GHL requires a secure token with the scope: contacts.readonly. Use OAuth 2.0 or an API key to request access, then store the token securely in Zapier’s connection settings.
Zapier stores your connection credentials and uses the token to authorize calls to the Contacts API. Re-authenticate if you see expired tokens or permission changes.
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 contacts.write 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 GHL, Zapier fetches the contact record via GET /contacts/:contactId and updates your workflow.
Actions: Use GET /contacts/:contactId to pull data, then map fields to your Zapier actions; create or update the contact via POST /contacts/ or PUT /contacts/:contactId if permitted by scope.
GET /contacts/:contactId
Required fields: contactId; Key fields: name, email, phone, status, tags
Trigger: New or updated task for a contact (POST /contacts/:contactId/tasks).
Actions: Create and update tasks using POST and PUT, including marking completed via PUT /contacts/:contactId/tasks/:taskId/completed.
POST /contacts/:contactId/tasks
Required: contactId, title; Optional: description, due date, status
Trigger: Tag added or removed from a contact (POST /contacts/:contactId/tags)
Actions: Add or remove tags using POST /contacts/:contactId/tags; sync with Zapier segments.
POST /contacts/:contactId/tags
Required: contactId, tags
Automate contact creation and updates from Paystack data without writing code.
Keep notes, tasks, and appointments in sync across systems with minimal setup.
Reuse templates and testing workflows to accelerate deployments.
A quick glossary of the core elements, processes, and best practices for connecting APIs, endpoints, and workflows.
Application Programming Interface: a defined set of rules that enables apps to communicate with each other.
A specific URL path in an API that performs a defined action, such as retrieving a contact.
A way for an app to notify another app of events in real time (optional in this setup).
The process of verifying identity and permissions before allowing API access.
Create a new GHL contact whenever a Paystack event creates a new customer or adds a new lead; populate fields automatically.
When a contact updates, automatically create a follow-up task in Zapier and assign to the owner.
Tag contacts based on Paystack status (e.g., successful payment) to trigger targeted campaigns.
Obtain an OAuth token or API key and set the scope to contacts.readonly, then test the connection in Zapier.
Review the available endpoints and map fields to your Zap templates.
Create Zap workflows that push and pull contact data, tasks, notes, and tags.
The Contacts API requires appropriate permissions aligned with your token scope, such as contacts.readonly for read operations. Ensure your connected app has the necessary scopes to perform the required actions. If you need write access, request increased permissions from your GHL administrator and update your token. Always protect tokens and rotate them regularly. Use Zapier’s connection management to handle token expiry gracefully and set up re-auth flows.
You can accomplish most tasks with no-code automations using Zapier templates and the GHL Contacts API. For advanced scenarios, you can create multi-step workflows and use built-in actions to map fields. No traditional coding is required. If you need custom validation or complex logic, you can use Zapier’s Code by Zapier for light scripting, but it’s optional.
For basic contact management, use GET /contacts/:contactId, POST /contacts/, and PUT /contacts/:contactId. For tasks, use POST /contacts/:contactId/tasks and PUT /contacts/:contactId/tasks/:taskId, etc. For notes and tags, similar endpoints exist; consult the endpoint list for full coverage.
Authenticate by creating a connected app in GHL with the required scope (contacts.readonly). In Zapier, set up OAuth or API key connection and securely store tokens. Re-authenticate if tokens expire or scopes change. Keep credentials confidential and rotate keys regularly to maintain a secure integration.
Yes. You can create tasks with POST /contacts/:contactId/tasks and update with PUT; you can mark tasks as completed with PUT /contacts/:contactId/tasks/:taskId/completed. These actions map cleanly into Zap templates, enabling seamless workflow automation.
Implement retries in Zapier, use built-in error handling, and map API error messages to user-friendly explanations. Monitor logs and adjust timeouts as needed. Consider using exponential backoff and rate-limiting strategies to avoid throttling.
Rate limits depend on your GHL plan. If you hit limits, stagger requests or batch operations where possible and implement exponential backoff in your Zap templates. Contact your administrator if you anticipate higher throughput requirements.
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Complete Operations Catalog - 126 Actions & Triggers
