Telegram overview
Connect bot-managed channels, send posts, auto-post deals, and track engagement from the Telegram dashboard.
The Telegram module connects Pointerly to your channels and groups via a Telegram bot so you can post tracked deals and links, schedule messages, and optionally auto-post from deal filters.
What you'll achieve
- Know when Telegram is locked behind plan vs permission
- Orient around channels, usage, posts, templates, and branded bot
- Decide whether to post manually or enable auto-post
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Before you start
- Correct team selected
- Plan feature
telegram_integration(otherwise you see an upgrade block) - Permission to connect, edit, publish, or delete Telegram resources as needed
- A Telegram bot token from @BotFather and admin rights (Post Messages) on the target channel or group
- Post allowance / add-on capacity (see the in-page usage panel)
How the page is organized
Open Dashboard → Telegram.
| Area | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Header actions | Connect Channel (empty state) or Create Post once channels exist |
| Usage panel | Remaining post allowance — check here first when sends fail |
| Channel cards | Status, members, posts, clicks, auto-post toggle, frequency, deal filters |
| Posts tabs | History vs scheduled (cancel / send now / edit) |
| Templates | Built-in and custom bodies with {{variables}} |
| Branded bot | Optional branded bot card for deeper Telegram experiences |
Without the feature, the page renders Upgrade pointing at Billing. With the feature but no channels, you get an empty state and Connect Channel.
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Core workflows
- Connect a bot + channel (Connect a channel).
- Send a test from the channel menu to verify Post Messages permission.
- Create Post for one-off messages (optionally attach a link or deal, schedule a time).
- Enable auto-post and configure deal filters (Auto-post deals).
- Watch clicks and views on the channel card and post history.
Billing note: Telegram meters posts, not recipients — one Bot API send costs the same whether the channel has ten members or ten thousand.
Tips
- Public channels use
@username; private channels/groups need a numeric ID (forward a message to @userinfobot). - Keep bot tokens private — treat them like API secrets.
- Use templates for consistent deal formatting before turning on high-frequency auto-post.
Related
- Connect a channel
- Auto-post deals
- Add-ons and credits — Messaging channels group
- Deals overview
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Upgrade block | Plan lacks Telegram | Billing → plan or Telegram add-on |
| Connect fails | Bot not admin / bad token / wrong chat id | Re-check BotFather token and Post Messages admin |
| Connection error on card | Token revoked or bot removed | Disconnect, fix bot access, reconnect |
| Posts not sending | Allowance exhausted | Usage panel → buy capacity |
| Auto-post silent | Filters too strict or auto off | Widen deal filters; confirm auto switch is on |