Start by creating an API key in the Contacts API dashboard with the required scope: contacts.readonly. Store the key securely and test access from Zapier.
In Zapier, select the Referral Factory app, authorize access, and grant the minimum scopes needed to read contact data from the GHL Contacts API.
Key endpoints include: GET /contacts/:contactId, GET /contacts/:contactId/tasks, GET /contacts/:contactId/notes, POST /contacts/, PUT /contacts/:contactId/tasks/:taskId, PUT /contacts/:contactId/notes/:id, DELETE /contacts/:contactId, GET /contacts/business/:businessId. These endpoints are used to power triggers and actions in Referral Factory.
Trigger: A new referral creates or updates a contact in the Contacts API.
Actions: Create or update the corresponding contact in Referral Factory; map name, email, and tags.
GET /contacts/:contactId
Key fields: contactId, email, name, phone, status
Trigger: Task updated in Contacts API
Actions: Create or update corresponding task in Referral Factory; reflect status and due date.
PUT /contacts/:contactId/tasks/:taskId
Key fields: taskId, title, dueDate, completed
Trigger: Note added or updated for a contact
Actions: Create or update notes in Referral Factory; ensure linkage to the correct contact
POST /contacts/:contactId/notes
Key fields: noteId, content, createdAt
Real-time data synchronization without custom coding reduces maintenance overhead.
Unified automation through Zapier App Connector streamlines workflows across platforms.
Improved data consistency, faster onboarding of new referrals, and clearer activity trails.
This glossary defines the main elements you will encounter: API endpoints, triggers, actions, and data fields used to move data between GHL and Referral Factory.
A specific URL in the Contacts API used to retrieve or modify data (for example, GET /contacts/:contactId).
An event in GHL that starts an automation in Referral Factory via Zapier (for example, a new contact created).
A task performed by Referral Factory as a result of a trigger (for example, update a contact or create a note).
The process of validating credentials so that Zapier can securely access the GHL API and the Referral Factory app.
Automatically create or update contact records in the Contacts API when a new referral is captured by Referral Factory.
Create tasks in Contacts API from Referral Factory to remind agents to follow up with contacts.
Attach notes to a contact during referrals to keep everyone aligned in GHL.
Obtain API credentials for the Contacts API and connect the Referral Factory app in Zapier with the required scopes.
In Zapier, map core fields (name, email, phone) and tie triggers to the relevant API endpoints.
Run tests, verify data flow, and turn on the Zap for live operations.
The typical scope required is contacts.readonly to fetch data. Always apply the principle of least privilege and rotate credentials regularly. If write actions are needed later, upgrade permission only for those flows. Reference the Contacts API docs for exact scope options.
No extensive coding is required. Zapier provides a user-friendly interface to configure triggers and actions. For advanced scenarios, you can augment with webhooks or small scripts, but most connections are achievable with point-and-click setup.
Recommended endpoints include GET /contacts/:contactId, GET /contacts/:contactId/tasks, GET /contacts/:contactId/notes to pull data. For actions, use POST /contacts/, POST /contacts/:contactId/tasks, and POST /contacts/:contactId/notes to create records. Map the fields carefully to maintain data consistency.
Authenticate using API keys or OAuth as provided by the GHL Contacts API and the Referral Factory app. Store credentials securely in Zapier and enable credential rotation. Test the connections in a sandbox or with a limited dataset before going live.
Use Zapier’s built-in testing tools with sample referrals. Verify field mappings, end-to-end data flow, and error logs. Run multiple test records to ensure reliability across contacts, tasks, and notes.
Yes. You can pause or disable the Zap in Zapier at any time. This stops automation without deleting historical data. You can re-enable it later when ready to resume syncing.
API documentation for the Contacts API is available on the GHL developer portal. Look for the Contacts API reference, endpoint list, and authentication guides. Keep an eye on versioning and deprecation notes.
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Complete Operations Catalog - 126 Actions & Triggers
