Configuring Actions and API Connections

So far, your custom GPTs can answer questions and generate content based on their instructions and knowledge files. But what if you want your GPT to actually do things — look up a customer order, check inventory, or create a support ticket? That's where Actions come in.

What Are Actions?

Actions let your custom GPT connect to external services and APIs. Instead of just generating text, your GPT can:

• Pull real-time data from your systems
• Create records in your CRM or helpdesk
• Check order status or inventory levels
• Send notifications or trigger workflows

Think of Actions as giving your GPT hands, not just a voice.

Actions vs. Other GPT Features

Feature	What It Does	Technical Skill Needed
Instructions	Tells the GPT how to behave	None
Knowledge Files	Gives the GPT reference documents	None
Conversation Starters	Suggests starting prompts	None
Actions	Connects to external APIs	Basic understanding of APIs

Actions are the most advanced feature, but many can be set up without coding using no-code tools.

How Actions Work

1. You define an API endpoint your GPT can call
2. You describe when and how the GPT should use it
3. When a user's request matches, the GPT calls the API
4. The GPT uses the API response to formulate its answer

Example: Order Status Lookup

A customer asks your Support GPT: "Where's my order #12345?"

Without Actions: The GPT says "I don't have access to order data. Please contact support."

With Actions: The GPT calls your order API, gets the tracking info, and responds: "Your order #12345 shipped on Monday and is arriving Thursday. Here's your tracking link."

Setting Up Actions (No-Code Approach)

You don't need to build APIs from scratch. Many popular tools offer ready-made APIs you can connect:

Using Zapier as a Bridge

Zapier's GPT Actions integration lets you connect your GPT to 5,000+ apps without code:

1. Go to zapier.com/apps/chatgpt and set up a Zapier AI Actions account
2. Create the actions you want (e.g., "Look up order in Shopify", "Create ticket in Zendesk")
3. Copy the API schema Zapier provides
4. In your GPT's Configure tab, click Create new action
5. Paste the Zapier schema

Common No-Code Action Integrations

Service	What Your GPT Can Do
Google Sheets	Read/write data from spreadsheets
Slack	Send messages to channels
Notion	Query databases, create pages
HubSpot	Look up contacts, log activities
Shopify	Check orders, inventory
Zendesk	Create/update support tickets

Adding an Action to Your GPT

Step 1: Navigate to Actions

1. Open your GPT in the Configure tab
2. Scroll down to Actions
3. Click Create new action

Step 2: Define the Schema

The action schema tells your GPT what the API expects. Here's a simplified example:

Don't worry if this looks technical — the no-code tools like Zapier generate this for you automatically.

Step 3: Configure Authentication

Most APIs require authentication. Your options in the GPT Builder:

Auth Type	When to Use
None	Public APIs with no authentication
API Key	Most common; paste your API key
OAuth	For user-specific access (Google, Slack, etc.)

Step 4: Test the Action

1. Click Test in the action editor
2. Provide sample input
3. Verify the response looks correct
4. Adjust the schema if needed

When to Use Actions vs. Knowledge Files

Scenario	Use Knowledge Files	Use Actions
Static information (policies, FAQ)	Yes	No
Real-time data (order status, inventory)	No	Yes
Information that changes daily	No	Yes
Historical reference data	Yes	No
Creating/updating records	No	Yes

Privacy and Security Considerations

When connecting GPTs to your business systems:

• Limit access: Only give the GPT access to data it needs
• Use read-only access where possible
• Review authentication scopes: Don't grant admin-level API keys
• Audit usage: Check what data your GPT is accessing
• Team vs. public: Keep GPTs with Actions set to "Anyone with a link" or "Only me" — avoid publishing them to the GPT Store

Key Takeaway

Actions transform your GPT from a text generator into an integrated business tool. For most businesses, the no-code approach using Zapier or similar tools is the fastest way to get started. Begin with a simple read-only action (like order lookup) before adding write actions (like creating tickets). Always prioritize security by limiting access and using read-only permissions where possible.