What Webhook means
Webhooks keep systems in sync in real time without anyone checking manually. For example, a new lead can land in your CRM instantly, or a CMS publish can trigger a site rebuild. They should be secured so only trusted sources can send them.
Why it matters for your website
Webhooks connect your site to your other tools instantly, so leads land in your CRM and orders reach fulfillment without manual copying. That speed can help you follow up faster and cut down on errors.
Example
When a hypothetical law firm's contact form is submitted, a webhook sends the details to its CRM and alerts the intake team within seconds.
Tips
- Verify webhook signatures so fake requests are rejected.
- Log incoming webhooks so you can troubleshoot missing data.
- Plan for retries in case the receiving system is briefly down.
Common mistakes
- Leaving a webhook URL open with no check that requests are genuine.
- Never noticing when a webhook breaks and leads stop flowing.
Questions about Webhook
What is Webhook?
An automatic message one system sends to another the moment something happens, like a new order or form fill.
What is the difference between a webhook and an API?
With an API, your system asks for data when it needs it. With a webhook, the other system sends data to you automatically when something happens.
Are webhooks secure?
They can be when you use HTTPS and verify signatures or secrets with each request. Without checks, anyone who finds the URL could send fake data.
