Start by creating a connected app in GHL and selecting the appropriate scope (contacts.readonly). In Zapier, configure OAuth 2.0 or API key authentication as supported by the endpoint suite. Always store tokens securely and limit access to authorized workflows.
Ensure your Zapier app is granted permission to access the Contacts API with the selected scope. Use OAuth 2.0 where possible, refresh tokens, and verify redirect URLs. Test authentication in a sandbox before going live.
GET /contacts/:contactId GET /contacts/:contactId/tasks GET /contacts/:contactId/tasks/:taskId GET /contacts/:contactId/notes GET /contacts/:contactId/notes/:id GET /contacts/:contactId/appointments GET /contacts/ GET /contacts/business/:businessId POST /contacts/ PUT /contacts/:contactId DELETE /contacts/:contactId POST /contacts/:contactId/tasks PUT /contacts/:contactId/tasks/:taskId PUT /contacts/:contactId/tasks/:taskId/completed DELETE /contacts/:contactId/tasks/:taskId POST /contacts/:contactId/tags
Trigger: When a contact is created or updated in the Contacts API
Actions: Retrieve the contact details and the related tasks, then push the data to your destination system
GET /contacts/:contactId
Fields: id, name, email, tasks[].id, tasks[].title
Trigger: Updated contact in the Contacts API
Actions: Update the contact, add notes, and assign tags
PUT /contacts/:contactId
Fields: contactId, notes, tags
Trigger: New or updated business contacts
Actions: Retrieve all contacts for a business and map fields to Zapier
GET /contacts/business/:businessId
Fields: businessId, contactIds, totalContacts
No-code automation: build powerful workflows without writing a line of code
Unified data flow: syncs across GHL and connected apps in real time
Scalable integrations: reuse patterns across multiple workflows
Elements: endpoints, triggers, actions, and data fields—mapping between GHL and Zapier for clear data flow
Application Programming Interface that allows programs to interact with the GHL Contacts API
The process of verifying identity and permission to access API resources (e.g., OAuth 2.0, API keys)
A specific URL path that accesses a resource in the API
The level of access granted by a token or key, such as contacts.readonly
Automatically create a task in the Contacts API whenever a new contact is added, ensuring timely follow-ups
Push contact notes to your knowledge base or notes app via Zapier to maintain a searchable activity trail
Aggregate weekly contact activity by business and share a digest with your team
Create or configure your OAuth 2.0 app in GHL and obtain client credentials. Ensure redirect URIs are whitelisted in Zapier.
Specify the Contacts API endpoints you’ll use and set the required scopes (e.g., readonly).
Test authentication and endpoint calls in a staging environment, then deploy to production with monitoring.
The Contacts API scope determines what data you can access. For read-only operations, use the readonly scope (e.g., contacts.readonly). If write actions are needed, ensure your app has write permissions granted by your GHL admin. Always request the minimum scope required for your workflow to improve security. If you’re unsure which scope to use, start with contacts.readonly and request additional permissions only after testing your automation in a staging environment.
No extensive coding is required to use the Zapier App Connector with the GHL Contacts API. Zapier provides triggers, actions, and field mappings that you can configure in a no-code editor. For advanced use cases, you can add minimal custom scripting in your Zap if your plan supports it. Begin with a simple trigger and build up to multi-step automations as you validate data flows.
To test endpoints like GET /contacts/:contactId, use a sandbox or test account connected to your Zapier app. Verify authentication, headers, and path parameters. Review response structures and map the fields you need to your Zapier fields. If the response looks correct, proceed to test chained actions (e.g., retrieving tasks or notes) to validate end-to-end behavior.
Access can be configured per user or organization depending on your GHL setup. Use scopes and permissions to limit visibility to only the contacts you need. If you’re sharing a Zap across teams, consider creating a service account with restricted access. For production, implement data filters to ensure you only pull or modify a subset of contacts as required.
Supported authentication methods include OAuth 2.0 and API keys, depending on the endpoint and your GHL configuration. OAuth 2.0 is recommended for user-specific access and token refresh workflows. API keys can be used for server-to-server communication where supported. Always store credentials securely and rotate them on a predictable schedule.
Webhooks allow real-time notification of changes in GHL data. In the Zapier integration, configure webhooks to trigger zaps when relevant events occur (e.g., contact updates). Ensure your webhook URL is reachable and verify payload signatures where available. Document the events you subscribe to and test with test hooks to confirm reliable delivery.
The endpoint list is shown in the Endpoint List section of this page. You can copy the paths or export them for reference. For ongoing development, bookmark the section and revisit it when adding new automations that use the Contacts API.
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Complete Operations Catalog - 126 Actions & Triggers
