What is GoBlue Automation?
GoBlue automation is the orchestration of multiple systems to create seamless, personalized messaging workflows. It combines webhook data collection, message templating, scheduling, and iOS Shortcuts execution to deliver timely, relevant iMessages without manual intervention. The automation system bridges the gap between digital marketing tools and personal communication, enabling businesses to maintain a human touch at scale.Automation Components
Data Flow Pipeline
1
Trigger Event
An external event occurs in your business systems:
- Website form submission
- CRM contact creation
- E-commerce purchase
- Appointment booking
- Support ticket creation
2
Data Capture
The external system sends structured data to GoBlue via webhook:
3
Message Generation
GoBlue processes the data through your configured form:
- Validates required fields
- Applies message template
- Personalizes content with variables
- Schedules delivery if configured
4
Queue Management
The personalized message is added to your sending queue:
- Organized by priority
- Grouped by delivery time
- Tracked for completion status
5
Delivery Execution
When you run the iOS Shortcut:
- Messages are retrieved from queue
- iMessages are sent via iOS
- Delivery status is tracked
- Recipients are updated in contacts
Automation Features
Message Templating
Create dynamic, personalized message templates:Variable Substitution
Variable Substitution
Use double curly braces to insert dynamic content:
Conditional Content
Conditional Content
While not directly supported in templates, you can create multiple forms for different scenarios:
- High Budget Form: Premium service messaging
- Low Budget Form: Value-focused messaging
- Urgent Timeline Form: Quick response messaging
Fallback Values
Fallback Values
Handle missing data gracefully:
Fallback syntax (|) is not currently supported but is on the roadmap.
Scheduling & Timing
Control when messages are delivered:Immediate Delivery
Send messages as soon as the iOS Shortcut is run
Delayed Delivery
Schedule messages for future delivery (minutes, hours, days, weeks)
Business Hours Only
Configure delivery windows to respect business hours
Time Zone Awareness
Respect recipient time zones for optimal delivery timing
Contact Management
Automatically organize and track your messaging:Automatic Contact Creation
Automatic Contact Creation
New contacts are automatically created from webhook data:
- Phone number (required)
- First and last name
- Associated form for context
- Timestamp of first contact
Status Tracking
Status Tracking
Monitor the lifecycle of each contact:
- New: Just added to system
- Contacted: Message has been sent
- Responded: Reply received (manual update)
- Converted: Goal achieved (manual update)
Message History
Message History
Track all automated messages sent to each contact:
- Message content
- Delivery timestamp
- Associated form/campaign
- Success/failure status
Automation Workflows
Lead Nurturing Sequence
Set up progressive messaging for new leads:1
Immediate Welcome
Trigger: Form submission
Timing: Immediate
Message: Welcome and next steps
Timing: Immediate
Message: Welcome and next steps
2
Follow-up Reminder
Trigger: Same form, delayed
Timing: 24 hours later
Message: Additional information or scheduling
Timing: 24 hours later
Message: Additional information or scheduling
3
Value-Add Content
Trigger: Third form in sequence
Timing: 3 days later
Message: Helpful resources or case studies
Timing: 3 days later
Message: Helpful resources or case studies
4
Direct Outreach
Trigger: Fourth form
Timing: 1 week later
Message: Personal invitation to connect
Timing: 1 week later
Message: Personal invitation to connect
Customer Onboarding
Automate post-purchase communication:Purchase Confirmation
Immediate confirmation with order details and next steps
Setup Instructions
24-hour delay with account setup or product usage guidance
Check-in Message
3-day delay asking if they need any help getting started
Success Follow-up
1-week delay requesting feedback or reviews
Event-Driven Messaging
Respond to specific business events:Appointment Scheduling
Appointment Scheduling
Trigger: Calendar booking webhook
Automation: Immediate confirmation with details and preparation instructions
Automation: Immediate confirmation with details and preparation instructions
Support Ticket Creation
Support Ticket Creation
Trigger: Help desk webhook
Automation: Acknowledge receipt and provide ticket number with expected response time
Automation: Acknowledge receipt and provide ticket number with expected response time
Payment Processing
Payment Processing
Trigger: Payment gateway webhook
Automation: Receipt confirmation and service activation notification
Automation: Receipt confirmation and service activation notification
Subscription Changes
Subscription Changes
Trigger: Billing system webhook
Automation: Plan change confirmation and feature access updates
Automation: Plan change confirmation and feature access updates
Integration Patterns
CRM Automation
Salesforce Integration:E-commerce Automation
Shopify Integration:Advanced Automation Features
Bulk Processing
Handle high-volume scenarios efficiently:Batch Message Sending
Batch Message Sending
The iOS Shortcut can process multiple messages in a single execution:
- Retrieve up to 50 messages per run
- Process them sequentially through Messages app
- Provide success/failure summary
Rate Limiting Respect
Rate Limiting Respect
Automatic handling of API rate limits:
- Pause between requests when limits approached
- Queue excess messages for later processing
- Retry failed requests with exponential backoff
Priority Queue Management
Priority Queue Management
Messages can be prioritized based on:
- Form importance settings
- Message timing requirements
- Customer value or status
Error Handling & Recovery
Robust automation requires comprehensive error handling:Data Validation
Automatic validation of incoming webhook data for completeness and format
Retry Logic
Automatic retry of failed message deliveries with intelligent backoff
Fallback Templates
Default message templates when dynamic content fails to load
Error Notifications
Alert administrators when automation errors occur
Monitoring & Analytics
Performance Tracking
Monitor your automation effectiveness:Delivery Metrics
Delivery Metrics
Track message delivery performance:
- Messages sent per day/week/month
- Success/failure rates
- Average delivery time
- Peak usage periods
Response Rates
Response Rates
Monitor engagement (requires manual tracking):
- Messages that received replies
- Conversion to appointments/sales
- Customer satisfaction scores
System Health
System Health
Monitor automation system status:
- Webhook response times
- API error rates
- iOS Shortcut execution frequency
- Queue depth and processing time
Optimization Strategies
A/B Testing
Test different message templates and timing strategies
Personalization
Increase personalization depth based on available data
Timing Optimization
Analyze response patterns to optimize send times
Content Refinement
Continuously improve message templates based on feedback
Best Practices
Design Principles
Start Simple
Start Simple
Begin with basic welcome messages and gradually add complexity as you learn what works.
Respect Recipients
Respect Recipients
Always provide value in your automated messages and respect opt-out requests.
Test Thoroughly
Test Thoroughly
Test all automation workflows with your own phone number before deploying to customers.
Monitor Performance
Monitor Performance
Regularly review delivery rates, response rates, and system errors to maintain effectiveness.
Compliance Considerations
Troubleshooting Automation
Common Issues
Messages Not Triggering
Messages Not Triggering
Check:
- Form capturing is enabled
- Webhook URLs are correct
- External system is sending valid JSON
- Required fields are included in webhook data
Template Variables Not Working
Template Variables Not Working
Verify:
- Variable names match form field names exactly
- Curly brace syntax is correct:
{{fieldName}} - Webhook data includes the referenced fields
Delivery Delays
Delivery Delays
Review:
- iOS Shortcut execution frequency
- Message queue depth
- Network connectivity issues
- iOS app permissions and restrictions