What It Is
A webhook is a way for one system to tell another, instantly, that something just happened. Instead of your website checking a payment service every few minutes to ask "any new payments yet?", the payment service sends a message to a web address you provide as soon as a payment goes through. It is the difference between calling the post office every hour and having them ring your doorbell when a package arrives.
Why It Matters for Your Business
Webhooks keep systems in step without delay. When a customer pays a deposit for a kitchen remodel, a webhook from the payment service can mark the invoice as paid, email the project manager and update the CRM within seconds. Online stores rely on webhooks to confirm payments and update order status, so customers see accurate information right away.
Good to Know
Common mistake: changing the website address or moving to new hosting without updating webhook settings. The other service keeps sending messages to the old address, and orders or payments stop syncing. After any move or redesign, check each service’s webhook settings and look at its delivery log to confirm the messages are being received.