(For LandinChat– WhatsApp Business API)
Traditional forms are friction.
Every extra field drops conversions.
WhatsApp Input Flow replaces forms with guided, conversational data collection — inside chat, step by step, fully automated, and compliant with WhatsApp rules.
This guide shows how to collect user details on WhatsApp without forms, using LandinChat’s chatbot automation.
1️⃣ What Is WhatsApp Input Flow? #
WhatsApp Input Flow is a chatbot-driven data collection system that:
- Asks one question at a time
- Collects structured responses
- Validates inputs (email, phone, options, etc.)
- Stores data automatically
Instead of filling a form, users just reply in chat.
Result: higher completion rates.
2️⃣ Why Use WhatsApp Input Flow? #
Let’s be honest—people hate forms.
Input Flow works better because it:
- Feels natural and conversational
- Requires no page loads
- Works on mobile instantly
- Eliminates manual data entry
It’s faster for users and cleaner for businesses.
3️⃣ Setting Up the Chatbot for Input Flow #
Step 1: Create the Chatbot #
Go to:
Bot Manager → Bot Reply → Create
- Click Create
- Name the bot (e.g.
User Input Flow) - Assign a trigger keyword (e.g.
start,details,input)
This keyword starts the data collection.
4️⃣ Configuring the Input Flow #
Step 1: Add Input Flow Block #
Inside the chatbot:
- Add User Input Flow
- Choose where to store data:
- Google Sheets
- Webhook
- Internal custom fields
Choose before adding questions.
Step 2: Add Questions & Response Types #
Example Flow Structure #
Question 1: Email Address
- Question: “What’s your email address?”
- Response type: Email
- Validation: Automatic (regex-based)
Question 2: Business Registration
- Question: “Is your business registered?”
- Response type: Multiple choice
- Yes
- No
- Save response to a custom field
Additional Questions
You can add:
- Phone number
- Company name
- City
- Budget
- Any structured data
End the flow with a thank-you message.
Step 3: Store Responses Properly #
You can:
- Save answers to custom fields
- Send data to Google Sheets
- Push data to CRMs via webhooks
Decide this upfront—changing later breaks logic.
5️⃣ Testing Your Input Flow #
Never deploy blind.
Steps:
- Open WhatsApp
- Send the trigger keyword (e.g.
start) - Complete the flow as a user
- Verify:
- Inputs are validated
- Data is stored correctly
- No dead ends
Broken flows kill trust instantly.
6️⃣ Exporting & Managing Collected Data #
You can:
- View collected data inside LandinChat
- Export as a spreadsheet
- Sync automatically to external tools
No manual copy-paste needed.
Best Practices (Do This or Don’t Use Input Flow) #
- Ask one question at a time
- Keep questions short
- Validate critical inputs
- Don’t ask unnecessary data
- Personalize follow-ups using collected info
If it feels like a form, you did it wrong.
Key Takeaway #
- Forms reduce conversions
- Chat-based input increases completion
- WhatsApp Input Flow collects data naturally
- Automation + structure = scale
If you’re still sending Google Forms on WhatsApp, you’re behind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) #
1. Can I collect emails and phone numbers this way? #
Yes.
Both are supported with validation.
2. Does this require WhatsApp Business API? #
Yes.
Input Flow works only on API, not the Business App.
3. Can users skip questions? #
Only if you design the flow that way.
4. Is user consent required? #
Yes.
Only collect data users willingly provide.
5. Can I connect this to a CRM? #
Yes.
Use webhooks or Google Sheets as a bridge.
6. What happens if a user enters invalid data? #
They’re prompted to retry until valid input is given.
7. Can I reuse the same input flow? #
Yes.
Duplicate and modify as needed.
8. Does this affect the 24-hour window? #
No.
It works inside the conversation context.
9. Can I personalize messages after collecting data? #
Yes.
That’s the main advantage.
10. What’s the biggest mistake businesses make? #
Asking too many questions.
More questions = more drop-offs.