Request Information

This section contains essential information and usage guidelines for using the Request Information Chat Components inside BotPenguin.

What are Chat Components?

Chat Components are configurable building blocks used to capture information, validate responses, manage conditional logic, invoke APIs, and control the overall flow inside a BotPenguin conversation. These elements ensure data capture consistency and help automate user interactions in personalized workflows.


A. Name

  1. Click โ€œNameโ€ under Chat Components.

  2. Customize the message under โ€œCustomize Bot Message.โ€

  3. The flow will pause until the user submits their name.

Use Case: In case of entering the userโ€™s name, this component is used to request the name as input from the user.

Name

Advanced Settings โ€“ Name Component

The Advanced tab for the Name component allows you to control validation, navigation behavior, notifications, and message timing when collecting a userโ€™s name.

These settings help ensure clean data, better user experience, and accurate records.


Allow Back

  • Enables users to return to the previous question

  • Useful if users want to correct earlier inputs

Recommended: Enable for form-style flows


Allow Visitor to Skip

  • Lets users skip the name question

  • Suitable for optional personalization

Note: Skipped values will not be stored.


Skip Question If Already Answered

  • Automatically bypasses this step if the userโ€™s name is already available

  • Ideal for returning visitors or logged-in users


Notifications & Records

Send Notification for the User Reply

  • Sends the submitted name to configured admin notifications

  • Useful for lead alerts or internal follow-ups


Include in Email Transcript

  • Adds the userโ€™s name to the chat/email conversation transcript

  • Helps maintain complete conversation records


Validation Settings

Max Characters Allowed

  • Defines the maximum length of the name input

  • Example value: 100

Purpose:

  • Prevents excessively long or invalid name entries

  • Keeps data clean and readable


Error Message (Exceeds Max Characters)

  • Displayed when the user enters a name longer than the allowed limit

Example:

Best practice: Keep error messages friendly and clear.


Message Optimization

Rephrase Messages

  • Automatically rewords the question to avoid repetition

  • Makes conversations sound more natural


Rephrase Error Messages

  • Improves error message tone using AI-based rephrasing

  • Helps reduce friction during form completion


Timing Control

Add Delay

  • Adds a pause before the message appears

  • Example: 1 second

Use case:

  • Makes the chatbot feel more human

  • Improves pacing between questions

B. Phone Number

  1. Click โ€œPhone Numberโ€ to add it to your flow.

  2. Customize the message in the left panel.

  3. Select a country code from the dropdown.

Use Case: In case of collecting the userโ€™s phone number, this component is used to request a valid phone number from the user.

Phone number

Advanced Settings โ€“ Phone Number Component

The Advanced tab for the Email component helps you manage validation rules, navigation behavior, notifications, and message timing when collecting a userโ€™s email address.

These settings ensure accurate email data and a smooth user experience.


Allow Back

  • Allows users to return to the previous step

  • Useful if users want to correct earlier responses

Recommended: Enable for form-based flows


Allow Visitor to Skip

  • Lets users skip the email question

  • Suitable when email is optional

โš ๏ธ Skipped emails will not be captured or stored.


Skip Question If Visitor Has Already Answered

  • Automatically skips this step if an email already exists

  • Ideal for returning or identified users


Notifications & Records

Send Notification for the User Reply

  • Sends the submitted email address to configured admin notifications

  • Useful for lead alerts and internal follow-ups


Include in Email Transcript

  • Adds the userโ€™s email to the chat/email transcript

  • Helps maintain complete conversation records


Validation Settings

Apply Email Validation

This prevents:

  • Incomplete emails

  • Invalid domains

  • Formatting errors


Error Message (Invalid Email)

  • Displayed when the user enters an incorrect email format

Example:

Best practice: Keep the message friendly and non-technical.


Message Optimization

Rephrase Messages

  • Automatically rewords the email request message

  • Helps reduce repetition in longer flows


Rephrase Error Messages

  • Improves error message tone using AI

  • Makes validation errors sound more natural


Timing Control

Add Delay

  • Adds a short pause before the message is displayed

  • Example: 1 second

Why use this?

  • Makes conversations feel more human

  • Improves pacing between questions


C. Email

  1. Select โ€œEmailโ€ from the Chat Component list.

  2. Customize the requested message under the left panel.

Use Case: In case of collecting the userโ€™s email address, this component is used to request an email from the user.

Email

Advanced Settings โ€“ Email Component

The Advanced tab for the Email component allows you to validate email input, control navigation behavior, manage notifications, restrict domains, and fine-tune message timing.

These settings help ensure you collect valid, high-quality email addresses while maintaining a smooth user experience.


Allow Back

  • Allows the user to go back to the previous step

  • Useful if users want to correct earlier answers


Allow Visitor to Skip

  • Lets users skip the email question

  • Best used when email is optional

โš ๏ธ If skipped, the email will not be stored.


Skip Question If Visitor Has Already Answered

  • Automatically skips this step if an email already exists

  • Ideal for returning or identified users


Notifications & Records

Send Notification for the User Reply

  • Sends the submitted email address to admin notifications

  • Helpful for lead alerts and internal follow-ups


Include in Email Transcript

  • Includes the userโ€™s email in the chat/email transcript

  • Ensures complete conversation records


Email Validation

Invalid Email Error Message

  • Shown when the user enters an incorrectly formatted email

Example:

Tip: Keep the message short and user-friendly.


Domain Restrictions

Include / Exclude Specified Domains

  • Restrict which email domains are allowed or blocked

Options:

  • Include โ€“ Only allow emails from specific domains (e.g., company.com)

  • Exclude โ€“ Block emails from certain domains (e.g., gmail.com, yahoo.com)


Domain

  • Enter the domain name without @ Example:


Domain Restriction Error Message

  • Displayed when a user enters an email from a restricted domain

Example:


Message Optimization

Rephrase Messages

  • Automatically rewrites the email prompt

  • Helps reduce repetition in long flows


Rephrase Error Messages

  • Improves validation error tone using AI

  • Makes errors sound more natural and friendly


Timing Control

Add Delay

  • Adds a delay before the message appears

  • Example: 1 second

Why use it?

  • Creates a more natural, conversational flow

  • Improves pacing between questions

D. Single Choice

  1. Click โ€œSingle Choice.โ€

  2. Add options (max 5).

  3. Link each option to the next component.

Use Case: In case the user needs to select only one option from multiple choices, this component is used.

Single Choice

Advanced Settings โ€“ Single Choice Component

The Advanced tab for the Single Choice component lets you control navigation behavior, data handling, integrations, notifications, and message timing when users select one option from a list.

This is useful for surveys, qualification questions, and decision-based flows.


Allow Back

  • Allows users to go back to the previous step

  • Helpful if users want to change an earlier answer


Allow Visitor to Skip

  • Lets users skip the single-choice question

  • Suitable when the selection is optional

โš ๏ธ If skipped, no option value will be stored.


Notifications & Data Handling

Send Notification for the User Reply

  • Sends the selected option to admin notifications

  • Useful for lead qualification alerts or internal updates


Include in Leads

  • Saves the selected option as part of the lead data

  • Enables filtering and segmentation in the Leads dashboard


Include in Email Transcript

  • Adds the selected option to the email/chat transcript

  • Helps maintain complete conversation records


Integrations & Logic

Use API Response

  • Uses values returned from an API to populate or process options

  • Useful for dynamic data such as:

    • Product lists

    • Status options

    • External system responses

๐Ÿ’ก Commonly used with API Call or Webhook actions.


Message Optimization

Rephrase Messages

  • Automatically rewords the question text

  • Reduces repetition in longer conversations


Rephrase Error Messages

  • Improves error message tone using AI

  • Makes system feedback sound more natural


Timing Control

Add Delay

  • Adds a pause before the message is displayed

  • Example: 1 second

Benefits:

  • Creates a more conversational feel

  • Improves pacing between questions

E. Multiple Choice

  1. Click โ€œMultiple Choice.โ€

  2. Add up to 5 selectable options.

  3. Map each selection to the next message or action.

Use Case: In case the user needs to select more than one option, this component is used.

Multiple Choice

Advanced Settings โ€“ Multiple Choice Component

The Advanced tab for the Multiple Choice component allows you to control navigation behavior, data capture, notifications, and message timing when users can select more than one option.

This component is commonly used for preferences, surveys, feature selection, and qualification flows.


Allow Back

  • Allows users to return to the previous question

  • Helpful if users want to modify earlier responses


Allow Visitor to Skip

  • Lets users skip the multiple-choice question

  • Useful when selections are optional

โš ๏ธ If skipped, no options will be saved.


Notifications & Data Handling

Send Notification for the User Reply

  • Sends the selected options to admin notifications

  • Useful for alerts, surveys, or qualification updates


Include in Leads

  • Saves all selected options as part of the lead profile

  • Helps with segmentation and filtering in the Leads dashboard


Include in Email Transcript

  • Adds the selected options to the email/chat transcript

  • Ensures complete conversation records


Message Optimization

Rephrase Messages

  • Automatically rephrases the question text

  • Helps reduce repetition in longer chat flows


Rephrase Error Messages

  • Improves validation or system error messages using AI

  • Makes feedback sound more natural and user-friendly


Timing Control

Add Delay

  • Adds a pause before the message is displayed

  • Example: 1 second

Why use it?

  • Makes conversations feel more natural

  • Improves pacing between steps

F. Text Questions

  1. Click โ€œText Questionโ€ to add it to your flow.

  2. Customize the request message based on the information you want to collect.

Use Case: In case you need a custom or open-ended answer from the user, this component is used.

Text Question

Advanced Settings โ€“ Text Question Component

The Advanced tab for the Text Question component lets you manage navigation behavior, notifications, transcripts, and message timing when users provide free-text responses.

This component is ideal for open-ended inputs such as feedback, comments, descriptions, or custom answers.


Allow Back

  • Allows users to return to the previous step

  • Useful if users want to revise earlier responses


Allow Visitor to Skip

  • Lets users skip the text question

  • Suitable when the response is optional

โš ๏ธ If skipped, no text input will be captured.


Notifications & Records

Send Notification for the User Reply

  • Sends the userโ€™s typed response to admin notifications

  • Useful for:

    • Feedback monitoring

    • Support requests

    • Custom inquiries


Include in Email Transcript

  • Adds the userโ€™s text response to the email/chat transcript

  • Ensures complete conversation history for records and follow-ups


Message Optimization

Rephrase Messages

  • Automatically rewords the text question

  • Helps reduce repetition in long or multi-step conversations


Timing Control

Add Delay

  • Adds a delay before the message is shown

  • Example: 1 second

Why use this?

  • Makes the chatbot feel more natural

  • Improves pacing between consecutive questions

G. File Upload

  1. Click โ€œFileโ€ from the chat components list.

  2. Customize the file request message in the left customization panel.

  3. The user will be able to upload files such as images, documents, or videos.

Use Case: In case you need the user to upload a file, image, or video, this component is used.

File

Advanced Settings โ€“ File Component

The Advanced tab for the File component allows you to manage navigation behavior, notifications, file validation feedback, transcripts, and message timing when users upload files.

This component is commonly used for document uploads, screenshots, IDs, resumes, or attachments.


Allow Back

  • Allows users to return to the previous step

  • Useful if users want to change an earlier response before uploading a file


Allow Visitor to Skip

  • Lets users skip the file upload step

  • Suitable when file upload is optional

โš ๏ธ If skipped, no file will be collected.


Notifications & Records

Send Notification for the User Reply

  • Sends a notification when a user uploads a file

  • Helpful for:

    • Support teams

    • Verification workflows

    • Document reviews


Include in Email Transcript

  • Includes the uploaded file reference in the email/chat transcript

  • Ensures complete conversation records for follow-ups


File Validation & Errors

Error Message if User Uploads a Large File

  • Displayed when the uploaded file exceeds the allowed size limit

Example:

Best practice: Clearly mention size expectations to reduce retries.


Message Optimization

Rephrase Messages

  • Automatically rephrases the file upload prompt

  • Helps avoid repetitive wording in longer flows


Rephrase Error Messages

  • Improves the tone of file-related error messages using AI

  • Makes system feedback sound more user-friendly


Timing Control

Add Delay

  • Adds a delay before the file upload prompt is displayed

  • Example: 1 second

Why use this?

  • Creates a more natural conversational pace

  • Helps users prepare for file upload actions

H. iFrame

  1. Click โ€œIframeโ€ to add it to your flow.

  2. Paste the URL of the webpage you want to embed.

  3. Add a title and description so the user understands the content.

  4. Add a CTA button label that will open the URL when clicked.

Use Case: In case you want to display an external webpage or embedded content inside the chat, this component is used.

iFrame

Advanced Settings โ€“ iFrame Component

The iFrame component allows you to embed an external web page inside the chat flow. The Advanced tab controls notifications, message optimization, and timing behavior for this embedded content.

This component is ideal for:

  • Displaying websites

  • Showing dashboards or tools

  • Embedding forms, documentation, or interactive pages


Notifications

Send Notification for the User Reply

  • Sends a notification when the user interacts with or proceeds after the iFrame step

  • Useful when:

    • Tracking engagement with embedded pages

    • Monitoring completion of external steps


Message Optimization

Rephrase Messages

  • Automatically rephrases the iFrame prompt using AI

  • Helps reduce repetition and improve conversational tone

Example:

โ€œClick the button below to explore web pageโ€ may be rephrased for clarity or friendliness.


Timing Control

Add Delay

  • Adds a delay before the iFrame message appears

  • Default shown: 1 second

Why use this?

  • Creates smoother conversational pacing

  • Helps users transition between steps before loading embedded content


Settings Summary

Setting
Description

Send Notification

Alerts you when the user reaches this step

Rephrase Messages

Improves wording automatically

Delay

Controls when the iFrame appears


I. Appointment

  1. Select โ€œAppointment.โ€

  2. Configure the message text to explain the booking request.

  3. Select the available start and end hours from the dropdown.

  4. Choose the time slot interval for bookings.

  5. Select how many days ahead users can schedule.

  6. Choose a scheduling integration (e.g., Google Calendar or another supported app).

Use Case: In case you want users to book an appointment or time slot, this component is used.

Appointment

Advanced Settings โ€“ Appointment Component

The Appointment component allows users to select a date and time slot directly within the chat flow. The Advanced tab controls notifications, fallback messages, and timing behavior when slots are unavailable or overloaded.

This component is commonly used for:

  • Booking demos

  • Scheduling support calls

  • Reserving consultation slots

  • Managing availability in chat


Notifications

Send Notification for the User Reply

  • Sends a notification when a user selects an appointment slot

  • Useful for:

    • Alerting sales or support teams

    • Tracking confirmed bookings in real time

Recommended: โœ… Enabled


Message Customization

Include in Email Transcript

  • Includes the selected appointment details in the email transcript

  • Ensures booking information is recorded and shared internally


Fallback & Error Messages

Message to Show When Slots Are Unavailable

Displayed when no appointment slots are available.

Example shown in UI:

Best practice tips:

  • Keep the message short and clear

  • Optionally guide users to try again later or contact support


Message for Selecting More Than 9 Options

Displayed when the user attempts to view or select more than the allowed number of slots.

Example shown in UI:

Suggestion (optional improvement):

โ€œPlease refine your selection to see available slots.โ€


Timing Control

Add Delay

  • Adds a delay before the appointment selector is displayed

  • Default value shown: 1 second

Why use this?

  • Improves conversational flow

  • Gives users context before showing scheduling options


Settings Summary

Setting
Purpose

Send Notification

Alerts team when appointment is booked

Include in Email Transcript

Logs booking details in emails

Slot Unavailable Message

Handles no-availability scenarios

Max Options Message

Prevents UI overload

Delay

Controls message timing

J. Location

  1. Click โ€œLocationโ€ from the available components.

  2. Enter a message requesting the user to share their location.

Use Case: In case you want to collect the userโ€™s location as text, this component is used.

Location

Advanced Settings โ€“ Location Component

The Location component allows users to share their geographic location during a chat conversation. The Advanced tab controls notifications, transcript inclusion, and message timing for this step.

This component is commonly used for:

  • Capturing service locations

  • Finding nearby branches or stores

  • Scheduling on-site visits

  • Verifying user regions


Allow Back

  • Allows users to return to the previous step in the chat flow

  • Useful if users want to correct earlier inputs

Allow Visitor to Skip

  • Lets users skip the location request

  • Recommended if location is optional rather than required


Notifications

Send Notification for the User Reply

  • Sends a notification when the user shares their location

  • Useful for:

    • Alerting support or sales teams

    • Triggering location-based workflows

Recommended: โœ… Enabled when location is critical


Data Handling

Include in Leads

  • Saves the userโ€™s location as part of the lead record

  • Useful for CRM enrichment and segmentation

Include in Email Transcript

  • Includes the shared location in email transcripts

  • Helps internal teams reference user context later


Message Optimization

Rephrase Messages

  • Automatically improves the wording of the location prompt using AI

  • Helps maintain a friendly and conversational tone


Timing Control

Add Delay

  • Adds a delay before the location request is displayed

  • Default shown: 1 second

Why use this?

  • Creates a smoother conversational experience

  • Gives users time to process the previous step


Settings Summary

Setting
Description

Allow Back

Enables backward navigation

Allow Visitor to Skip

Makes location optional

Send Notification

Alerts when location is shared

Include in Leads

Stores location in lead data

Include in Email Transcript

Adds location to email logs

Rephrase Messages

Improves prompt wording

Delay

Controls message timing

K. Date/Time

  1. Add the โ€œDate/Timeโ€ input component.

  2. Enter a message requesting the user to choose a date.

  3. If required, enable the checkbox to allow time selection.

Use Case: In case you need the user to select a date or date with time, this component is used.

Date-Time

Advanced Settings โ€“ Date/Time Component

The Date/Time component allows users to select a specific date or time during a conversation. The Advanced tab controls navigation, notifications, transcripts, and message timing for this component.

This component is commonly used for:

  • Booking requests

  • Preferred contact dates

  • Scheduling follow-ups

  • Availability collection


Allow Back

  • Allows users to go back to the previous step

  • Useful if users want to change earlier answers

Allow Visitor to Skip

  • Lets users skip the date/time selection

  • Recommended only if date/time is optional


Notifications

Send Notification for the User Reply

  • Sends a notification when the user selects a date or time

  • Helpful for:

    • Sales or support alerts

    • Appointment workflows

    • Admin follow-ups

Recommended: โœ… Enabled for scheduling use cases


Message Optimization

Rephrase Messages

  • Uses AI to improve the wording of the date/time prompt

  • Helps maintain a natural, conversational tone


Data Handling

Include in Email Transcript

  • Includes the selected date/time in the email transcript

  • Useful for internal records and follow-ups


Timing Control

Add Delay

  • Adds a delay before the date/time message appears

  • Default shown: 1 second

Why use this?

  • Improves conversational flow

  • Gives users a short pause before selection


Settings Summary

Setting
Description

Allow Back

Enables backward navigation

Allow Visitor to Skip

Makes date/time optional

Send Notification

Alerts when date/time is selected

Rephrase Messages

Improves prompt wording

Include in Email Transcript

Adds date/time to email logs

Delay

Controls message timing

L. Rating

  1. Select the โ€œRatingโ€ component.

  2. Add the message text to request user feedback.

  3. Configure up to 5 rating-level labels for user selection.

Use Case: In case you want users to rate their experience, this component is used.

Rating

Advanced Settings โ€“ Rating Component

The Rating component allows users to rate their experience using a visual scale (for example, stars or emojis). The Advanced tab controls how the response is logged, timed, and optimized.

This component is commonly used for:

  • Customer feedback

  • Experience surveys

  • Post-interaction ratings

  • Service quality measurement


Message Optimization

Rephrase Messages

  • Uses AI to automatically improve the wording of the rating question

  • Helps make feedback prompts sound more natural and engaging

Example:

โ€œHow was your experience with us?โ€ may be rephrased for clarity or friendliness.


Data Handling

Include in Email Transcript

  • Adds the userโ€™s rating to the email transcript

  • Useful for:

    • Support reviews

    • Internal reporting

    • Feedback audits

Recommended: โœ… Enable this for all feedback flows


Timing Control

Add Delay

  • Adds a delay before the rating question is displayed

  • Default shown: 1 second

Why use this?

  • Gives users a brief pause after completing previous steps

  • Improves conversational flow before asking for feedback


Settings Summary

Setting
Description

Rephrase Messages

Improves rating question wording

Include in Email Transcript

Logs rating in email

Delay

Controls when the rating appears

M. Range

  1. Click โ€œRangeโ€ to add the slider input.

  2. Enter the instruction or request message for the user.

  3. Add prefix and suffix units (e.g., $, %, years).

  4. Select the starting and ending numeric values.

  5. Set the step value for slider increments.

Use Case: In case you want users to select a value within a specific range, this component is used.

Range

Advanced Settings โ€“ Range Component

The Range component allows users to select a value within a defined numerical range (for example, 1โ€“10 or 0โ€“100) using a slider-style input.

The Advanced tab controls how the selected range value is optimized, timed, and recorded for reporting and follow-ups.


Common Use Cases

The Range component is commonly used for:

  • Satisfaction or experience scoring

  • Feedback intensity measurement (e.g., 1โ€“10 scale)

  • Preference or likelihood selection

  • Service quality evaluation


Message Optimization

Rephrase Messages

Uses AI to automatically improve the wording of the range question.

Benefits:

  • Makes the question sound more natural and user-friendly

  • Improves clarity and engagement

  • Helps users understand what the scale represents

Example:

โ€œSelect a rangeโ€ may be rephrased to better explain what the scale measures.


Data Handling

Include in Email Transcript

Adds the userโ€™s selected range value to the email transcript generated after the conversation.

Useful for:

  • Feedback analysis

  • Internal reporting

  • Quality and performance reviews

Recommended: โœ… Enable this for all feedback and scoring flows.


Timing Control

Add Delay

Adds a delay before the range question is displayed to the user.

  • Default: 1 second

Why use this?

  • Gives users a short pause after the previous step

  • Creates a smoother conversational experience

  • Helps prepare users for providing a numerical response


Settings Summary

Setting
Description

Rephrase Messages

Improves range question wording using AI

Include in Email Transcript

Logs the selected range value in email records

Delay

Controls when the range input appears

N. Numeric Input

  1. Click โ€œNumeric Input.โ€

  2. Customize the message to request a numerical response.

Use Case: In case you want users to enter a numeric value, this component is used.

Numerical Input

Advanced Settings โ€“ Numeric Input Component

The Numeric Input component allows users to enter a numerical value. The Advanced tab controls how the response is validated, recorded, and presented in the conversation flow.


Common Use Cases

The Numeric Input component is commonly used for:

  • Collecting phone numbers or IDs

  • Survey questions requiring numeric answers

  • Quantitative feedback or scoring

  • Order quantities or payment inputs


Message Optimization

Rephrase Messages

Automatically rephrases the numeric input prompt for clarity and friendliness.

Benefits:

  • Makes instructions more understandable

  • Reduces invalid or incorrect responses


Error Messages

Customizes the message shown if the user enters invalid input.

Example from UI:

โ€œGood one! Donโ€™t try and trick me with an invalid inputโ€

Tip: Keep error messages friendly but clear to guide the user toward valid input.


Data Handling

Include in Email Transcript

Includes the userโ€™s numeric response in the email transcript.

Useful for:

  • Support follow-ups

  • Internal reporting

  • Data audits

Recommended: โœ… Enable this for all numeric input flows where the data is important.


Timing Control

Add Delay

Adds a delay before the numeric input is displayed.

  • Default: 1 second

Why use this?

  • Creates a natural pause in the conversation

  • Gives users time to read prior messages


Settings Summary

Setting
Description

Rephrase Messages

Improves numeric input prompt wording

Rephrase Error Messages

Customizes guidance if user enters invalid input

Include in Email Transcript

Logs the numeric input in email records

Delay

Controls when the numeric input appears

  1. Click โ€œSmart Question.โ€

  2. Enter the question text the user will respond to.

  3. Add the keywords that will determine the response logic.

  4. Select the match type (Exact Match or Keyword Contained).

  5. Map each keyword to the next chat component.

Use Case: In case the next flow depends on the userโ€™s textual answer, this component is used.

Smart Questions

Advanced Settings (Smart Question)

The Advanced tab allows you to control how users interact with a Smart Question and how their responses are handled. These options help improve conversation flow, data quality, and user experience.


Allow Back

When enabled, users can go back to the previous step in the chat flow.

Use this when:

  • You want users to correct a mistake

  • The question is part of a longer form or data collection flow

Recommended for: Forms, lead collection, surveys


Allow Visitor to Skip

Allows users to skip this Smart Question without providing an answer.

Use this when:

  • The question is optional

  • You donโ€™t want to block the conversation if the user doesnโ€™t respond

Not recommended for: Mandatory fields like email, phone number, or name


Rephrase Messages

When enabled, the chatbot can automatically rephrase the question if the user doesnโ€™t respond clearly or provides an unexpected input.

Benefits:

  • Improves understanding

  • Makes the conversation feel more natural

  • Reduces user confusion

๐Ÿ’ก Best used for open-ended Smart Questions.


Include in Email Transcript

When enabled, the userโ€™s response to this Smart Question is included in the email transcript sent to admins or team members.

Use this when:

  • You want to review user answers later

  • The response is important for follow-ups or records


Add Delay Before Message

Set a delay (in seconds) before the Smart Question is displayed.

Why use this?

  • Makes the chatbot feel more human

  • Prevents messages from appearing too quickly

  • Improves readability in multi-step flows

Example:

  • 1โ€“2 seconds โ†’ Natural conversation pacing

  • 3+ seconds โ†’ Emphasis or pause before important questions

P. Redirect

  1. Add the โ€œRedirectโ€ component to switch into another flow.

  2. Enter an optional message that will be shown before redirecting.

  3. Select the destination flow from the dropdown.

Use Case: In case you want to move the user to another pre-built chat flow, this component is used.

Redirect

Advanced Settings (Redirect)

The Advanced tab for the Redirect component lets you control navigation behavior and conversation pacing when sending users to another chat flow.

These settings help you maintain smooth transitions and prevent user confusion during flow changes.


Allow Back

When enabled, users can return to the previous step before the redirect occurs.

Use this when:

  • Users may want to review or change their input

  • The redirect is triggered after a decision or form step

Not recommended when:

  • Redirecting users to a final or confirmation flow

  • Redirecting to sensitive or restricted flows


Allow Visitor to Skip

Allows users to skip the redirect step and continue the current flow.

Use this when:

  • The redirect is optional

  • You are offering an alternate path or suggestion

Avoid enabling if:

  • The redirect is mandatory for completing the conversation

  • The flow logic depends on entering the next flow


Add Delay Before Redirect

Adds a short delay (in seconds) before the redirect action is triggered.

Why this matters:

  • Gives users time to read the message

  • Makes transitions feel natural

  • Prevents abrupt flow changes

Best practice:

  • 1โ€“2 seconds โ†’ Smooth, natural transition

  • 3+ seconds โ†’ Emphasis before important redirects


Best Practices for Redirect (Advanced)

  • Keep delays short to avoid frustration

  • Disable Skip for required redirects

  • Use Allow Back when redirects follow user input

  • Add a clear message before redirecting users to another flow

Q. API

  1. Click โ€œAPIโ€ to integrate a third-party service.

  2. Select or configure the API.

  3. Add response handling for 200 (Success) and 400 (Error) states.

  4. Map each response type to the next step in the flow.

Use Case: In case you want to connect a third-party system within the chat flow, this component is used.

API

Advanced Settings (API)

The Advanced tab for the API component controls message timing and provides network details required for secure API communication. These settings are especially useful when integrating with protected or internal systems.


Add Delay Before Message

Adds a delay (in seconds) before the API step is executed or displayed in the chat flow.

Why use this?

  • Prevents abrupt transitions

  • Gives users time to read the previous message

  • Makes API-triggered responses feel more natural

Best practices:

  • 1โ€“2 seconds โ†’ Smooth conversational pacing

  • 3+ seconds โ†’ Pause before critical actions (payments, validations)


IP Whitelisting

If your API endpoint requires IP whitelisting, you must allow requests from the following IP address:

Use this when:

  • Your server blocks unknown outbound requests

  • Your API is protected by firewall or security rules

  • You are integrating with enterprise or internal systems

๐Ÿ’ก Make sure this IP is added to your serverโ€™s allowlist to avoid failed API calls.


How API Response Codes Work

The API component can route the conversation based on response status codes:

  • 200 โ†’ Success flow

  • 400 โ†’ Error or validation failure flow

  • Others โ†’ Fallback or exception handling flow

This allows you to design different chatbot paths based on real-time API results.


Best Practices for API (Advanced)

  • Always whitelist the BotPenguin IP before testing

  • Add a short delay for better UX

  • Handle error (400) and others paths gracefully

  • Log API responses when debugging complex flows


FAQs

Will the flow continue if the user doesn't respond to a required question?

No. The flow will remain on the same step until the required input is provided. Required components cannot be skipped and the conversation will not advance until the user supplies the requested information.

Can I reorder or delete a component after adding it to the flow?

Yes. You can drag components to reorder them or delete them if they are no longer needed. Before deleting, verify there are no downstream mappings or dependencies that will break as a result.

How many options can I add to Single Choice or Multiple Choice components?

You can add up to five (5) options in both Single Choice and Multiple Choice components.

Can the API component handle authentication headers and custom body parameters?

Yes. The API component supports custom headers, authentication keys (for example Bearer tokens or API keys), and configurable request body structures. Map response codes (e.g., 200, 400) to the appropriate next steps in the flow.

What happens if a user uploads an unsupported file format?

If the uploaded file format is unsupported, the bot should return a clear validation message to the user explaining accepted file types and ask for a retry. Implement server-side validation and surface a friendly error message for unsupported formats.

How do Smart Questions determine the next component?

Smart Questions use keyword-based logic. Configure one or more keywords and select a match type (Exact Match or Contains). Each keyword is mapped to a target component; when the user's response matches a keyword according to the selected match type, the mapped component is triggered.

What does Redirect do and when should I use it?

Redirect transfers the conversation to another pre-built flow within the same bot. Use Redirect to modularize journeys, reuse common sub-flows (like verification or payment), or to branch users into context-specific conversations.

How do I contact support if I need help with a chat flow?

If you still have questions for our team, write to us at [email protected]. We will respond within 48 hours.

If you still have questions for our team, write to us at [email protected]. Weโ€™ll get back to you within 48 hours.

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