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Agent Studio - Setting Up Triggers for Flow Agents

Learn how to configure real-time Start triggers for existing Flow Agents in GHL Customer Care's Agent Studio, that includes setup, testing, and publishing steps.

5 min read1,148 words4 explained imagesUpdated Wed, 8 Jul at 9:05 AM
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  1. Key Benefits of Flow Agent Triggers
  2. How to Set Up Flow Agent Triggers
  3. Frequently Asked Questions
  4. Related Articles

Use Agent Studio Triggers to start an AI agent automatically when a contact action or system event happens in GHL Customer Care. Real-time starts help you respond faster, reduce manual work, and launch the right automation at the moment a trigger occurs. This article explains how to configure real-time Start triggers for existing Flow Agents in GHL Customer Care.

Important: Agent Studio now includes Super Agents and Flow Agents. New agent creation should be done using Super Agents. Existing Flow Agents continue to run normally and can still be opened, edited, and managed from the Flow Agents page.

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What are Triggers for Flow Agents?

Flow Agent Triggers are event listeners attached to an agent’s Start node that automatically launch the agent when a supported platform event occurs. By reacting to real user actions like submitting a form or sending a chat, agents can engage contacts immediately without external API calls or manual steps.

Flow Agent Triggers provide three entry events today: Form submitted, Lead tag (added or removed), and Chat message. When one of these events fires, the agent starts from its Start trigger and continues through your designed flow.

Key Benefits of Flow Agent Triggers

  • Real‑time engagement: Respond to leads the moment they act—submit a form, message your business, or get tagged.
  • Hands‑free scalability: Remove polling scripts and custom web-hooks and configure an in‑product trigger and publish.
  • Consistent entry point: Standardize how agents start so testing and troubleshooting are easier.
  • Non‑breaking adoption: Triggers are optional and additive; existing API‑based agents continue to work.
  • Foundation for growth: Event‑driven design sets the stage for additional event types over time.

How to Set Up Flow Agent Triggers

Follow these steps to create a reliable, testable, and production‑ready trigger configuration from start to finish.

Prerequisites & Access: 

Confirm access and environment so your trigger setup goes smoothly and matches your deployment process.

Access AI Agents → Agent Studio inside the correct sub‑account/location.

See How to Setup Flow Agents in Agent Studio for canvas navigation, testing, and publish lifecycle.
  1. From the left sidebar, click AI Agents, then select the Agent Studio tab at the top.
  2. Click on the Flow Agents button.
     
    Step 2 of 8: Click on the Flow Agents button What this shows Step 2 of 8: Click on the Flow Agents button. What this shows Shows what to click for step 2 of 8 in the "How to Set Up Flow Agent Triggers" section of "Agent Studio - Setting Up Triggers for Flow Agents". This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 8 in the "How to Set Up Flow Agent Triggers" section of "Agent Studio - Setting Up Triggers for Flow Agents". At this point in the walkthrough you click on the Flow Agents button. For context, this section explains: Follow these steps to create a reliable, testable, and production‑ready trigger configuration from start to finish. This part of the guide covers 1 field, listed below. The next step is to click an existing agent's name to edit it. Step 2 of 8Image 1 of 4 What to clickClick on the Flow Agents button.
    Fields in this part of the guide Validate & Go Live
    Buttons and menus referenced Flow AgentsAI Agents → Agent StudioHow to Setup Flow Agents in Agent StudioAI AgentsAgent StudioClickexistingagent'snameAdd New NodeStart triggerFlow Control
    Next stepClick an existing agent's name to edit it.
    All 8 steps in this procedure
    1. From the left sidebar, click AI Agents, then select the Agent Studio tab at the top.
    2. Click on the Flow Agents button. this image
    3. Click an existing agent's name to edit it.
    4. Inside the agent, you’ll see the builder canvas with nodes and a plus control. Use Add New Node to begin building or locate the starting area of your existing flow.
    5. From the node picker, choose Start trigger under Flow Control. This places a trigger tile that listens for events to start your agent.
    6. In the Select trigger panel, pick Form submitted, Lead tag, Chat message or Workflows to define what starts the agent. Your choice determines which configuration options appear next.
    7. Setup the Triggers: Select Forms For Form submitted trigger, use the dropdown to choose one or more forms, or click Add new if the form isn’t created yet. The agent will start whenever any selected form is submitted. Choose Tag Action For Lead tag, set Tag action to Tag added or Tag removed. This decides whether the agent starts when a tag is applied to a contact or when it’s removed. Select the specific tag from the list, or create one with Add new. The agent listens only for changes to the tags you select here. When bulk‑adding tags for testing, consider using a small test segment first to avoid triggering many agent runs at once. Enable Chat Trigger For Chat message, no additional configuration is required. The agent will start automatically whenever a new inbound message arrives through connected chat channels.
    8. Validate & Go Live
  3. Click an existing agent's name to edit it.
  4. Inside the agent, you’ll see the builder canvas with nodes and a plus control. Use Add New Node to begin building or locate the starting area of your existing flow.
  5. From the node picker, choose Start trigger under Flow Control. This places a trigger tile that listens for events to start your agent.
  6. In the Select trigger panel, pick Form submitted, Lead tag, Chat message or Workflows to define what starts the agent. Your choice determines which configuration options appear next.
    1. Form Submitted Trigger: Use this when you want an agent to engage immediately after a contact completes a GHL Customer Care‑tracked form, ideal for instant nurture, qualification, or routing. It:
      • Starts the agent when any selected form is submitted.
      • Exposes submitted form fields as variables your agent can reference in later steps.
    2. Lead Tag Trigger (Added / Removed): Fire targeted automations when a tag is applied to or removed from a contact. Common uses include VIP onboarding, re‑engagement, or churn‑prevention.
      • Starts the agent when a selected tag is added or removed from a contact.
      • Provides the contact context (including existing tags and custom fields) to your flow.
    3. Chat Message Trigger: Start your agent the instant a new inbound message arrives through supported chat widgets/providers, this trigger is ideal for instant replies, smart routing, or FAQ deflection.
      • Requires no additional configuration, add the trigger and publish.
      • Provides message text, sender details, and conversation context for your flow logic.
    4. Workflows Trigger: Checkout this article for better understanding - Workflow Action - Invoke Agent Studio Agent
      Step 4 of 4: Workflows Trigger: Checkout this article for better understanding -… What this shows Step 4 of 4: Workflows Trigger: Checkout this article for better understanding - Workflow Action - Invoke Agent Studio Agent What this shows Shows what this covers for step 4 of 4 in the "How to Set Up Flow Agent Triggers" section of "Agent Studio - Setting Up Triggers for Flow Agents". This animation accompanies step 4 of 4 in the "How to Set Up Flow Agent Triggers" section of "Agent Studio - Setting Up Triggers for Flow Agents". At this point in the walkthrough you workflows Trigger: Checkout this article for better understanding - Workflow Action - Invoke Agent Studio Agent. This part of the guide covers 1 field, listed below. Step 4 of 4Image 2 of 4 What this coversWorkflows Trigger: Checkout this article for better understanding - Workflow Action - Invoke Agent Studio Agent
      Fields in this part of the guide Validate & Go Live
      Buttons and menus referenced AI Agents → Agent StudioHow to Setup Flow Agents in Agent StudioAI AgentsAgent StudioFlow AgentsClickexistingagent'snameAdd New NodeStart triggerFlow Control
      All 4 steps in this procedure
      1. Form Submitted Trigger: Use this when you want an agent to engage immediately after a contact completes a GHL Customer Care‑tracked form, ideal for instant nurture, qualification, or routing. It:
      2. Lead Tag Trigger (Added / Removed): Fire targeted automations when a tag is applied to or removed from a contact. Common uses include VIP onboarding, re‑engagement, or churn‑prevention.
      3. Chat Message Trigger: Start your agent the instant a new inbound message arrives through supported chat widgets/providers, this trigger is ideal for instant replies, smart routing, or FAQ deflection.
      4. Workflows Trigger: Checkout this article for better understanding - Workflow Action - Invoke Agent Studio Agent this image

  7. Setup the Triggers:

    Select Forms
    For Form submitted trigger, use the dropdown to choose one or more forms, or click Add new if the form isn’t created yet. The agent will start whenever any selected form is submitted.
    Choose Tag Action
    For Lead tag, set Tag action to Tag added or Tag removed. This decides whether the agent starts when a tag is applied to a contact or when it’s removed.
    Select the specific tagfrom the list, or create one with Add new. The agent listens only for changes to the tags you select here.
    When bulk‑adding tags for testing, consider using a small test segment first to avoid triggering many agent runs at once.
    Enable Chat Trigger
    For Chat message, no additional configuration is required. The agent will start automatically whenever a new inbound message arrives through connected chat channels.
    Step 7 of 8: Setup the Triggers: Select Forms For Form submitted trigger, use the… What this shows Step 7 of 8: Setup the Triggers: Select Forms For Form submitted trigger, use the dropdown to choose one or more forms, or click Add new if the form… What this shows Shows what to choose for step 7 of 8 in the "How to Set Up Flow Agent Triggers" section of "Agent Studio - Setting Up Triggers for Flow Agents". This animation accompanies step 7 of 8 in the "How to Set Up Flow Agent Triggers" section of "Agent Studio - Setting Up Triggers for Flow Agents". At this point in the walkthrough you setup the Triggers: Select Forms For Form submitted trigger, use the dropdown to choose one or more forms, or click Add new if the form isn’t created yet. The agent will start whenever any selected form is submitted. Choose Tag Action For Lead tag, set Tag action to Tag added or Tag removed. This decides whether the agent starts when a tag is applied to a contact or when it’s removed. Select the specific tag from the list, or create one with Add new. The agent listens only for changes to the tags you select here. When bulk‑adding tags for testing, consider using a small test segment first to avoid triggering many agent runs at once. Enable Chat Trigger For Chat message, no additional configuration is required. The agent will start automatically whenever a new inbound message arrives through connected chat channels. This part of the guide covers 1 field, listed below. The next step is to validate & Go Live. Step 7 of 8Image 3 of 4 What to chooseSetup the Triggers: Select Forms For Form submitted trigger, use the dropdown to choose one or more forms, or click Add new if the form isn’t created yet. The agent will start whenever any selected form is submitted. Choose Tag Action For Lead tag, set Tag action to Tag added or Tag removed. This decides whether the agent starts when a tag is applied to a contact or when it’s removed. Select the specific tag from the list, or create one with Add new. The agent listens only for changes to the tags you select here. When bulk‑adding tags for testing, consider using a small test segment first to avoid triggering many agent runs at once. Enable Chat Trigger For Chat message, no additional configuration is required. The agent will start automatically whenever a new inbound message arrives through connected chat channels.
    Fields in this part of the guide Validate & Go Live
    Buttons and menus referenced Select FormsForm submittedAdd newChoose Tag ActionLead tagTag actionTag addedTag removedSelectspecifictagEnable Chat Trigger
    Next stepValidate & Go Live
    All 8 steps in this procedure
    1. From the left sidebar, click AI Agents, then select the Agent Studio tab at the top.
    2. Click on the Flow Agents button.
    3. Click an existing agent's name to edit it.
    4. Inside the agent, you’ll see the builder canvas with nodes and a plus control. Use Add New Node to begin building or locate the starting area of your existing flow.
    5. From the node picker, choose Start trigger under Flow Control. This places a trigger tile that listens for events to start your agent.
    6. In the Select trigger panel, pick Form submitted, Lead tag, Chat message or Workflows to define what starts the agent. Your choice determines which configuration options appear next.
    7. Setup the Triggers: Select Forms For Form submitted trigger, use the dropdown to choose one or more forms, or click Add new if the form isn’t created yet. The agent will start whenever any selected form is submitted. Choose Tag Action For Lead tag, set Tag action to Tag added or Tag removed. This decides whether the agent starts when a tag is applied to a contact or when it’s removed. Select the specific tag from the list, or create one with Add new. The agent listens only for changes to the tags you select here. When bulk‑adding tags for testing, consider using a small test segment first to avoid triggering many agent runs at once. Enable Chat Trigger For Chat message, no additional configuration is required. The agent will start automatically whenever a new inbound message arrives through connected chat channels. this image
    8. Validate & Go Live
  8. Validate & Go Live
  • Test: Run a safe simulation of the selected trigger to see exactly which variables and payload the agent receives, no live contacts are affected. Use this to iterate quickly on prompts/nodes and verify the flow before publishing.
  • Save: Store your current changes as a Staging version so you don’t lose work and can return later; nothing goes live yet. Saving is ideal after each configuration step (e.g., choosing forms or tags) to keep a clean working version.
  • Publish: Push the current agent and its Start trigger live for this sub-account so real events immediately start the agent. Publish after successful Tests, ensuring the Start trigger is connected to the first node; if the agent is mapped to other features (e.g., Ask AI), it typically must be in Production to be selectable.
    Step 1 of 1: Publish: Push the current agent and its Start trigger live for this… What this shows Step 1 of 1: Publish: Push the current agent and its Start trigger live for this sub-account so real events immediately start the agent. What this shows Shows how to confirm for step 1 of 1 in the "How to Set Up Flow Agent Triggers" section of "Agent Studio - Setting Up Triggers for Flow Agents". This screenshot accompanies step 1 of 1 in the "How to Set Up Flow Agent Triggers" section of "Agent Studio - Setting Up Triggers for Flow Agents". At this point in the walkthrough you publish: Push the current agent and its Start trigger live for this sub-account so real events immediately start the agent. Publish after successful Tests, ensuring the Start trigger is connected to the first node; if the agent is mapped to other features (e.g., Ask AI), it typically must be in Production to be selectable. This part of the guide covers 1 field, listed below. Step 1 of 1Image 4 of 4 How to confirmPublish: Push the current agent and its Start trigger live for this sub-account so real events immediately start the agent. Publish after successful Tests, ensuring the Start trigger is connected to the first node; if the agent is mapped to other features (e.g., Ask AI), it typically must be in Production to be selectable.
    Fields in this part of the guide Validate & Go Live
    Buttons and menus referenced AI Agents → Agent StudioHow to Setup Flow Agents in Agent StudioAI AgentsAgent StudioFlow AgentsClickexistingagent'snameAdd New NodeStart triggerFlow Control

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I create a new Flow Agent for real-time Start triggers?
No. New agent creation should now be done using Super Agents. Existing Flow Agents can still be opened, edited, and managed from the Flow Agents page.

Q: Will my existing Flow Agent triggers continue to work?
Yes. Existing Flow Agents and their configured triggers continue to run normally.

Q: Do triggers change how my existing API‑invoked agents run?

No. Triggers are additive. Your existing API flows continue to work; triggers only run for agents where you’ve added a Start trigger.

Q: Can I test before going live?

Yes. Use the canvas Test option to simulate the event and validate variables and responses before publishing.

Q: Which chat sources are supported?

Triggers work with GHL Customer Care’s existing chat widgets/providers connected to your sub‑account. No extra configuration is required to start.

Q: What data is available to my agent when a trigger fires?

Form submissions include mapped form fields; Lead tag events include contact context; Chat message events include message text and conversation metadata.

Q: What if I don’t see my form or tag in the dropdown?

Confirm you’re in the correct sub‑account/location and that the asset exists there. Refresh the builder after creating new forms/tags.

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