You can watch this video and follow along with the text guide be.
Method 1: Save Data in Flow Columns
Flow columns store data within a specific automation workflow. This data stays inside that workflow and gets deleted if you delete the flow.
Setting it up
Create an automation with a keyword trigger
Add a message block asking for customer info (like "What's your name?")
Set it to wait for customer response
In the message block settings, scroll to the "Save To" section
Under "Show in Flow Data", name your column (ex: customer_name)
Testing it
Type your keyword in WhatsApp. When the bot asks for your name, respond with it (ex: "Khizar").
To view the saved data, go to your workflow's execution log and refresh. You'll see the collected data appear in your custom column.
Saving button responses
You can also save data from button choices:
Create a flow with buttons (ex: "phone cases", "chargers", "cables")
Connect all buttons to an Action block
Set the action to "Save in Flow Column"
Set the column name (ex: "lookingFor?")
Set the data value to {{lastMessage}}
When customers tap a button, their choice gets saved as their last message.
Method 2: Save Data in Custom Fields
Custom fields store data persistently across your entire Spur account. You can use this data anywhere: broadcasts, segments, templates, automations. Unlike flow columns, custom field data stays even if you delete workflows.
Creating custom fields
Go to Database > Custom Fields. Here you can create fields for any info you want to track: birthday month, customization requests, product interests, whatever matters for your business.
Setting it up
Create an automation with a keyword trigger
Add a message asking for info (ex: "Hey, what customization are you looking for?")
Set it to wait for response
Add an Action block
Set action to "Set Custom Field"
Choose your field name (ex: "Customization")
Set value to {{lastMessage}}
Viewing the data
After a customer responds, go to Inbox and open their conversation. On the right sidebar under Custom Fields, you'll see the data they provided.
Saving button choices to custom fields
Same concept as before, but this time:
Create buttons in your flow
Connect them to an Action block
Set action to "Set Custom Field"
Choose your field (ex: "product of interest")
Set value to {{lastMessage}}
Whatever button the customer taps gets saved in their custom field. Refresh the conversation page to see the updated data.
When to use which method
Use flow columns when:
Data is only relevant to that specific workflow
You don't need the data elsewhere
Use custom fields when:
You want to reuse the data across Spur
You need it for segmentation or broadcasts
The info should persist longterm
That's it. Start collecting data that matters to your business, then use it to send betterr messages. :)
Need help? Reach out to our support team anytime :)