Ever wish your WordPress site could take care of things automatically - like sending data to another app or triggering an action when something happens? That’s exactly what webhooks do.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to use webhooks in WordPress to automate tasks, connect with external tools, and build smarter workflows without needing advanced tech skills.
What Are Webhooks in WordPress?
Before we get into setup, let’s answer a simple question: what is a webhook?
Imagine placing a pizza order and getting a buzzer that lights up when it’s ready. You don’t keep asking the kitchen if it’s done - they notify you. That’s how webhooks work.
A webhook is an automatic message sent from one app to another when something specific happens. It includes useful data (called a payload) and is sent to a URL you define - typically on your WordPress site.
Unlike APIs that require your site to constantly check for updates, webhooks are event-driven. They only act when needed, making them faster and less demanding on your server.
In WordPress, webhooks let your site respond to events or communicate with other tools. For example, you can:
Send form data to your CRM instantly
Trigger a Slack alert when someone registers
Sync orders with an external system via Zapier or IFTTT
Webhooks open the door to powerful automation - no constant checking, no manual tasks.
Webhook Use Case Examples
Trigger Event | Automated Action (via Webhook) | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
New user registers on your site | Send user info to CRM (e.g. HubSpot, Salesforce) | Build segmented email lists instantly |
New order placed in WooCommerce | Notify Slack channel or push to Google Sheets | Alert sales or track orders in real time |
Contact form submitted | Send data to external service like Mailchimp | Automate email follow-ups or lead nurturing |
Post published on WordPress blog | Trigger post share on social media via Zapier | Promote new content automatically |
New event added in calendar plugin | Add to Google Calendar | Keep internal teams or clients in sync |
Membership level upgraded | Trigger onboarding email or external course access | Streamline premium content delivery |
Subscription cancelled | Remove user from external mailing list or CRM | Maintain clean contact lists |
Getting Ready for Webhooks
You don’t need to be a developer to use webhooks in WordPress, but having a bit of background will make things a lot easier. Here’s what helps:
Basic WordPress knowledge
You should be comfortable working with themes and plugins, and navigating your site’s admin dashboard.
Understanding WordPress hooks
WordPress uses “hooks” (like actions and filters) to let you add or modify functionality. Webhooks often rely on these to trigger or receive events.
Familiarity with the REST API
Webhooks usually send and receive data in JSON format, and WordPress handles this through its REST API. Knowing how it works will help you use webhooks more effectively.
If these terms are new to you, no worries - WordPress has great Developer Resources you can explore. Brushing up on these basics will give you a solid foundation to start using webhooks with confidence.









