How to Add Variables in Custom Messages
Learn how to create and use form variables in the welcome message and starter questions.
Did you know that you can use variables created through the BUILT-IN USER FORM in the Welcome Message and Starter Questions?
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![](https://files.readme.io/b787196-Appearance_-_Starter_Question.png)
Why it's essential
Personalizing messages can greatly enhance the user experience and improve engagement in several ways:
- Tailored Communication: Customizing messages with user-provided details like their name or preferences makes interactions feel personal and strengthens the bond between user and chatbot.
- Increased Relevance: Personalized messages based on user information are more useful and pertinent, improving the overall effectiveness of communication.
- Enhanced Engagement: Users are more likely to stay engaged when they feel the chatbot understands and responds to their specific needs or interests.
- Improved User Satisfaction: Personalization shows attentiveness to users' needs, leading to higher satisfaction as they perceive the chatbot as more helpful and responsive.
- Building Trust and Loyalty: Personalization fosters trust by demonstrating the chatbot's dedication to providing a customized experience, which can lead to increased loyalty and repeat interactions.
How to Create a Variable?
Create a Variable via User Form
Go to the chatbot's SETTINGS > USER FORM
- Add/create form fields
- Then enable the form
- Read this step by step guide on How to Collect Data with a USER FORM
![](https://files.readme.io/5123352-image.png)
Create a Variable Directly from a Welcome Message or Starter Question
Alternatively, if you don't want to create a variable and add it as a form field in the user form, you can create it directly in the Welcome Message or Starter Question.
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If the variable doesn't show up on the dropdown options, simply type @ followed by custom variable name on the location where you'd like the variable to appear. It will display a prompt you can click to instantly add it as a variable.
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Click on the new variable you created, then enter a fallback value. Since this variable wasn't created through a user form, you need to assign a fallback value by default.
Add the Variable in the Welcome Message
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Go to the chatbot's Appearance Settings Page
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Scroll to the Welcome Message Section
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Type @ on the location where you'd like the variable to appear to display a dropdown of variables based on the fields available on your chatbot's built-in user form. Select a variable, then click [Save]
Add the Variable in Starter Questions
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Go to the chatbot's SETTING > STARTER QUESTIONS
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Create or edit a starter question
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Type @ on the location where you'd like the variable to appear to display a dropdown of variables based on the fields available on your chatbot's built-in user form. Select a variable, then click [Save]
If the variable doesn't contain a value when captured from the user form, you can add a "fallback value"
Click on the variable to open up the variable settings popup and enter a fall back value. The fall back value will be displayed on the custom message if no value is found.
Updated 3 months ago