Scope: contacts.readonly limits access to read operations. Use OAuth 2.0 or a token-based approach via the Zapier App Connector to securely authenticate requests to endpoints like GET /contacts/:contactId and POST /contacts/.
In Zapier, configure a connection using the GHL Contacts API credentials from your developer portal. Store tokens securely, rotate credentials as needed, and rely on Zapier’s secret storage for sensitive data.
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.
Actions: Retrieve contact details; fetch related tasks, notes, and appointments for context.
GET /contacts/:contactId
Key fields: contactId, email, name
Trigger: Task updates tied to a contact.
Actions: Get /contacts/:contactId/tasks; update or create tasks via PUT /contacts/:contactId/tasks/:taskId.
GET /contacts/:contactId/tasks
Key fields: contactId, taskId, status
Trigger: New note added to a contact.
Actions: Get /contacts/:contactId/notes; Post /contacts/:contactId/notes to add notes.
GET /contacts/:contactId/notes
Key fields: contactId, noteId
No-code automation lets teams map data between GHL and apps without writing code.
Rapid setup and scalable workflows using triggers and actions.
Centralized data flow improves CRM accuracy and team collaboration.
This glossary explains API terms, endpoints, and processes used when connecting GHL Contacts API with the Zapier App Connector.
Application Programming Interface: a set of rules that lets different software programs communicate and share data.
A specific URL and operation you can call in the API to perform a task.
OAuth 2.0 is a standard for authorizing access to APIs without sharing user credentials.
Permissions granted to an access token, such as readonly or write, that determine allowed actions.
Automatically fetch contact details when new leads enter GHL and route important data into your CRM workflows in Zapier.
Sync tasks between Contacts API and Zapier to reflect real-time status and due dates across teams.
Attach notes to contacts as support conversations happen to provide context for agents and teammates.
Verify the scope is set to contacts.readonly (or higher for write access) and authorize the Zapier connection. Test with a sample contact to ensure data returns correctly.
Add triggers and actions using the endpoints listed above (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE where applicable). Map fields between GHL and your target app.
Run end-to-end tests to confirm data flows for contacts, tasks, and notes, and adjust mappings as needed.
The GHL Contacts API primarily supports OAuth 2.0 for secure access. Depending on your setup, token-based access may be used for developer testing. When connected via the Zapier App Connector, the connection stores tokens securely and refreshes them automatically. The read-only scope (contacts.readonly) is a common starting point for non-destructive workflows. Remember to keep credentials confidential and use Zapier’s secret storage for tokens.
Core endpoints cover reading and managing contacts, tasks, notes, appointments, and business associations: GET /contacts/:contactId, GET /contacts/:contactId/tasks, GET /contacts/:contactId/notes, GET /contacts/:contactId/appointments, GET /contacts/, POST /contacts/, PUT /contacts/:contactId, DELETE /contacts/:contactId, and related task/note endpoints. The endpoints list enables you to pull data or perform updates as part of automated workflows.
Reading data is allowed with the contacts.readonly scope. Write operations require write-enabled scopes or corresponding endpoints (e.g., POST /contacts/, PUT /contacts/:contactId, POST /contacts/:contactId/tasks). In Zapier, triggers can read data, while actions can create or update records if your connection has the proper permissions. Always verify your token scopes before enabling write actions.
Readonly scope restricts you to retrieval actions, reducing risk but limiting updates. Full access enables creating, updating, and deleting records. If you need write capabilities, request higher-scoped credentials and configure your Zapier connection to use those credentials securely, ensuring compliance with your data policies.
To test the connection, set up a test Zap in Zapier using the connected GHL account and run sample triggers and actions. Check authentication, endpoint paths, and returned data structures. Validate that contacts, tasks, and notes flow to your target app as expected.
Rate limits are determined by your GHL plan and endpoint type. If you approach limits, implement backoff strategies, stagger requests, and consider batching where supported. Monitor API usage and optimize by caching reusable data when possible.
Structure automations with clear triggers for changes and actions for operations. Map fields thoughtfully, handle errors gracefully, and prefer endpoints that minimize calls. Build modular Zaps that can be reused across different workflows and maintain consistent data formats.
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Complete Operations Catalog - 126 Actions & Triggers
