You have two choices: You can spend 5 hours learning JSON payload formatting and error handling, or you can pay an architect 1 hour to build a bulletproof bridge. Here is the manual for both.
The Reality Check
The DIY Route (Free)
Requires understanding JSON syntax, testing headers, mapping custom fields manually, and setting up “Catch Hooks” in Zapier/Make. Risk: High probability of “Silent Failure” (data doesn’t send, no error is reported).
The Architect Route ($500)
We build a custom middleware script that validates data, retries failed attempts, and formats phone numbers automatically. Benefit: 100% data reliability.
The Manual Setup (For the Brave)
If you want to save the money and do this yourself, you must ensure your JSON payload is formatted correctly. A single missing comma will break the entire automation.
Do not use the default “Send Webhook.” Use “Custom Webhook.” You need to map your keys specifically so your endpoint can read them.
{
“contact_id”: “{{contact.id}}”,
“first_name”: “{{contact.first_name}}”,
“email”: “{{contact.email}}”,
“phone”: “{{contact.phone}}”,
“custom_field_key”: “{{contact.custom_field_123}}”
}
Warning: If a contact is missing a phone number, standard JSON might throw an error or send a null value that breaks your downstream CRM.
Most secure endpoints (like enterprise systems) require a Bearer Token. You cannot just paste the URL.
You must add a specific header key:
- Key: Authorization
- Value: Bearer [Your_API_Key]
Is “Free” Actually Free?
The issue with the DIY method is that it lacks Error Handling. If Zapier is down for 5 seconds, GHL will try to send the webhook, fail, and never try again. That lead is gone forever.
My $500 setup includes a “Retry Loop.” If the destination doesn’t respond with a “200 OK” success message, my script waits 30 seconds and tries again, up to 5 times.
If you sell high-ticket items, saving one lead pays for the setup instantly.
Stop Guessing with JSON
You run a business, not a code academy. Let me install the infrastructure that guarantees your data delivery.
Want to learn the strategy? Check my 1-on-1 Coaching.