How to build a public Wealthbox CRM integration: Building the Auth Flow

Aug 14, 2024 • 6 minute read

Hey there, fellow JavaScript enthusiast! Ready to dive into the world of Wealthbox CRM integration? Let's focus on the most crucial part: building a rock-solid authorization flow. Buckle up, because we're about to make your integration secure and user-friendly in no time.

Why bother with Wealthbox CRM integration?

Wealthbox CRM is a powerhouse for financial advisors, and integrating it into your app can be a game-changer. But here's the deal: without a proper auth flow, you're basically leaving your front door wide open. We don't want that, do we?

Before we jump in

Make sure you've got these bases covered:

A Wealthbox Developer account (if you don't have one, go grab it!)
Node.js and Express.js set up and ready to roll
A solid grasp on OAuth 2.0 (don't worry, we'll refresh your memory as we go)

Setting the stage

First things first, head over to the Wealthbox Developer Portal and create a new application. You'll get a client ID and client secret – treat these like your crown jewels. We'll need them soon.

Let's build this auth flow!

Step 1: Kick off the OAuth dance

We need to construct an authorization URL and redirect your users to Wealthbox's login page. Here's how:

const authUrl = `https://app.wealthbox.com/oauth/authorize?client_id=${clientId}&redirect_uri=${redirectUri}&response_type=code`;
res.redirect(authUrl);

Step 2: Handle the callback like a pro

Once the user logs in, Wealthbox will redirect them back to your app with an authorization code. Time to exchange it for the good stuff – access and refresh tokens:

const { code } = req.query;
const tokenResponse = await axios.post('https://app.wealthbox.com/oauth/token', {
  client_id: clientId,
  client_secret: clientSecret,
  code,
  grant_type: 'authorization_code',
  redirect_uri: redirectUri
});

const { access_token, refresh_token } = tokenResponse.data;

Step 3: Store those tokens

Now that you've got the tokens, store them securely. Please, for the love of all that is holy, don't just slap them in a plain text file!

Making authenticated requests

With your shiny new access token, you're ready to make API calls:

const response = await axios.get('https://api.wealthbox.com/v1/contacts', {
  headers: { Authorization: `Bearer ${access_token}` }
});

Remember, access tokens expire. When that happens, use your refresh token to get a new one. It's like a digital fountain of youth!

Best practices (ignore these at your peril)

Implement PKCE (Proof Key for Code Exchange). It's like a secret handshake that proves your app is legit.
Store your client secret and tokens as if your business depends on it (because it does).
Handle errors gracefully. Users appreciate an app that doesn't just crash and burn.

Test, test, and test again

Set up a test environment and simulate the auth flow. Try to break it. Seriously, be your own worst enemy here. It's better to catch issues now than when real users are involved.

You did it!

Congratulations! You've just built a secure authorization flow for your Wealthbox CRM integration. Pat yourself on the back – you've earned it.

What's next?

Now that you've got the auth flow down, the world is your oyster. Start exploring other Wealthbox API endpoints and see what cool features you can add to your integration.

Want to learn more?

Check out these resources:

Remember, building integrations is as much an art as it is a science. Keep experimenting, stay curious, and most importantly, have fun with it! Happy coding!