Access to the Contacts API is secured with OAuth 2.0 using scoped permissions. In this integration, you will create a GHL API client, grant the contacts.readonly scope, and exchange tokens to call endpoints like GET /contacts/:contactId.
In Zapier App Connector, configure OAuth2 or API key-based authentication as appropriate, then securely store tokens and refresh them automatically when needed to call GHL’s endpoints.
GET /contacts/:contactId — Retrieve a single contact. 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 — Retrieve appointments for a contact. GET /contacts/ — List contacts. GET /contacts/business/:businessId — List contacts by business. contacts.write — Write permission for contacts. POST /contacts/ — Create a 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 — Tag a contact.
Trigger: Retrieve a contact by ID in Zapier to start a workflow.
Actions: Pull complete contact data from GET /contacts/:contactId and map fields (name, email, phone, custom fields) into downstream steps such as marketing or support workflows.
GET /contacts/:contactId
contactId
Trigger: Retrieve tasks for a given contact.
Actions: Return tasks data (taskId, title, status, dueDate) for use in task management or reporting.
GET /contacts/:contactId/tasks
contactId
Trigger: Retrieve notes for a contact.
Actions: Expose noteId, content, and updatedAt for context in outreach or audits.
GET /contacts/:contactId/notes
contactId
Rapid automation without coding: Build workflows with clicks, not code.
Centralized data syncing: Keep contact data, tasks, and notes up to date across apps.
Scalable, maintainable integrations: Update endpoints or scopes without rewriting code.
Overview of essential elements and processes involved in connecting GHL Contacts API with Zapier App Connector.
A person in your GHL CRM with associated data such as name, email, phone, and custom fields.
A to-do item linked to a contact, used to track activities like calls, emails, or meetings.
A free-form text entry attached to a contact to capture context, interactions, or updates.
A scheduled meeting or call associated with a contact within GHL.
Capture new form submissions in GHL via the Contacts API and push updates to Zapier to trigger follow-up tasks or campaigns.
Automatically create tasks in GHL when triggers occur in other apps, then fetch task status for reporting.
Attach notes from external apps to contacts to personalize outreach and maintain context.
Create or configure credentials in GHL and in Zapier App Connector, then generate access tokens.
Select endpoints like GET /contacts/:contactId and map fields to your Zapier actions.
Create Zaps that trigger on data changes and perform actions across apps using the endpoints.
The Contacts API provides programmatic access to contact records, tasks, notes, and appointments in GHL. You can read data with GET endpoints and perform write operations with POST, PUT, and DELETE within approved scopes. This enables you to pull data into Zapier and push updates back to GHL as part of automated workflows. Use in Zapier to automate updates, create tasks, or fetch notes. Always follow best practices for authentication, least privilege, and robust error handling.
Authentication is done with OAuth 2.0 for both GHL and Zapier App Connector. In GHL, create a client and authorize access to the Contacts API. In Zapier, configure the app’s OAuth flow and securely store tokens. Refresh tokens before they expire and handle token errors gracefully in your Zaps.
Endpoint availability includes reading and writing: GET endpoints for reading; POST/PUT/DELETE for writes. Use /contacts/ for listing, /contacts/:contactId to access a specific contact, and other child endpoints for tasks, notes, and tags. Choose endpoints based on your automation goals and always respect the scope and permissions granted to your integration.
Yes, you can modify data via the API within your granted scopes. For example, update a contact with PUT, or create tasks with POST. Be mindful of rate limits, ensure idempotent requests where possible, and test in a sandbox before updating production data.
Security considerations include using OAuth tokens, HTTPS, and least privilege. Never share tokens in client-side code and rotate credentials regularly. Be mindful of rate limits and implement retry/backoff strategies to handle transient errors.
Token expiry requires refresh tokens or re-auth flows to obtain new access tokens. Zapier can handle token refresh automatically if configured; implement error handling for expired tokens.
Examples and templates can be found in the Zapier App Connector documentation and the GHL API reference. Start with common workflows such as ‘New contact creates a follow-up task’ or ‘Contact update sync’ and adapt to your needs.
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