We are currently offering Bolt Discovery as a free preview to our BoltBot partners. If you're interested in Bolt Discovery, reach out to Customer Success.
Overview
Bolt Discovery offers flexible integration options to fit your needs. Enhance the search experience and provide advanced, conversational answers beyond traditional search methods in three ways:
This article guides you through the steps to start using Bolt Discovery with each method.
Configure Bolt Discovery to send a predefined query automatically when someone accesses Bolt Discovery. Learn how at the end of this article.
Option 1: Element451 Pages
Bolt Discovery can be added as Content Blocks in the Element451 Pages module.
Navigate to Engagement > Pages.
Create a new page or edit an existing page. You can learn more about creating and managing pages here.
Add the Bolt Discovery content block.
Customize the content block: When hovering over the content block, click the blue customize button. The editor will slide out, and you can configure the settings using the two tabs: Design and Starters.
Design: Customize the look and feel of the Bolt Discovery search field by setting the theme, padding, background, colors, and more.
Starters: Add specific query starters that will appear under the search bar. Each starter requires a Title and Message.
Title: What appears under the search bar and prompts the student. Example: Programs Offered.
Message: The question sent to Bolt Discovery after the starter is clicked. Example: What programs does Fire University offer?
Save your changes and preview your page.
Option 2: Embed on Your Institution's Website
Using the same script you used for other Element451 features on your website (like embedded messenger), you can embed Bolt Discovery into any website and call certain functions via our SDK.
<script type="text/javascript" src="https://{subdom}.shell.451.io/" async="true" id="shell451"></script>Add the script above to the page(s) headers.
Use one of the following commands
Ask a question directly, for example, by attaching the
data-bolt-discovery-questionattribute to a button element like:
<button type="button" data-bolt-discovery-question="What is poultry science?">Poultry Science</button>
Or you can also use the loaded SDK by calling one of the following methods:
Shell451.BoltDiscovery.open()Shell451.BoltDiscovery.ask("What is poultry science?")Shell451.BoltDiscovery.openPreviousThreads()
Option 3: Share URL
You have a dedicated URL for your Bolt Discovery, enabling you to get creative on how you can share the tool and create personalized experiences. Here are some ideas on how you can use the URL:
Share the URL in your one-on-one communications with your contacts. You could even add it to your email signature.
Add the URL to buttons or hyperlinks in your Element451 Campaigns.
Create QR codes.
Append the pre-configured question parameter to your URL to create personalized experiences for your contacts. We explain this process in the next section.
Accessing your Bolt Discovery URL
Navigate to Engagement > Bolt Discovery > All Threads.
Click Visit URL in the top right corner of the header.
Your dedicated URL will open. Copy it and share as needed.
Predefined Queries
Configuring predefined queries enables you to deliver personalized information to your contacts quickly. These queries launch automatically when students navigate to your URL, saving time and creating a highly personalized experience. You could use queries such as:
What clubs are available at [institution name]?
Tell me more about the [intended major] program.
What should I bring to move-in day?
Here’s how to configure them based on your use of Bolt Discovery:
Element 451 Pages
Element 451 Pages
After you’ve added Bolt Discovery to an Element451 page, you can share the page URL with a predefined query. Here’s how:
Append
?bolt_discovery_q=to the end of your page URL.Add your question after the =. Spaces and punctuation are accepted in your question. This parameter can also be part of a string of parameters (like UTMs).
Share your URL. The use cases are broad, but consider using it in campaigns.
For example, let’s say you have an ongoing campaign for students who complete an RFI form on your Dental Hygiene program. Your first email could contain a button linked to Bolt Discovery. The button could say “Explore Our Dental Hygiene Program,” and when clicked, it would open your Element451 page on Dental Hygiene and launch Bolt Discovery, automatically sending the query “Tell me more about the Dental Hygiene program.”
Example URL:
https://discoverydemo-9840.page451.sites.451.io/?bolt_discovery_q=Tell me more about the Dental Hygiene program.
Your Institution's Website
Your Institution's Website
After you have embedded Bolt Discovery on an external site, you can configure it to send a predefined query:
Attach the attribute
data-bolt-discovery-questionto a button on your webpage.Set the value of this attribute to your desired query.
For example, let’s say you have a web page dedicated to your Dental Hygiene program. You would use the following code for a button labeled “Explore More on Dental Hygiene”:
<button type="button" data-bolt-discovery-question="Tell me more about the Dental Hygiene program.">Explore More: Dental Hygiene</button>
When the button is clicked, Bolt Discovery will open, automatically send the query “Tell me more about the Dental Hygiene program,” and display the response.
Dedicated URL
Dedicated URL
When using your dedicated Bolt Discovery URL, you can create a custom URL with a predefined query. Here's how:
Add
?bolt_discovery_q=to the end of your URL (your URL can be found on the All Threads page).Follow it with your question. Spaces and punctuation are accepted, and this parameter can be combined with other parameters (like UTMs).
For example, your URL would look something like this:
https://discoverydemo.bolt-discovery.451.io/?bolt_discovery_q=Tell me more about the Dental Hygiene program.
When using predefined queries in an Element451 Campaign, consider using a token in the parameter to be more efficient and personalized. For example, you could use the following URL:
https://discoverydemo.bolt-discovery.451.io/?bolt_discovery_q=Tell me more about the [user:intended_major] program.
By adding the intended major token, personalize the link or button for each student so they have relevant content to their program, and you only have to create one Campaign.
Sharing a Multi-Query Thread
A unique and powerful 
is to use Bolt Discovery to create and share a thread that addresses multiple queries.
How to Share a Multi-Query
How to Share a Multi-Query
Create a Multi-Query Thread: Open Bolt Discovery and ask a series of related questions. For example:
What should I pack for my residence hall?
Are there any items not allowed in residence halls?
Can I have a pet in my dorm room?
Who is my RA?
Copy Thread Link: Use the share feature to copy the link of your multi-query thread.
Integrate in Communications: Incorporate the shared URL in various communication channels:
Campaigns (e.g., as a button for a move-in day communication)
FAQ sections of your website
Benefits of Using Shared Discovery Threads
Benefits of Using Shared Discovery Threads
Comprehensive Information: Provide organized, direct answers to multiple related queries.
Dynamic FAQ: Create an interactive FAQ experience for your audience.
Intelligent Follow-ups: Bolt Discovery offers relevant follow-up questions, enhancing user engagement.
Private Threads for Each Contact: When you share a Discovery thread URL, each recipient who interacts with it gets their own unique experience. The system automatically creates a new, separate thread for each individual contact. The original thread you created and shared remains intact. Any interactions or questions from other contacts do not affect or appear in the original thread.