What does the Generate Content node do in Votel?
Generate Content uses AI to write text from your instructions and the full conversation context, including variables saved earlier. It stores the result in an output variable you name, such as follow_up_email, which you then place in an Email, SMS or Add Note node. On its own, it writes the text but does not send it.
When should I use Generate Content?
Use it when the wording can vary safely but still needs your business voice and facts.
Working example
Working example: service follow-up draft. The sandbox run uses dummy text only. It shows the active node and the saved output after completion.
Manual trigger → Generate Content → End
The node reads a controlled service request, drafts a concise next-step message, and saves it to the `service_followup` workflow variable.
What does Generate Content look like in practice?
After a site visit, a roofing company generates a concise follow-up email based on the inspection notes and recommended next step.
How do I set up Generate Content in Votel?
- Tell the model its role, audience, tone, and the facts it may use.
- Ask it to return only the content you will send.
- Save the output to a named variable.
- Review it in a test workflow before passing the variable into Email or SMS.
Step by step, from Votel's docs
- Write the instructions. Be specific about tone, length and what to include. The docs' example: "Write a professional follow-up email summarizing the key points discussed. Keep it under 200 words. Include the next steps we agreed on."
- Pull in saved data with double curly braces, so the text can mention the caller's budget or the product they asked about.
- Name the output variable, for example
follow_up_email. - Test with real-looking conversation data before you connect a send step.
What settings does Generate Content have?
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| Instructions | Tell the AI what to write and how: tone, length, what to include and what to leave out. |
| Output variable | The variable name where the generated text is stored for later nodes. |
That is the whole configuration in Votel's docs. The node also has access to the full conversation and earlier variables without extra setup. Votel's API reference lists a dedicated endpoint for testing a Generate Content node, which is useful if you check prompts outside the builder.
How do I send the content Generate Content creates?
Add an Email or SMS node after it and put the output variable in the message body with double curly braces, for example {{follow_up_email}}. For an internal call summary, use an Add Note node instead so the text stays with the team.
When should I not use AI-generated content in a workflow?
Avoid it for legal, compliance, pricing, or safety wording that must remain exact.
The SMS node has its own AI Generated content option. Reach for Generate Content instead when you want to reuse the same text in more than one place, such as an email and an internal note, or check it before it goes out.
Why is Generate Content producing generic text?
- The instructions are generic. The docs' own comparison: "Write a follow-up email" gives generic results, while a three-paragraph brief with a tone and specific facts to reference gives much better ones.
- The facts are missing. If the budget variable was never saved, the AI cannot mention it. Check earlier nodes ran.
- It runs long. State a length. The docs recommend concise output because recipients respond better to shorter messages.
- The email arrives with a raw placeholder. The variable name in the Email body does not match the output variable. Copy it exactly.
- It invents a price or promise. Tell it to use only the facts provided, and keep prices and legal wording in static text.
Frequently asked questions about Generate Content
Where does Generate Content save its output?
In the output variable you name on the node. Later Email, SMS or Add Note nodes reference that variable to use the text.
Does Generate Content send the email or SMS itself?
No. It writes and stores the text. To send it, add an Email or SMS node and reference the output variable in the message body.
What context can Generate Content use?
Votel's docs say it has the full conversation context, including any variables collected earlier in the workflow.
How do I get better results from Generate Content?
Be specific about tone, length and what to include, reference saved variables, and test with realistic conversation data before going live.
Sources: Generate Content Node, Email Node, SMS Node on docs.votel.ai, checked October 19, 2026. Where the docs are silent, this page says so instead of guessing.
Before you publish or activate: verify the current builder labels in Votel and test with dummy data. This independent guide describes the purpose and a safe setup approach; it does not replace Votel’s current product documentation or compliance advice.
Related blocks
- SMS & Email: Sends a prepared message to the contact through the channel that makes sense for the moment.
- Extract Dynamic Variables: Pulls several useful details from a natural conversation and saves them as structured fields.
- Sub Agent: Gives a specialized AI agent a narrow job inside a larger workflow.