chatbot's Listening Ear:

This is the entry point. When a customer sends a message on WhatsApp, 2Chat will trigger this webhook. It acts as a secure bridge, receiving the customer's message and phone number, and passing them to the AI agent.

The AI Agent – The Brain of Your Chatbot:

This is where the artificial intelligence comes into play. The AI Agent takes the customer's raw message and processes it.

System Prompt: This is a set of instructions you give the AI to define its role and behavior. For our order status chatbot, the prompt tells the AI to act as a customer service assistant, focus on retrieving order information, and maintain a professional and supportive tone. This prompt is crucial for guiding the AI's responses.

**Situation**
You are a customer service AI assistant specializing in order information retrieval for a company's purchase order system. Customers interact with you to obtain specific details about their orders.

**Task**
Retrieve and display precise order information when a customer provides a valid order number. Verify the order number's authenticity and provide a comprehensive yet concise order status report.

**Objective**
Deliver accurate, transparent, and helpful order information to enhance customer satisfaction and support efficient customer service interactions.

**Knowledge**
- Required input: Valid Order Number
- Available order information fields: 
  1. OrderID
  2. OrderStatus
  3. Notes
  4. CustomerName
  5. DeliveryDate
- Strict validation required for order number input
- Protect customer data privacy

**Constraints**
- Only respond with order details if a valid order number is provided
- Do not fabricate or guess order information
- If order number is invalid, return a clear, apologetic message explaining the issue

**Response Guidelines**
1. Confirm the order number's validity
2. If valid, display all available order information in a clear, structured format
3. If invalid, provide a helpful guidance message
4. Maintain a professional and supportive tone throughout the interaction

**Error Handling**
- If no order number is provided, prompt the customer to enter their order number
- If multiple order numbers are entered, request clarification
- Ensure no sensitive information is disclosed inappropriately

AI Model (e.g., OpenAI GPT-4.1-mini): The AI Agent uses a powerful language model (like GPT-4.1-mini, or any other compatible model you choose) to understand natural language, extract key information (like the order ID), and generate human-like responses.

Simple Memory: This component gives your chatbot short-term memory. It remembers the last few interactions with a specific customer (identified by their WhatsApp phone number). This allows for a more fluid conversation, so customers don't have to repeat themselves.

Google Sheets Integration – Fetching the Data:

After the AI Agent understands the customer's request and identifies an order ID, it uses this Google Sheets integration node to retrieve the relevant row from your "2Chat Order Status" sheet.

It's configured to search specifically by the "Order ID" column. The remarkable part is that the AI automatically extracts the order ID from the conversation, even if the customer phrases their request differently each time.

As mentioned earlier, you can add more columns to your Google Sheet, and the AI agent, guided by its prompt, can incorporate that new information into its responses!

Respond to Webhook – Sending Info Back:

Once the order information is retrieved and processed by the AI Agent into a user-friendly message, this node sends the final response back to 2Chat, which then forwards it to the customer on WhatsApp.

Bringing it to Life: 2Chat Integration

2Chat is your platform for managing WhatsApp Business API conversations. It serves as the bridge between your customers' WhatsApp messages and your n8n workflow.

Here’s how you set up the conversation flow in 2Chat:

Initial Step (Trigger):

You start by defining when the flow should be triggered. In this case, it's "When a new message is received" from your "2Chat Virtual Assistant" WhatsApp channel. This ensures that every incoming customer message starts the process.

Make an HTTP Request:

This is the critical link to your n8n workflow. You'll set up an HTTP POST request pointing to the Production URL of your n8n Webhook.

In the request body (JSON format), you'll send two crucial pieces of information from 2Chat to n8n:

• last_user_message: Contains the actual text message sent by the customer (using 2Chat's {{message}} variable).
• from_number: Contains the customer's WhatsApp phone number (using 2Chat's {{wa.phoneNumber()}} variable). This is vital for the "Simple Memory" in n8n.

Handle the Response & Send Message:

Once n8n processes the request and sends back the AI's response, 2Chat captures this. You'll map the output from n8n's response to a Custom Field in 2Chat, let's call it agentmessage. Finally, a "Send Message and Wait for Reply" component uses this agentmessage custom field to send the AI's tailored response directly back to the customer on WhatsApp. The "Wait for Reply" part is key: it keeps the conversation loop active, ready for the customer's next message, and feeds it back into the n8n flow.

Key Takeaways for Your Business

Building an AI order status chatbot is more than just a tech novelty; it's a strategic move for your business:

• Boost Operational Efficiency: Dramatically reduce the time and effort spent on repetitive customer inquiries.
• Elevate Customer Experience: Offer immediate, personalized support that sets you apart from competitors.
• Empower Your Team: Free up human agents to focus on complex problem-solving, sales, and nurturing relationships.
• Leverage Existing Data: Turn your Google Sheets into a dynamic, interactive customer service tool.
• Future-Proof Your Support: Lay the groundwork for more advanced AI-driven customer interactions.

This powerful combination of 2Chat, n8n, and Google Sheets offers a scalable, efficient, and intelligent solution for managing customer order inquiries. It's time to transform your customer service from a cost center into a true competitive advantage!

Ready to streamline your customer service and leverage the power of AI on WhatsApp? Sign up for a 2Chat account today and start building your smart chatbot! Visit: 2chat.co

Let's start by walking through what your customer will experience. Picture this: a potential client wants to book a dental cleaning.

• Initial Greeting: Your chatbot, connected via WhatsApp, greets them instantly.
• Appointment Request: The client types something like, "Hello, I'd like a dental cleaning next Monday."
• Information Gathering: The AI agent immediately understands the request and politely asks for the necessary details: preferred time, name, email, and phone number. This is crucial for personalization and accurate scheduling.
• Confirmation & Availability Check: Once the client provides their information (e.g., "My name is John Doe, my email is john@2chat.co, phone 123456789"), the chatbot processes it. In the background, it instantly checks your Google Calendar for available slots for "next Monday."
• Real-time Updates: If the requested 9 AM slot is already booked, the chatbot intelligently responds by listing available times (e.g., 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, etc.) and asks the client to choose. This avoids frustrating "unavailable" messages and keeps the conversation flowing.
• Final Confirmation: Once a time is selected, the appointment is booked in your Google Calendar, and the chatbot sends a final confirmation message with all appointment details directly to the client via WhatsApp. It's fast, efficient, and professional!

This automated process not only saves time but significantly enhances the customer experience, making it easier for them to do business with you.

The Backend Magic: How Your AI Chatbot Works (Powered by n8n)

Now, let's peek behind the curtain at the sophisticated yet straightforward setup that makes this possible using n8n, a powerful workflow automation tool. You can download the n8n template from the following link, and you can import.

Tutorials/n8n/2Chat Business appointment.json at main · 2ChatCo/Tutorials

Contribute to 2ChatCo/Tutorials development by creating an account on GitHub.

GitHub2ChatCo

Your n8n workflow acts as the brain of your chatbot, connecting WhatsApp (via 2Chat) to your Google Calendar and an advanced AI agent. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the core components:

The Webhook: Your Chatbot's Inbox

This is the entry point for all incoming WhatsApp messages from 2Chat. It acts like a digital mailroom, receiving messages and forwarding them to the AI agent for processing.

The AI Agent: The Intelligent Conversationalist

This is where the magic of artificial intelligence happens. The AI Agent node uses a Chat Model (like OpenAI's GPT) and a Simple Memory component to:

Understand Context: Thanks to "Simple Memory," the chatbot remembers previous interactions in the conversation. This means if a user says "next Monday," and then later asks about "availability," the bot knows they're still talking about next Monday's appointments. It uses the WhatsApp phone number as a unique identifier for each conversation, ensuring personalized recall.

Execute Tasks: The AI agent is pre-programmed with a "System Message" – a set of instructions that define its role, tasks, and objectives. For our dental clinic example, this system message includes:

**Situation**
You are an AI assistant for a dental clinic's Google Calendar system, operating on {{ DateTime.local().toFormat('cccc d LLLL yyyy') }}. The clinic requires precise and professional calendar management for patient appointments.

**Task**
Manage dental clinic appointments by:
1. Creating appointments with complete patient and service details
2. Checking calendar availability
3. Providing clear, helpful communication about scheduling options

**Objective**
Optimize patient scheduling by ensuring:
- Accurate appointment booking
- Efficient time slot management
- Seamless patient experience

**Knowledge**
Critical scheduling parameters:
- Appointment duration: 1 hour
- Operating hours: 8 am to 6 pm
- Date format: YYYY-MM-DD HH:mm:ss
- Required appointment details:
  * start_date
  * end_date
  * email
  * name
  * service_required
  * phone number

Booking Rules:
- Do not create events for busy time slots
- If requested time is unavailable, provide alternative slots on the same day
- Event description must include:
  * Customer name
  * Service
  * Customer phone number

**Examples**
Appointment Creation Example:
- Name: John Doe
- Service: Dental Cleaning
- Start Date: 2023-12-15 10:00:00
- End Date: 2023-12-15 11:00:00
- Email: john.doe@example.com
- Phone: +1234567890

Communication Guidelines:
- Be proactive in gathering missing information
- Confirm all details before finalizing
- Match communication language to user's input
- Provide clear, helpful guidance

When initial request is vague:
1. Explain capabilities
2. List dental services
3. Request specific appointment date

• Situation: "You are an AI assistant for a dental clinic's Google Calendar system..."
• Tasks: Manage appointments (create, check details), check calendar availability, and provide clear scheduling options.
• Objectives: Optimize patient scheduling, ensure accurate booking, efficient time slot management, and seamless patient experience.
• Knowledge: Critical details like appointment duration (1 hour), operating hours (8 AM to 6 PM), required patient information (name, email, service, phone number), and date formats.
• Booking Rules: Important guidelines include not creating events for busy time slots and providing alternatives if a time is unavailable.
• Communication Guidelines: How the bot should interact (proactive, confirming details, matching language).

This detailed "System Message" is crucial. It's what you'll customize for your specific business to ensure the AI behaves exactly as you need it to, handling everything from service types to booking rules.

Google Calendar Tools: Your Scheduling Powerhouse

The AI agent interacts with two key Google Calendar nodes:

• Google Calendar: Check Availability. When a client requests available times, this tool queries your designated business calendar (we highly recommend creating a separate calendar for business appointments, distinct from your personal calendar, for better organization and data integrity). It checks for busy slots based on the "start_date" provided by the AI and retrieves all available times.
• Google Calendar: Create Appointment: Once a time is confirmed, this tool creates the actual event in your business calendar. It pulls all necessary details (start/end dates, client email, service description, and event title) directly from the information the AI agent extracted from the conversation.

Respond to Webhook: Sending the Message Back

After the AI agent has processed the request and/or interacted with Google Calendar, this node formats the final response and sends it back to 2Chat, which then delivers it to your client on WhatsApp.

Connecting the Dots: 2Chat Integration

2Chat acts as the crucial link between your WhatsApp Business API and the n8n backend. Its conversation flow is designed to be simple and efficient:

Initial Trigger: The flow starts when a "Message Received" event occurs on your Business WhatsApp Channel.

HTTP Request to n8n: An HTTP node immediately sends a POST request to your n8n webhook. The request body includes:

{
  "last_user_message": "{{message}}",
  "from_number": "{{wa.phoneNumber}}"
}

• last_user_message: The exact message the client sent.
• from_number: The client's WhatsApp phone number (essential for the "Simple Memory" in n8n to maintain conversation context).

Wait for Reply: A "Message and Wait for Reply" node is set up to receive the response from n8n. It maps the output variable from n8n (which contains the chatbot's generated response) to a custom field, ready to be sent back to the user.

Looping Conversation: The "HTTP" node is connected back to the "Wait for Reply" node, creating a continuous loop. This ensures that the conversation seamlessly flows back and forth between the client on WhatsApp and your intelligent AI agent in n8n.

Key Takeaways for Your Business

Implementing an appointment scheduling chatbot offers immense value for digital marketing professionals, business owners, startups, and entrepreneurs:

• 24/7 Availability: Your chatbot never sleeps, allowing clients to book appointments at their convenience, even outside business hours.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: Instant responses and seamless interactions lead to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Significant Time Savings: Automate repetitive scheduling tasks, freeing up your staff to focus on more complex or revenue-generating activities.
• Reduced Errors: Minimize human error in booking, leading to fewer double-bookings or missed appointments.
• Scalability: Easily handle a growing volume of appointment requests without needing to hire additional staff.
• Data Insights: By integrating with Google Calendar, you get a centralized view of your schedule and can analyze appointment trends.
• Professional Image: Project a modern, tech-savvy image to your clients, showcasing your commitment to efficiency and customer service.

This powerful combination of 2Chat, n8n, and Google Calendar is an invaluable tool for any service-based business, whether you run a dental clinic, a medical office, a salon, a restaurant, or any operation requiring advanced bookings.

Ready to transform your appointment scheduling and reclaim valuable time? Start exploring how to integrate these tools into your business workflow today!

Ready to Revolutionize Your Scheduling? Don't let manual appointment booking hold your business back! Apply the powerful strategies from this tutorial and start automating your client interactions today. Sign up for your 2Chat account now and transform your WhatsApp into an efficient, 24/7 appointment-booking powerhouse.

As a busy digital marketing professional, business owner, startup founder, or entrepreneur, you know that every lead counts. But what happens when those leads reach out via channels like WhatsApp after business hours? Do they get an immediate response, or do they hit a wall until the next day?

Missing out on after-hours inquiries means missing out on potential customers. But constantly monitoring messaging apps 24/7 just isn't sustainable (or healthy!).

The good news? You can leverage the power of AI and automation to create a tireless lead-capturing agent that works around the clock and feeds directly into your HubSpot CRM. This means no more missed opportunities and higher quality leads ready for your team when they're back online.

In this tutorial, we'll break down how to build a conversational AI agent that lives on WhatsApp, collects lead information even outside of business hours, and automatically creates new contacts in your HubSpot CRM. We'll be using a powerful stack: WhatsApp (via 2Chat), n8n for automation, OpenAI for the AI smarts, and HubSpot CRM to keep everything organized.

Let's dive in and see how you can set this up for your business.

The Tech Stack Powering Your AI Lead Agent

Before we get into the how, let's quickly look at the tools involved and their roles:

• WhatsApp (via 2Chat): Your direct line to customers. 2Chat is used here to manage the WhatsApp business channel and conversation flows.
• n8n: The automation engine that connects everything. It receives messages, talks to the AI, and sends data to HubSpot. Think of it as the central nervous system.
• OpenAI: Provides conversational intelligence. This AI model understands the user's messages and, guided by n8n, extracts the necessary lead information.
• HubSpot CRM: Your database. This is where all the captured lead information will be stored neatly as new contact records.

Setting the Stage in Your HubSpot CRM

The first crucial step is to prepare your HubSpot account to receive data from our AI agent.

Create a "Base" Contact:

• Navigate to your Contacts in HubSpot.
• Create a new contact record specifically for leads coming in via WhatsApp. You might name it something like "WhatsApp Leads" or similar.
• Why do this? This gives you a central contact record to associate all incoming WhatsApp leads with. This helps you quickly identify leads originating from this channel and keeps your main contact list more organized and up-to-date.
• Find this "WhatsApp Leads" contact and make a note of its Record ID. You'll need this unique identifier later to link new leads to it. (As shown in the video, you can find this by going to the contact's properties and searching for "Record ID").

Create a HubSpot Private App:

• A Private App allows n8n (or any external tool) to securely interact with your specific HubSpot account via the API.
• Go to Settings (the gear icon).
• Under Integrations, find Private Apps.
• Click Create a private app.
• Give it a descriptive name, like "2Chat Leads App" or "WhatsApp Lead Capture".
• Crucially, set the API Scopes. This determines what the app can see and do in your HubSpot. For lead capture and association, you'll need the following permissions under the CRM section:
• crm.objects.contacts.read
• crm.objects.contacts.write
• crm.schemas.contacts.read
• crm.schemas.contacts.write
• Click Create app. HubSpot will generate an Access Token. This is your secret key! Copy this token and keep it secure. You'll need it to authorize n8n's requests.

Building the Automation Workflow in n8n

Now, let's assemble the brain of our operation in n8n. The video shows a simple workflow: Webhook -> AI Agent -> Respond to Webhook (after sending data to HubSpot).

Start with the Webhook Trigger:

• Add a Webhook node to your n8n workflow.
• Set the HTTP Method to POST.
• Give it a Path (e.g., /hubspotlead). This path will be part of the URL you'll give to 2Chat.
• Under Respond, select Using Respond to Webhook Node. This tells the webhook to wait for a response from a specific node later in the workflow.
• Activate the workflow to get the Production URL. Copy this URL. This is where 2Chat will send messages.

Add the AI Agent:

• Add an AI Agent node.
• Choose Tools Agent as the Agent type.
• For Prompt Source, select User Message. The text will be {{$json.body.last_user_message}} (This pulls the actual message text from the data sent by 2Chat).
• Under System Message, write instructions for your AI agent. This prompt is critical for defining its behavior. The video uses a prompt like:

**Situation:**
You are a customer service assistant operating during non-business hours when the main customer service team is unavailable. Customers are reaching out for support but cannot receive immediate assistance from human representatives.

**Objective:**
Maintain excellent customer service standards during off-hours by ensuring customers feel heard and valued while systematically collecting all necessary information needed for the customer service team to follow up effectively. Your goal is to enable proper follow-up during business hours.

**Task:**
Information needed for the customer service team to follow up effectively:
- Customer first name
- Customer last name
- Company where the customer works for
- Contact email
- Phone number for contact using call or WhatsApp

When you collect all required contact information (by asking for each parameter in separate, individual questions), ensure you gather every piece of information needed for the customer service team to follow up effectively.

When you create the lead using the corresponding tool, politely inform the user that customer service will contact you as soon as possible and say good-bye.

You can customize this prompt to fit your specific business needs.

• Make sure the AI Chat Model and Memory nodes are connected to the AI Agent. A Window Buffer Memory is recommended to keep the conversation context.

Add the HTTP Request Node (Sending Data to HubSpot):

• Add an HTTP Request node.
• Set the Description to something like "Send contact info to HubSpot". This description is important as the AI Agent will use it to decide if this is the right tool to use.
• Set the Method to POST.
• Set the URL to the HubSpot Contacts API endpoint for creating/updating contacts: https://api.hubapi.com/crm/v3/objects/contacts.
• Under Send Headers, turn the toggle on.
• Add two Header Parameters:
• Name: Authorization, Value Provided: Using Field Below, Value: Bearer YOUR_PRIVATE_APP_TOKEN (Replace YOUR_PRIVATE_APP_TOKEN with the token you copied from HubSpot).
• Name: Content-Type, Value Provided: Using Field Below, Value: application/json
• Under Send Body, turn the toggle on.
• Set the Specify Body to Using JSON Below.
• Here you'll paste the JSON structure for creating/updating a contact and linking it. This is where you use the Placeholder Definitions the AI needs to fill. Referencing the video and HubSpot API docs, the structure looks something like this (using the example placeholders):

{
  "associations": [
    {
      "to": {
        "id": "YOUR_WHATSAPP_LEADS_CONTACT_ID"
      },
      "types": [
        {
          "associationCategory": "HUBSPOT_DEFINED",
          "associationTypeId": 449
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "properties": {
    "firstname": "{{$json.firstName}}",
    "lastname": "{{$json.lastName}}",
    "company": "{{$json.company}}",
    "email": "{{$json.email}}",
    "mobilephone": "{{$json.phoneNumber}}",
    "hs_whatsapp_phone_number": "{{$json.phoneNumber}}"
  }
}

Replace YOUR_WHATSAPP_LEADS_CONTACT_ID with the Record ID of the "WhatsApp Leads" contact you created in HubSpot.

• Under Placeholder Definitions, click "Add Definition" for each piece of information you want the AI to extract and fill in the JSON body.
• Placeholder Name: firstName, Description: Customer first name, Type: String
• Placeholder Name: lastName, Description: Customer's last name, Type: String
• Placeholder Name: company, Description: Company where the customer works for, Type: String
• Placeholder Name: email, Description: Contact email, Type: String
• Placeholder Name: phoneNumber, Description: Phone number for contact using call or Whatsapp, Type: String
• You can add more placeholders for other HubSpot fields you want to capture.
• Connect the AI Agent node's output (the extracted data based on placeholders) to the HTTP Request node's input.

Add the Respond to Webhook Node:

• Add a Respond to Webhook node.
• Set Respond With to the First incoming item.
• Connect the AI Agent node's output to this node. This sends the AI's conversational response back to 2Chat.

Activate Your n8n Workflow: Make sure your n8n workflow is set to Active.

Configuring the 2Chat Conversation Flow

Finally, let's set up the 2Chat side to trigger the n8n workflow and handle the conversation.

1. Create a Conversation Flow:

• In 2Chat, create a new Conversation Flow.
• Set the Initial Step trigger to When it was triggered on your Business WhatsApp Channel and a Message received.
• Add a "Send WhatsApp Message" node for the initial welcome message that's sent within business hours.
• Add a "Last Received Message" node immediately after the trigger.
• Configure the Condition editor for the "Last Received Message" node:
• Set If Message time to outside time range.
• Set the Time Range to your business hours (e.g., Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM). Make sure the Time zone is correct.
• Connect the "When False" branch of the "Last Received Message" node to your "Send WhatsApp Message" node (for the 'within business hours' message).
• Connect the "When True" branch (outside business hours) to an HTTP Request node.
• In the 2Chat HTTP Request node:
• Set Request Type to POST.
• Set Request URL to the Production URL of your n8n webhook (the one you copied earlier).
• Under Body, use {{last_user_message}} to send the user's message text and {{wa.phoneNumber}} to send their phone number to n8n. The JSON body should look like:

{
  "last_user_message": "{{last_user_message}}",
  "from_number": "{{wa.phoneNumber}}"
}

• Connect the "When request succeeded" branch of the 2Chat HTTP Request node to a "Message and Wait for Reply" node.
• In the "Message and Wait for Reply" node:
• In the text area, reference the message output from your n8n AI agent. You'll use a placeholder like {{your_n8n_ai_output_field}}. Based on the video's hint, n8n sends back a JSON with a field called "message". So, you'll use {{message}} if you map the n8n output to a custom field named message in 2Chat (as shown at 15:06).
• In the "Save reply in a Custom Field" section, map the n8n AI response output ($output in n8n's test response) to a 2Chat Custom Field. The video shows mapping $output from the HTTP Request node's response to a Custom Field named message. This message custom field is then used in the "Message and Wait for Reply" node.
• Connect the output of the "Message and Wait for Reply" node back to the "Last Received Message" node. This creates a loop, allowing the conversation to continue until the AI agent finishes collecting information and provides its final response.

The Magic in Action: How It Works

1. A potential customer sends a message to your WhatsApp business number.
2. 2Chat receives the message and checks the time.
3. If it's outside your specified business hours, the conversation flow routes to call your n8n webhook.
4. The n8n webhook receives the user's message and phone number.
5. The AI Agent processes the message using its system prompt and tools. It understands its goal is to collect specific contact information.
6. The AI Agent uses its memory to maintain the conversation context and asks the user for their name, company, email, and phone number, one by one.
7. As the user provides the information, the AI Agent extracts it.
8. Once the AI has all the required details (as defined by the Placeholder Definitions in the HTTP Request node), it uses the HTTP Request node to send this data to your HubSpot CRM via the API.
9. HubSpot receives the data, creates a new contact record (or updates an existing one if the email/phone matches), and associates it with your "WhatsApp Leads" base contact.
10. The AI Agent generates a final polite message (e.g., confirming receipt and saying someone will follow up during business hours).
11. This final message is sent back to 2Chat via the Respond to Webhook node.
12. 2Chat sends the AI's final message to the user on WhatsApp.
13. The conversation flow loops back to the "Wait for Reply" stage, ready for the next message from the user, while the lead data is already in your HubSpot CRM.

Why This Matters for Your Business

Implementing an AI agent like this isn't just cool tech; it's a smart business move:

• Never Miss a Lead: Capture valuable prospect information 24/7, even when your team is unavailable.
• Improved Data Quality: Automate the collection of essential contact details and ensure they land directly in your CRM.
• Boost Efficiency: Free up your team from monitoring after-hours messages and basic information gathering.
• Scalability: Easily handle a higher volume of initial inquiries without increasing staff immediately.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: Provide an immediate, albeit automated, response to show prospects you're available, even outside standard hours.

Key Takeaways

• Integrating WhatsApp (via 2Chat) with HubSpot CRM using n8n and OpenAI enables automated, after-hours lead capture.
• Setting up a base contact and a Private App with the correct scopes in HubSpot is essential for API access.
• n8n orchestrates the workflow, using a Webhook as a trigger, an AI Agent to process messages and extract data, and an HTTP Request node to send data to HubSpot.
• A well-defined System Message and Placeholder Definitions are key to guiding the AI Agent.
• Associating new contacts with a central "WhatsApp Leads" contact in HubSpot helps track the source.
• The 2Chat conversation flow manages the user interaction and routes messages based on conditions like business hours.

This setup might require a bit of initial configuration, but the benefits of automating your lead capture and ensuring no prospect falls through the cracks are well worth the effort. Now you can have an AI working for you, keeping your CRM populated with fresh leads, day and night!

Businesses are constantly seeking innovative ways to engage with their customers, and one effective method is through chatbots. In this blog post, we will explore how to create a simple chatbot that can send images along with text messages on WhatsApp. By integrating images into your chatbot responses, you can provide a more engaging and informative experience. Let's dive into how you can achieve this using 2Chat, n8n, and an AI model.

Step 1: Setting Up the Chatbot Flow in 2Chat

Message Received Trigger

The flow starts with a "Message Received" trigger. This trigger listens for incoming messages from users. Message and Wait for Reply Component

Once a message is received, the "Message and Wait for Reply" component captures the user's question. This component is crucial as it allows the chatbot to interact with the user in real-time.

HTTP Request to AI Endpoint

Next, we use an HTTP request to send the customer's message to an AI endpoint we will create in n8n. The body of the request includes a JSON structure with the last user message and the customer's phone number.

{
    "last_user_message": "{{message}}",  
    "customer_phone_number": "wa.phoneNumber"
}

Wait and Return

The web service does not return a direct message. Instead, it sends the WhatsApp message directly to the user. We add a wait of 10 seconds and then return to the "Message and Wait for Reply" component to continue the conversation.

Step 2: Configuring the Web Service in n8n

Download n8n template:

Tutorials/n8n/n8n_image_bot.json at main · 2ChatCo/Tutorials

Contribute to 2ChatCo/Tutorials development by creating an account on GitHub.

GitHub2ChatCo

Webhook Component

The web service is created using n8n. The flow starts with a Webhook component, which receives the production URL used in the 2Chat HTTP component.

AI Agent Configuration

In the AI agent, we include behavior guidelines and details about the restaurant products in the system prompt. Importantly, we also provide publicly available image URLs for each product. This is essential because 2Chat requires a publicly available image URL to embed it in the WhatsApp conversation.

Sample System Prompt:

You are an assistant for a fast food restaurant. Always say hello to the user, inform that he is talking with a Restaurant and offer a simple list for the menu. Provide a brief description and price for each of the following items and add the image link avoid using \n in the text, id the answer doesn't have http add https://2Chat.co

Pizza
https://images.pexels.com/photos/842519/pexels-photo-842519.jpeg
Description: A delicious pizza with a variety of toppings including pepperoni, mushrooms, and extra cheese.
Price: $12.99
Hotdog
https://images.pexels.com/photos/30635915/pexels-photo-30635915.jpeg
Description: A classic hotdog with a juicy sausage, topped with mustard, ketchup, onions, and relish.
Price: $4.99

Burger
https://images.pexels.com/photos/1251198/pexels-photo-1251198.jpeg
Description: A mouth-watering burger with a beef patty, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and special sauce.
Price: $7.99

Connecting the LLM Model

We connect the LLM (Language Model) model, in this case, OpenAI, but you can use your preferred model. A window memory buffer with the customer's phone number as the key is used to maintain the context of the conversation.

Extracting Image URLs

The AI agent uses the WhatsApp message as the prompt. A code component, written in Python, extracts the image URL from the AI response. This URL is then used to return the message to the customer with the embedded image.

import re
# Loop over input items and add a new field called 'myNewField' to the JSON of each one
for item in _input.all():
  url =re.search('http.+\/\/.+[a-z]', item.json.output)
  if url:
    item.json.url = url[0]
  else:
    item.json.url = ""
  item.json.output=item.json.output.replace("\n","")
return _input.all()

Step 3: Sending the Message with Embedded Image

HTTP Request to 2Chat API

The last component uses an HTTP request to connect n8n with 2Chat. The 2Chat API documentation provides detailed information on how to use the "Send Message" method. You need to provide the image URL as a parameter, along with the text message.

JSON Body for the HTTP Request

The HTTP component in n8n sends requests to the 2Chat API using the "Send Message" method. The API key is included in the header, and a JSON body is dynamically generated. This body contains both the text message and the image URL if an image URL is present in the LLM response.

{
 "to_number": "{{ $('Webhook').item.json.body.to_number }}",
 "from_number": "+573054684700",
 "text": "{{ $json.output }}",
 "url": "{{ $json.url }}"
}

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can easily enhance your chatbots with embedded images, providing a richer and more engaging experience for your customers. Utilizing 2Chat, n8n, and an AI model, you can create a seamless and interactive communication channel on WhatsApp.