--- title: Add a Flow slug: add-a-flow docTags: createdAt: 2024-11-20T12:19:04.046Z --- This guide explains how to add a flow in Sanoflow, whether starting from a pre-made template or creating a custom flow from scratch. The documentation includes detailed steps, practical use cases, and best practices for each approach. ::embed[]{url="https://youtu.be/SdsjVTVcW8g?si=qBHG55g3M0cQQ0OE"} # Getting Here 1. Go to the **Flows** section in the left-hand menu. 2. Click the purple **+ Add Flow** button in the top-right corner. 3. Select either **New** or **Use Template** from the dropdown menu. :::Iframe{iframeHeight="0" code="
"} ::: # Adding a Flow Using a Template ## Step-by-Step Instructions 1. Click **+ Add Flow** and select **Use Template**. 2. You will be redirected to the **Select Flow Template** page. 3. Browse templates by category on the left-hand side: - **Recommended**: Frequently used templates. - **Appointment**: Templates related to scheduling and appointment management. - **Support**: Templates for customer service interactions. - **Main Chatbot**: Templates for creating chatbot frameworks. - **Campaign**: Templates for marketing and lead generation. 4. Preview a template by clicking on it to see its description. 5. Choose a template and click on it. 6. Fill out the following fields in the **Add Flow** modal: - **Flow Name** (required): Enter a descriptive name for the flow. - **Flow Description**: Briefly describe the purpose of the flow. - **Flow Type** (pre-selected based on the template). - **Channel**: Select the communication platform (e.g., WhatsApp, Web Chat). 7. Click **Add** to create the flow. ### Use Case Example - **Reschedule Appointment** template: Use this to allow users to select a new appointment time. - **Interested in Offer** template: Ideal for sending messages to promote products or services. ## Creating a Custom Flow (Without Template) ### Step-by-Step Instructions 1. Click **+ Add Flow** and select **New**. 2. In the **Add Flow** modal, complete the following fields: - **Flow Name** (required): Enter a name for the flow. - **Flow Description**: Provide a brief description. - **Flow Type**: Choose the trigger that starts the flow, such as: - **Conversation Opened** - **Conversation Closed** - **Conversation Waiting** - **WhatsApp Template** - **Shortcut** - **Enquiry Added** - **Enquiry Stage Updated** - **Enquiry Status Updated** - **Incoming Webhook** - **Channel**: Select the platform for the flow (e.g., WhatsApp, Facebook). 3. Click **Add** to open the flow builder. 4. In the flow builder, set up your flow using the **Actions** panel on the left: - **Trigger**: Define the condition that initiate the flow. - **Actions**: Add steps like sending a message, assigning a task, or creating an enquiry. 5. Use the **Properties** panel on the right to configure details for each step. 6. Save the flow as a draft or publish it immediately. # Practical Use Case 1. **Customer Onboarding Flow:** - Automatically send welcome messages, product guides, and support info when a new customer is added. 2. **Feedback Collection Flow:** - Trigger a follow-up message asking for customer feedback after a conversation is closed. 3. **Abandoned Enquiry Recovery Flow:** - Send reminders to contacts who haven’t responded in a specific time frame. 4. **Lead Qualification Flow:** - Based on user replies, route leads to the right team or tag them automatically. 5. **Event Reminder Flow:** - Use date-based triggers to remind contacts about upcoming appointments or webinars. # Best Practices 1. **Always Save Your Work: **Make sure to always press save, to not lose all your work with the flows. 2. **Name Your Flows Clearly**: Use descriptive names like "Appointment Confirmation" to keep flows organized. 3. **Test Before Publishing**: Save your flow as a draft, publish it, and test it to ensure it performs as expected. 4. **Leverage Templates**: Start with templates to save time and customize as needed. 5. **Use Conditions Wisely**: Add trigger conditions to tailor flows to specific user interactions. 6. **Optimize Channels**: Select the appropriate channel based on user preferences (e.g., WhatsApp for quick responses). # FAQs 1. **Can I edit a flow after it’s published?** - Yes, you can edit published flows. Changes will take effect immediately upon saving. 2. **What’s the difference between a template and a custom flow?** - Templates provide pre-designed structures for common use cases, while custom flows allow you to build unique processes from scratch. 3. **How do I delete a flow?** - Navigate to the Flows page, find the flow you want to delete, and click the trash icon next to it. Confirm the deletion. 4. **Can I duplicate an existing flow?** - Yes, use the copy icon next to a flow in the Flows page to create a duplicate. 5. **Is it possible to trigger a flow from multiple events?** - No, each flow can only have one trigger. If needed, create separate flows for each trigger type. 6. **What happens if I forget to save my draft?** - Unsaved work will be lost. Always click the Save button manually while working on flows. 7. **Can flows be copied across different channels (e.g., from WhatsApp to Facebook)?** - No, flows are channel-specific. You'll need to recreate them if using a different communication channel. 8. **How do I test a flow before going live?** - Create the flow in Draft mode, publish it temporarily, and trigger it manually using a test contact. 9. **What does the "Incoming Webhook" trigger do?** - It allows external apps or services to initiate flows in Sanoflow through secure API requests. 10. **Is there a limit to how many flows I can create?** - There’s no enforced limit, but organizing and naming them clearly helps keep things manageable.