Google Sheets Connection
Connect Google Sheets so your AI agent can read and write spreadsheet data during conversations
Google Sheets Connection#
Connect Google Sheets to let your AI agent use one configured spreadsheet during conversations. Use it for product lookups, order tracking, appointment logs, and other structured records.
Setting Up#
Step 1: Connect Google Account#
- Go to your agent dashboard
- Navigate to Connections > Google Sheets
- Click Connect Google Account
- Sign in with your Google account and grant access to Google Sheets
Step 2: Select a Spreadsheet#
- After connecting, browse your available spreadsheets
- Choose the spreadsheet this agent should use
- Configure which tabs are used for lookups and which tabs are used for logging
Step 3: Configure Tabs#
Your agent can perform these actions with connected sheets:
- Lookup data -- Search configured tabs by column values
- Log data -- Append new rows to configured write tabs
- Structured data -- Use spreadsheet data as a source for richer answers
How It Works#
When a customer asks a question that requires data from your spreadsheet, the AI agent:
- Detects the intent (e.g., "What's the price of X?")
- Searches the configured spreadsheet and tabs for matching records
- Returns the relevant information in a natural response
- Can also append data back to a configured write tab (e.g., logging an inquiry or booking)
Use Cases#
| Use Case | Example |
|---|---|
| Product catalog | "How much is the premium plan?" -- Agent looks up pricing sheet |
| Order tracking | "Where's my order #123?" -- Agent searches order log |
| Appointment logging | After booking, agent writes appointment to sheet |
| Inventory check | "Is the blue model available?" -- Agent checks stock sheet |
| Lead tracking | Records customer inquiries and contact info |
Structured Data#
Google Sheets connections also work with AlonChat's structured data feature. If you have product catalogs, service menus, or inventory data in spreadsheets, you can import them as structured data sources for richer AI interactions.
Learn more about structured data
Best Practices#
- Use clear headers -- First row should have descriptive column names
- Keep data clean -- Remove empty rows and columns
- Use one workbook per agent workflow -- Keep the spreadsheet focused on what this agent needs
- Use consistent formats -- Dates, prices, and IDs should follow a consistent format
- Monitor writes -- Periodically review data the agent has written
Permissions#
The Google Sheets connection uses OAuth for spreadsheet access plus read-only Drive access so you can browse and pick a spreadsheet:
- The agent uses the spreadsheet you configure in settings
- Your credentials are encrypted and stored securely
- You can disconnect at any time from the Connections page
Troubleshooting#
Spreadsheet Not Loading#
- Verify the spreadsheet is shared with or owned by the connected Google account
- Check that the Google Sheets connection is still active (green status)
- Try disconnecting and reconnecting
Agent Can't Find Data#
- Ensure the first row contains headers
- Check that the correct spreadsheet and tabs are configured
- Verify the data format matches what the agent expects
Write Failures#
- Ensure the connected account has edit access to the spreadsheet
- Check that the sheet isn't protected or locked