*This post was created with a self-made CustomGPT based on Sophie’s latest YouTube video. You can find the link to the video at the end of this article.
In a world where custom GPTs such as ChatGPT, SwissGPT or Gemini are becoming increasingly popular, a central question arises for many: How can I use my AI assistants outside the OpenAI platform?
Zapier provides a convincing answer to this with its new Zapier chatbots. In this article, I’ll show you how you can build a flexible, interactive and fully customizable AI assistant in just a few steps – without having to rely on the limitations of classic GPT platforms.
Why an alternative to custom GPTs?
Many of you have already created your own custom GPTs. These usually consist of:
- a very detailed system prompt,
- optional file uploads or database connections,
- and run directly via the OpenAI platform.
But what if you want to use your GPT on your own website? Or would you like to link it to external tools such as Trello, Notion or e-mail? This is exactly where the new Zapier Chatbots platform comes into play.
How a Zapier chatbot works
With its new chatbot function, Zapier offers the possibility to create GPT-like assistants – flexible, expandable and completely independent of OpenAI. The design is strongly reminiscent of custom GPTs:
1. system prompt = instruction
You start with a so-called “Instruction”. This is nothing other than your system prompt – the detailed text that defines the behavior of your chatbot. You can even add sample dialogs as you know them from GPTs.
2. link knowledge sources
So that your chatbot can access well-founded information, you bind:
- Websites,
- Files,
- or Zapier Tables as sources of knowledge.
This significantly expands its capabilities – just like custom GPTs with file upload or API connection.
3. start message & user guidance
You can define a static or dynamic start message and thus customize the user experience.
4. customize design individually
Name, color, avatar – everything can be adapted to your branding. This is particularly practical for companies that want to integrate the chatbot into their CI.
Automations: The decisive advantage
What makes Zapier Chatbots particularly powerful is the ability to incorporate automation and triggers:
- For example, you can automatically send an e-mail after a chat.
- You can have tasks created in Trello or Jira.
- Or you can transfer chat results to Google Sheets or CRM systems.
This is a real game changer – and far more flexible than classic GPTs on the OpenAI platform.
How to publish your chatbot
As soon as your chatbot is ready, you have several options for publishing it:
- Via an individual link
- Directly on your website
- In any interface or tool
This makes your GPT-like assistant available where your users really need it – not just on the OpenAI platform.
Conclusion: More flexible, more integrable, more independent
Zapier chatbots provide you with a powerful alternative to classic custom GPTs – ideal for all those who:
- want more flexibility,
- require deep integration into existing tools,
- or simply want to build an AI assistant that works beyond the boundaries of OpenAI.
If you want to delve deeper, register now for the 2-hour webinar: https://www.eventbrite.ch/e/intelligent-automatisieren-mit-ki-zapier-extended-webinar-tickets-1383372918639?aff=oddtdtcreator
Any further questions?
Do you have any questions? I am happy to support you, act as a sparring partner and answer your questions. I am always happy to receive your messages, preferably by WhatsApp message or e-mail.
