Connect n8n to SmartChat
A workflow in n8n reports the event to your automation. SmartChat then sends the message in WhatsApp.
Your workflow in four steps.
n8n has many ways to fetch and shape data. At the end of the workflow there's a node that passes the details to SmartChat.
- 1
You describe the goal
In the AI Chat you decide which message goes out for which event.
When n8n reports that an order has shipped, message the contact on WhatsApp. - 2
You copy the address
The secret webhook address appears as soon as the automation is created.
Show me the webhook address. - 3
You add an HTTP Request Node
It sends requests to any address. Choose POST as the method and JSON as the content.
Method POST, content JSON - 4
You switch on the workflow
From now on, n8n reports every event and SmartChat sends the message.
Workflow active
Three workflows, three businesses.
The example businesses are made up. The setup is the same for all of them; only the event and the message change.
The workflow reports the shipment, and SmartChat explains arrival and brewing to the customer.
As soon as the reservation is confirmed, the guest gets entry and directions.
A finished report triggers the message to the client.
What the HTTP Request Node brings with it.
According to the n8n documentation, the node calls REST interfaces. The following points are described there.
- POST
Many methods
GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, HEAD and OPTIONS are possible. For reporting a new event, POST is the obvious choice.
- Name and value, or a JSON object
Content as JSON
You enter name-value pairs or paste a ready-made JSON object.
- Form-Data, Raw, binary file
Other formats
The node can also pass form data, form URL-encoded data, raw content and files.
- Test URL for trying out, production URL for live use
Catch a webhook
The n8n Webhook Node has a test URL and a production URL. This is how you catch messages from other apps before passing them on to SmartChat.
What happens between n8n and WhatsApp.
The path is short, and each part has a clear job.
Workflow runs
n8n picks up an event and prepares the details.
n8nRequest goes out
The HTTP Request Node sends them to the secret address of your automation.
HTTP RequestFilter checks
If the event matches your filter, the automation continues; otherwise nothing happens.
FiltersWhatsApp is sent
The contact receives your approved template with the details from the event.
Message
After delivery comes the thank-you.
When n8n reports the delivery, SmartChat can get in touch with the customer and offer a subscription. The reply arrives in the inbox.
Only on delivery
With a filter, the automation only starts if the status is right.
Personal
The message names the customer's order.
Approved template
Thank-you messages also go out as templates reviewed by Meta.
Workflow without and with a message.
Data only
- The workflow creates rows, but nobody informs the customer.
- Every message is created by hand.
- Questions reach you through different channels.
Data and WhatsApp
- At the end of the workflow there's a message on WhatsApp.
- You maintain the text once in the AI Chat.
- You can read and answer replies in the inbox.
- Unsubscribed contacts get nothing more.
On the lock screen it looks like this.
From your business
Your contact sees your name and your text.
Triggered by n8n
The workflow decides when the message arrives.
Frequently asked questions about n8n and SmartChat.
Is there a SmartChat node in n8n?
Not yet. SmartChat doesn't have an approved node in n8n. You use the HTTP Request Node and your automation's secret address.
Which method do I choose in the HTTP Request Node?
For a new event you use POST. You send the content as JSON, either as name-value pairs or as a ready-made object.
What is the Webhook Node for?
It catches messages from other apps in n8n. It has a test URL for trying things out and a production URL for live use.
Where do I find SmartChat's address?
In your automation, as soon as you've created it. The address is secret and belongs to exactly this one automation.
Does SmartChat need a phone number?
Yes. If there's no phone number in the event, SmartChat can't send a WhatsApp and skips the step.
Can n8n also fetch values?
Yes. If an app only reports IDs, your workflow can fetch the values first and then pass them to SmartChat.
Can I decide when the automation starts?
Yes, with a filter on details in the event, for example a specific status.
Can the workflow edit contacts or tags in SmartChat?
That depends on the new API, which is being built right now. Deleting and plan actions are not planned there.
How many automations are included?
On the Free and Starter plans it's the fixed automation for new contacts, Basic has three including one fixed, and Pro has no limit. An automation triggered by an app counts as an extra one.
What does SmartChat cost?
The Free plan costs €0, Starter €299, Basic €499 and Pro €999 per month, plus VAT. Sending and running the automation need no credits. Meta's fees are listed here.
Which messages are allowed?
If a message goes out outside the inbox, SmartChat uses a template approved by Meta. SmartChat AI writes the template and submits it.
What does STOP mean for my workflows?
If a contact writes STOP, they're unsubscribed right away. Even a running workflow can't reach them after that.
Start your workflow. Your system is ready in 60 seconds.
You enter your website, and after 60 seconds your landing page and messages are ready. Then you connect n8n with the webhook address.