Select a Trigger
The trigger decides when a workflow runs. It listens for a specific Event and starts the automation only when that Event occurs.If a workflow is firing at the wrong time or not at all, the trigger is the first thing to check.
What a trigger does
- Identifies the starting Event — e.g., Inbound message, New conversation, Webhook received
- Scopes the run to the correct channel and contact
- Makes downstream data available (the message text, contact fields, or webhook payload that triggered the run)
Common triggers
The exact trigger list depends on channel and workspace configuration. Only triggers available for the selected channel appear in the builder.
How to choose the right trigger
1
Define the outcome first
What should the automation achieve? Example: Qualify leads and create a Pipeline record in Leads → Qualified.
2
Identify the true starting Event
What real activity marks the start? A Flow submission, a keyword message, or a webhook — not a later step in the process.
3
Pick the matching trigger
Select the trigger whose Event aligns exactly with that moment. When in doubt, prefer the most specific trigger — Flow submitted over generic Inbound message.
Tips
- One trigger per workflow. Don’t try to start the same flow from multiple unrelated Events — create focused flows instead.
- Prefer Events that carry data. A trigger that includes the payload you need (e.g., Flow outputs for Contact → Pipeline) saves extra lookups.
- Scope by channel. A trigger built under WhatsApp won’t fire for Web Chat unless the workflow is configured for that channel. Confirm in Channels.