10.8 Integrating External Tools via Webhooks (Conceptual - Setup by The Close Agency)

Concept:

Workflows can interact with external software systems (that are not directly integrated in the Settings menu) using Webhooks. A webhook is essentially a way for applications to send automated messages or data to each other when something happens.

• Sending Data OUT (Webhook Action):
  • Purpose: Send information from Close Master to another system when a workflow step is reached.
  • Action: Add the Webhook or Custom Webhook action in your workflow.
  • Configuration: You need the unique Webhook URL provided by the receiving external system (e.g., a URL from Zapier, Make.com, a custom reporting tool, or another CRM). You then configure the data payload (often in JSON format) that Close Master should send, typically using Custom Values and contact/opportunity fields to dynamically populate the data sent (e.g., send contact.name, contact.email, opportunity.stage to the external URL).
• Receiving Data IN (Inbound Webhook Trigger):
  • Purpose: Start a Close Master Workflow when an external system sends data to Close Master.
  • Trigger: Use the Inbound Webhook trigger type when creating a workflow.
  • Configuration: Close Master provides a unique URL for this trigger. You need to configure the external system to send data (usually via an HTTP POST request in JSON format) to this specific URL whenever the relevant event occurs in that external system. The data sent can then be used as merge fields within the triggered workflow (e.g., {{trigger.data.fieldName}}).

Setup Responsibility:

Configuring webhooks requires technical understanding of APIs, data formats (JSON), and the specific requirements of both sending and receiving systems. This setup is typically handled by The Close Agency administrators or requires advanced technical expertise. As an end-user, you generally wouldn't configure these yourself, but it's useful to understand the concept if your agency uses webhooks for integrations (like connecting certain lead sources or syncing data with other platforms).