If you're taking your first steps in Flowbuilder, it's key to understand where each element is located, what function it performs, and how they connect to each other so your bot works correctly.
🧭 First steps: Location of elements
🧩 Component menu
When you enter Flowbuilder, the side menu is already visible on the left side. If you don't see it, follow these steps depending on the flow type:
Inbound Flow: Go to Settings —> Platform —> Bots. From here you can select an existing one (Three dots > Edit flow and publish) or click Create a Bot.
Outbound Flow (Campaigns): Go to Campaigns —> Flow and select an existing one (Three dots > Edit flow and publish) or click Create Flow.
Expand menu: Locate the orange arrow on the left side and click to show the components.
From this panel you'll be able to drag and drop components onto the central canvas to build your flow.
🛠️ Component controls (Quick actions)
When you hover your mouse over a component on the canvas, visual controls will appear to work faster:
Select (⚙️): Opens the configuration panel.
Clone (📃): Duplicates the exact component.
Swap (↔️): Replaces the component with another without losing established connections.
Delete (🗑️): Removes the component from the flow.
Plus sign (➕): Allows you to add outputs, buttons, or additional actions.
💡 Tip: Use "Swap component" to adjust the logic quickly without having to delete and reconnect arrows.
🔗 How to connect components together?
Place the necessary components on the canvas.
Locate the circle with the + sign at the bottom (output) of the source component.
Hold down and drag the arrow towards the destination component.
Release when the red borders of the destination component disappear, indicating a valid connection.
⚠️ Key hack: Detect errors in seconds
If you have unconnected components or buttons, Flowbuilder will display a warning icon (!) at the bottom. Clicking it will list the errors; if you select one, the editor will take you directly to the component with the problem. Always check this before publishing.
🧩 Features and special tools
Main components
Flowbuilder offers a wide range of options such as: Message, Typing, Customer Stage, Evaluate Response, Intentions, Assignment, HTTP Request, Conditional, Timeout and connections with HubSpot, among others.
Editing tips:
Copy and paste: You can select multiple components with Ctrl, copy them with Ctrl + C and paste them with Ctrl + V.
Insert in the middle: If two components are already connected, click the "+" sign that appears on the connection line to insert a new component between them without breaking the flow.
Dynamic parameters:
Use Add parameter to insert real-time information, such as:
System fields (Name, phone, email).
Conversation and agent properties.
Custom fields and integrations (HubSpot).
⚡ Quick actions on flows
From the actions column in the flows list, you can:
View: Visualize the flow as an image.
Edit: Modify drafts.
Duplicate: Clone complete flows.
Simulate: Test the bot without generating real conversations (you can use Webhooks with API token).
Publish: Define validity and activate the flow.
Deactivate: Stop the bot immediately.
✅ General best practices
No loose ends: Don't leave buttons or outputs without connections.
Coherence: Make sure each bot response leads to a logical action.
Order: Use clear names for each component to facilitate auditing.
Test before publishing: Always use the Simulate tool.
You now have the foundations to automate your customer service! 🚀
With these first steps mastered, you know the key actions of Flowbuilder. It's time to build your first conversational flow, reduce wait times and empower your team. ✅