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Sospeter Mong'are
Sospeter Mong'are

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How to Build a WhatsApp Chatbot Using Flaresend API

#webdev #beginners #whatsapp #programming

WhatsApp has become one of the most effective channels for customer communication, marketing, and automation. With Flaresend.com, a WhatsApp API provider, you can easily send and receive messages, manage groups, update statuses, and even run newsletters or channels.

In this article, we’ll walk through how you can create a WhatsApp chatbot using Flaresend.

What You Need

Before we begin, make sure you have:

  • A Flaresend account
  • An API key or token
  • A WhatsApp number connected to Flaresend
  • A backend environment (Laravel, Django, Node.js, or any other framework)

Step 1: Get API Access

Once you sign up on Flaresend, generate your API key from the dashboard. This key will allow your backend to authenticate with Flaresend’s API.

Step 2: Set Up Your Backend

You need a backend application that will:

  1. Receive incoming messages (via webhooks).
  2. Process the chatbot logic.
  3. Reply using Flaresend’s Send Message API.

For example, in Laravel, you can create a webhook endpoint like this:

// routes/api.php
Route::post('/webhook', [ChatbotController::class, 'handle']);
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Step 3: Handle Incoming Messages

When a user sends you a WhatsApp message, Flaresend will forward it to your webhook.

A sample webhook payload might look like this:

{
    "recipients": ["254700123456"],
    "type": "text",
    "text": "Hello"
}
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Your backend should capture the message and determine how to respond.

Step 4: Define Chatbot Logic

Here’s how you can design the chatbot’s responses:

  • Keyword-based replies
    Example: if the user types “Hi”, the bot replies with “Hello, how can I help you?”

  • Menu-driven chatbot
    Send interactive options like:

  1. Services
  2. Pricing
  3. Support
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  • AI-powered chatbot Connect your bot with ChatGPT, DeepSeek, or another AI model to generate dynamic replies.

Step 5: Send Replies via Flaresend API

To reply, use the Flaresend send-message endpoint.

Example using Laravel’s HTTP client:

$response = Http::withToken(env('FLARESEND_API_KEY'))
    ->post('https://api.flaresend.com/send-message', [
        'recipients' => ['254700123456'],
        'type' => 'text',
        'text' => 'Hello! Thanks for reaching out'
    ]);
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Step 6: Add Extra Features

Flaresend isn’t just about sending and receiving messages. You can enhance your chatbot with:

  • Broadcasts/Newsletters – send bulk messages to your audience.
  • Group Management – automatically add or remove members.
  • Status Updates – post regular automated updates.
  • CRM/ERP Integration – connect your chatbot with internal systems for bookings, payments, or order tracking.

Step 7: Test and Deploy

  • Test your chatbot with your WhatsApp number.
  • Deploy your backend to a hosting provider (VPS, cPanel, Render, Railway, etc.).
  • Secure your webhook with authentication and HTTPS.

✅ Final Thoughts

With Flaresend, creating a WhatsApp chatbot is straightforward. By combining webhooks, chatbot logic, and the send-message API, you can automate conversations, provide customer support, and even build full-fledged engagement platforms.

Whether you want a simple keyword-based bot or an AI-powered assistant, Flaresend gives you the tools to make it happen.

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