Zapier Integration (Beta)
Connect MessageDesk to thousands of other apps using Zapier.
Automate workflows by triggering actions when messages are sent or received—or perform tasks like creating contacts, sending messages, and adding comments when events occur in other tools.
What You Can Automate
- When a message is received → Create helpdesk tickets, send Slack or Teams notifications, or log messages to Google Sheets.
- When a message is sent → Update CRM records, trigger a follow-up task, or post delivery updates.
- From your CRM, forms, or scheduling tools → Automatically create or update contacts in MessageDesk and send personalized text messages.
- From payments or invoicing systems → Send SMS confirmations when a customer pays or when a new invoice is issued.
Requirements:
- A Zapier account and a connected MessageDesk workspace.
- Outbound texting via Zapier follows the same registration, delivery, and compliance standards as sending directly from MessageDesk.
How Zapier Works
Each Zap has two main components:
| Type | Description |
|---|
| Trigger | The event that starts your Zap (e.g., a message received in MessageDesk). |
| Action | The task Zapier performs after the trigger fires (e.g., send a message or create a contact). |
Available MessageDesk Triggers
| Trigger | Description |
|---|
| Message Received | Fires when your workspace receives a new inbound text message. |
| Message Sent | Fires when a message is sent from your workspace (manual or automated). |
Available MessageDesk Actions
| Action | Description |
|---|
| Create or Update Contact | Adds a new contact or updates an existing one based on phone number. |
| Send Message | Sends a text message through your MessageDesk workspace. |
| Create Comment | Posts a new comment in a MessageDesk conversation thread. |
Triggers
Message Received
Fires when your MessageDesk workspace receives an inbound message.
| Field | Required | Description |
|---|
| Workspace Name | ✅ | The name of your MessageDesk workspace. |
Message Sent
Fires when your MessageDesk workspace sends an outbound message.
| Field | Required | Description |
|---|
| Workspace Name | ✅ | The name of your MessageDesk workspace. |
Actions
Creates or updates a contact in your selected workspace. Perfect for syncing leads, form submissions, or new customer signups.
| Field | Required | Description |
|---|
| Workspace Name | ✅ | The name of your MessageDesk workspace. |
| Contact Phone Number | ✅ | The contact’s phone number in E.164 format (e.g., +15551234567). |
| First Name / Last Name | ❌ | Optional contact name fields. |
| Email | ❌ | Optional email address. |
Send Message
Sends an outbound text message from MessageDesk. Each Zap run sends one message at a time.
| Field | Required | Description |
|---|
| Workspace Name | ✅ | The name of your MessageDesk workspace. |
| Workspace Number to Send From | ✅ | The phone number you’ll send the message from (E.164 format). |
| Recipient Number | ✅ | The phone number to send your message to (E.164 format). |
| Message Text | ✅ | The body of your message. |
Warning: Messages sent through Zapier count toward your MessageDesk usage and must follow the same carrier and compliance rules as messages sent from your Inbox.
Posts a comment in an existing conversation thread. Use this action to add internal notes, mention teammates, or automate updates from other apps.
| Field | Required | Description |
|---|
| Workspace Name | ✅ | The name of your MessageDesk workspace. |
| Workspace Number | ✅ | The phone number tied to the workspace conversation (E.164 format). |
| Contact Number | ✅ | The contact’s phone number to identify the conversation. |
| Comment Text | ✅ | The text body of your comment. |
How to Build Your First MessageDesk Zap
1. Gain early beta access
Request access here to join the Zapier beta.
2. Log in to Zapier
Once invited, go to zapier.com and log in or create an account.
3. Create a new Zap
Click Create Zap on your dashboard.
4. Add MessageDesk
Search for MessageDesk (Invite Only) and select version 1.2.0 from the dropdown.
You can use MessageDesk as either a trigger or an action.
5. Choose a Trigger
Select one of the following:
- Message Received
- Message Sent
Then connect your MessageDesk account and select your workspace.
6. Add an Action
Choose from:
- Create or Update Contact
- Send Message
- Create Comment
Map your fields, test your Zap, and turn it on.
Popular Zapier Workflows
Use these examples to get inspired and automate common MessageDesk tasks:
| Workflow | Connected Apps | Description |
|---|
| New CRM Lead → Add to MessageDesk | HubSpot, Pipedrive, Zoho CRM | When a new lead is created, automatically create or update the contact in MessageDesk and send a personalized welcome text. |
| Job or Appointment Booked → Send Reminder Text | Calendly, Google Calendar, Jobber | Send automated appointment reminders or confirmations directly from MessageDesk. |
| New Message in MessageDesk → Notify Teammates | Slack, Microsoft Teams | Post a notification with message details and contact info when a new message arrives in MessageDesk. |
| Invoice Created or Payment Received → Send Confirmation SMS | QuickBooks, Xero | When a new invoice is issued or a payment is logged, send a text confirmation to the customer. |
| New Form Submission → Create Comment with Mention | Google Forms, Typeform | Automatically post a comment when a new form or chatbot submission is received. |
| Email or Message → Comment in Thread | Outlook, Gmail, Teams | Create an internal comment in MessageDesk when an external email or chat arrives, keeping your team aligned. |
| Customer Review Received → Thank You Text | Google Reviews, Mailchimp | Automatically send a thank-you message when a customer leaves a new review or completes feedback. |
Best Practices
- ✅ Include opt-out text: “Reply STOP to opt out” for promotional or automated messages.
- ✅ Always use E.164 format:
+15551234567 for all phone numbers.
- ✅ Test with real data: Before turning on your Zap.
- ⚠️ Avoid bulk sends: Each Zap run sends one message. Use MessageDesk Broadcasts for larger campaigns.
- 🧩 Use filters and conditions: Limit your Zaps to relevant events (e.g., only messages containing “Support”).
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
|---|
| Authentication fails when connecting to MessageDesk | Reconnect your account in Zapier and confirm you’re using the correct workspace and Zap version 1.2.0. |
| Zap fails during testing | Make sure all phone numbers are formatted correctly in E.164. |
| Message sent but not delivered | Check Delivery Status & Errors for details. |
| Zap not triggering | Verify the correct trigger and workspace setup. Send a test message to fire the event. |
| Contact not updating correctly | Check field mappings and confirm the contact’s phone number matches existing records. |
