Authenticate to the GHL Contacts API using your API key and OAuth credentials; ensure scopes are set to contacts.readonly for read-only operations.
In Zapier, connect the GHL integration by selecting your account, granting permissions, and choosing the contacts.readonly scope to enable read access.
GET /contacts/:contactId — Retrieve a single contact’s details. GET /contacts/:contactId/tasks — List tasks for a contact. GET /contacts/:contactId/tasks/:taskId — Get a specific task. GET /contacts/:contactId/notes — List notes for a contact. GET /contacts/:contactId/notes/:id — Get a specific note. GET /contacts/:contactId/appointments — List appointments for a contact. GET /contacts/ — List all contacts. GET /contacts/business/:businessId — Retrieve contacts by business. contacts.write — Permissions scope for writing (not used in this read-only context). POST /contacts/ — Create a new contact. PUT /contacts/:contactId — Update a contact. DELETE /contacts/:contactId — Delete a contact. POST /contacts/:contactId/tasks — Create a task for a contact. PUT /contacts/:contactId/tasks/:taskId — Update a task. PUT /contacts/:contactId/tasks/:taskId/completed — Mark a task as completed. DELETE /contacts/:contactId/tasks/:taskId — Delete a task. POST /contacts/:contactId/tags — Add tags to a contact.
Trigger: When a contact is updated in GHL, pull the latest data into Zapier to keep downstream apps in sync.
Actions: Retrieve contact details (GET /contacts/:contactId); fetch related notes and tasks as needed.
GET /contacts/:contactId
Key fields: contactId, name, email, phone
Trigger: On-demand pull of all contacts for bulk updates or imports.
Actions: List contacts (GET /contacts/).
GET /contacts/
Key fields: contactId, name
Trigger: New or updated contact data in GHL flows into Zapier.
Actions: Create or update a contact (POST /contacts/, PUT /contacts/:contactId).
POST /contacts/ and PUT /contacts/:contactId
Key fields: contactId, name, email
Automate data flows between GHL and Zapier without writing code, using ready-made triggers and actions.
Trigger-driven workflows save time and reduce manual data entry by syncing changes in real time.
Centralized data from GHL appears in your apps via user-friendly Zapier connectors.
This glossary defines core terms and processes used when connecting GHL’s Contacts API with the Zapier App Connector.
A person stored in GHL with attributes such as name, email, phone, and associated data like notes, tasks, and appointments.
A specific URL path in the API that performs an operation (for example, GET /contacts/:contactId).
The process of proving identity and gaining access to API resources (API key, OAuth tokens).
The level of access granted to an API client (for example, readonly vs write).
Capture form entries and automatically create or update a contact in GHL via POST /contacts/. Map form fields to contact properties.
When notes are added in GHL, trigger updates in your project management tool by fetching /contacts/:contactId/notes and routing data.
Link task completion events (PUT /contacts/:contactId/tasks/:taskId/completed) to contact status changes in downstream apps.
Obtain API keys or OAuth tokens and grant permissions to the Zapier App Connector for the Contacts API.
Select endpoints to use (for example, GET /contacts/:contactId) and set up triggers in Zapier to start automations.
Map contact fields (id, name, email) and run tests to verify data flow between GHL and Zapier.
Yes. This integration uses the contacts.readonly scope to provide safe read access to contact data. This helps you fetch contact details, notes, tasks, and appointments without modifying data. If you need to create or update contacts, you would require write permissions and a separate integration path. For most automated workflows, read-only access is sufficient to surface data to downstream apps and dashboards while maintaining data integrity.
Writing to contacts is possible if you grant the appropriate write scopes and use the POST /contacts/ and PUT /contacts/:contactId endpoints. This guide focuses on read-only operations; enabling write access should be done with careful permission control and validation in your Zapier workflows. Always test changes in a safe sandbox or test environment before applying to live data.
Test the connection by authenticating in Zapier and performing a simple GET request for a contact (GET /contacts/:contactId). Check that keys like contactId, name, and email return expected values. If errors occur, verify credentials, scopes, and the endpoint path. Review any API rate limits or quota restrictions in your GHL account.
The primary scope used is contacts.readonly for read operations. If you need write capabilities, you’ll switch to a write-enabled scope such as contacts.write. Ensure your app permissions align with your data governance policies and the level of access required by your workflows. Security best practices include rotating tokens regularly and using least-privilege access for automated processes.
Webhooks can be used to push changes from GHL to Zapier where supported, but this setup often relies on polling endpoints like GET /contacts/ for updates. If you require event-based updates, configure the connected app to listen for changes and trigger Zapier workflows accordingly. Always validate the webhook payload and verify the endpoint security.
Consult the official GHL API documentation and Zapier integration guides for examples, field mappings, and common pitfalls. Participate in the community forums or support channels if you encounter edge cases or authentication issues. Regularly review your mappings to ensure data consistency across systems.
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