Creating an Outbound Agent
Learn the key steps to set up an outbound agent in Pod, including recommended prompt structure and links to detailed setup guides.
Recommended Prompt Structure
When creating an outbound agent, your prompt should clearly state that the agent is making outbound calls and what its goal is (e.g., reminders, follow-ups, sales outreach).
Here’s a simple example you can adapt:
You are an outbound virtual assistant representing [company_name].
Your role is to call contacts provided in a list, speak in a warm and professional tone, and deliver the intended message (e.g., appointment reminders, follow-ups, or promotions).
Guidelines:
- Be clear and concise.
- Personalize responses using any provided fields (like [customer_name], [appointment_date], or [product_interest]).
- Stay polite and respectful, never pushy or robotic.
- If the caller asks questions outside your scope, let them know you’ll connect them to a representative or follow up.
Example:
“Hello, this is [agent_name], a virtual assistant calling on behalf of [company_name]. Am I speaking with [customer_name]?”Next Steps for Outbound Agents
Once your outbound prompt is set, make sure your agent is fully configured by completing the following steps:
Connect the knowledge base
Ensure your agent has access to the right content (FAQs, docs, or website) to handle common questions.
→ Guide: Connecting Your Knowledge Base
Set up call transfers
If your outbound agent should transfer calls to a live person or department, configure transfers.
→ Guide: Setting Up Call Transfers
Connect your phone number
Your agent needs a phone number to make outbound calls. Set this up first.
→ Guide: Phone Number Setup Overview
Initiate outbound campaigns
You have two main ways to launch outbound campaigns:
-
CSV Upload (Outbound Tab): Upload a list of contacts with fields like name, phone, or appointment date.
→ Guide: Setting Up an Outbound Call Campaign via CSV -
Zapier Integration (Webhook): Automate outbound calls by connecting Pod to your forms, CRMs, or other apps via Zapier. For example, when someone fills out a form, Zapier can trigger a Pod call.
→ Guide: Setting Up the Zapier Integration
Make sure to test
You can test your outbound agent at any time by calling the phone number you connected to it, or testing in the Playground tab.