In this article we will explain how to build an Outbound flow from scratch, detailing the initial steps, the types of available triggers, and the editing tools that will help you design your strategy.
🛠️ Step by step: How to create a flow from scratch
Access the Create Flows area in your platform and select the option "Flows from scratch".
Choose the WhatsApp number from which the communication will be sent and click Continue.
On the Flowbuilder canvas, go to the right panel to configure the Trigger (the event that will start the automation). You have two main options:
Template: Use an official WhatsApp template previously approved to initiate proactive contact.
Webhook: Configure an external event so that a third-party system (such as your CRM or server) triggers the flow in Atom automatically.
📲 Option A: Start with Templates
If your goal is to send a direct message to a database, this is the route to follow:
Select the template you wish to send from the trigger panel. (Note: The system allows you to create a new template directly from this same screen if you don't have it yet).
Next, drag the Evaluate Response component and connect it to the beginning. This is essential to define how the bot will react to customer actions (for example, what path the flow will take if the user clicks the "Request credit" button).
🌐 Option B: Start with Webhooks
If you prefer the flow to be triggered by an action that occurs outside of Atom (for example, when a user completes a form on your website):
Select Webhook as the trigger. The system will generate the URL (endpoint) that you must place in your application or server to connect both platforms.
🧰 Editing tools on your canvas
While designing your flow, you will have different tool bars in view to facilitate your work:
Section 1 (View): Undo and redo buttons (to quickly revert errors), zoom slider to zoom in or out of the view, and a button to export the entire flow diagram as an image.
Section 2 (Validation and Close): A smart indicator that alerts you if there are errors in the flow or disconnected branches, the button to Save progress, access to the Web/WhatsApp Simulator, and the final Publish button.
⚠️ IMPORTANT:
Flow duration and expiration
All flows have a useful life span or "execution window". This duration is defined by the sum of the wait times you have configured in your Evaluate Response components, plus a safety margin of 5 additional minutes.
This extra time is granted to allow any bot process to finish executing correctly before the flow closes. If the customer interacts or the external action occurs after this time limit has been exceeded, the flow will no longer execute and the customer will be moved to the general inbox.
You're ready for the basics now! 🚀
Creating a flow from scratch gives you complete freedom to design your customers' experience. Whether sending mass templates or automating via Webhooks, make sure to evaluate responses correctly and run simulations before publishing. ✅