Sometimes, the most interesting part of a project is when things don’t go as planned.
I originally set out to build a simple booking system via WhatsApp, using a chatbot to help users schedule appointments. I explored various platforms, including Twilio, Zapier, and specialized tools like Libromi, which offer multi-agent support, payment integrations, and booking systems via WhatsApp. My plan was to test a single hypothesis, so I decided to build the core logic calendar booking myself.
However, to use the WhatsApp Business API, I needed a Facebook Business account. That’s where things took an unexpected turn: my Facebook account was suddenly blocked, and with it, the API access was gone. I have written an email to the customer support but they didn’t reply(
Pivoting to a New Stack
So, I started exploring alternatives. That’s when I discovered n8n, an open-source automation platform that provides visual workflow creation, powerful integrations, and complete ownership over the process.
Instead of relying on WhatsApp, I decided to embed the chatbot directly inside a website. Since many doctors in Austria have websites, it’s still a working hypothesis. Here’s what my updated setup looks like:
- n8n: To control and visualize the conversation and booking flow.
- ChatGPT API: For natural, conversational responses.
- Google Calendar API: To check availability and schedule appointments.
- Embedded web widget: So users can interact with the chatbot on a website, without needing to go through WhatsApp or Facebook.
What’s Next?
This new approach is actually more flexible than what I originally planned. I don’t need third-party approval, and I have full control over the chatbot’s tone, interface, and features.
Next steps include programming the chatbot to respond to particular responses, testing a real-time booking, and possibly adding reminders or email confirmations. Even though the platform shifted, the goal remains the same: to build a smart, lightweight, and user-friendly appointment system
