Zapier is a service that allows you to automate repetitive operations across two or more apps without having to write any code. Zapier may tell another app to do a certain action when an event occurs in one app. As a result, Zapier acts as a “glue” that connects tens of thousands of web apps.
What distinguishes this tool from others? By connecting productivity apps and services, you can simply construct workflows using this automation tool.
Zapier isn’t a standard programming tool, and it doesn’t require any coding experience to use. It’s more like a simplified macro editor, where all you have to do is specify the trigger and action, as well as the specifics of how the zap should work. Each Zap responds to a trigger by doing activities.
It’s simple to make zaps; all you have to do is choose items from dropdown menus. Zapier also allows you to tweak them and construct multi-step zaps (if you pay for one of the premium subscriptions).
What is the process of Zapier?
Zapier’s online interface generates commands known as zaps. Each zap has two essential components: a trigger and an action. A zap processes a piece of data when it runs. Every run is viewed as a challenge. The event that starts the zap is called the trigger, and the event that ends is called the action. A zap may, for example, generate a Google Calendar event for every new Trello card added to your board, or construct a to-do list in an app like Todoist based on emails you receive. Zapier has a lot of advantages.
There are numerous advantages to automating business operations, but we believe there are six that are particularly important.
Automation in the workplace
Zapier allows you to automate the use of two or more apps by moving data between them automatically, allowing you to focus on more important tasks. For example, you can have Zapier transfer files to Dropbox every time someone sends you an attachment via Gmail. Zapier may also send you a Slack notification when a Dropbox file is uploaded.
Receiving an email, adding a row to a spreadsheet, updating a record in a CRM, or making a financial transaction in an accounting app are all examples of events that might trigger workflow automation in Zapier.
Zapier integrates with over 3,000 apps and services, so there are a plethora of triggers on which you may build a zap.
Simple to use
Zapier’s biggest value, aside from the ability to combine hundreds of different apps, is that it is extremely simple to use. You will be able to create your own Zaps even if you have no prior experience with coding or development. You may start experimenting with other workflows once you’ve gotten acclimated to this tool, and you’ll uncover solutions to problems you didn’t even realize you had.
Time is money.
Most firms require employees to perform a variety of manual operations, such as passing data from one software to another, which can be inefficient. You can connect the apps using Zapier, which will automatically send data between them, decreasing and eliminating human errors. Instead of manually inputting the same information into several systems, a machine can accomplish it in under a second. You can also use the time you save to focus on existing clients or pursue new business.
It’s not just about saving a few minutes here and there when it comes to automation. It’s all about how that time accumulates over time.
Spend less.
You may spend those hours working directly with clients, generating sales, or monitoring your social media platforms and e-mail lists instead of data input by using Zapier to automate more of your administrative activities.
For example, you can save thousands of dollars on your CRM (customer relationship management) system by automating it with Zapier. Organize your prospects effectively.
Zapier may connect an online scheduling tool to a CRM, ensuring that any new leads are added to your CRM. This tool can also be used to qualify leads. For example, you could use Zapier to develop surveys or questionnaires that gather replies and then create records in Google Sheets for future analysis.
You may also use Zapier to notify other members of your practice of new leads if you operate with a larger team. You can also use Zaps to automatically follow up with prospects after a specified number of days have passed since the meeting.
Even with a small crew, you can help your business function more smoothly with less effort by including some automation.
Enhance the customer experience
With Zappier, you’ll never miss a question from a consumer, no matter when or where they asked it. The zaps convert form inputs or social media mentions into tickets in your support apps, giving the impression that your support personnel is everywhere at once. You can immediately connect those submissions to your support team, set up auto answers, and create Zaps with other apps to activate them.
What’s the best way to get started with Zapier?
Before you start using Zapier, go over your processes and see what automation you can add to make life easier and save time by decreasing manual activities.
If you don’t already have an account, click “Get Started Free” to create one and start your free trial.
When you first log in to Zapier, you’ll notice a search field where you may type the name of your CRM. If yours is available, you’ll see a list of potential process ideas to get you started with your automation. If you use a piece of software that doesn’t integrate with Zapier, you should contact the vendor and request that they do so.
Playing around with the tool during your free trial will offer you some ideas on how it can save you time. You can also utilize the free plan to try out just one Zap to see how it works before moving on to other routines.
You should see the dashboard after you have a Zapier account, where you can see your existing zaps, create new ones, and interact with templates. You may make a new zap, see your existing ones, see apps and services you’ve connected to Zapier, and more by hovering your cursor over the left side of the page.
How do you make a new zap? To begin, select the app you wish to use as a trigger. Choose “Gmail” as the trigger event and then “New Starred Email” as the action you wish to take when you “star” an email. Click “Continue” after each step. You can specify what should happen when an email is starred by choosing “Trigger.” For example, you may select “OneNote” and then “Create Note in Section” to copy the email’s contents to a specific section of OneNote. Remember to select which information to copy there, such as the topic, email text, and sender.
When should a task be automated?
What factors do you consider while deciding what to automate? If you’re dealing with automated workflows, consider how automation can save you time and help you manage your operations more effectively. Answer the following question as best you can: Would it make your life easier if you could automate that process? You’ll know when it’s time to do it if you do it this way. Here are some ideas for you.
Tasks that you must complete on a regular basis. Automation is ideal for tasks that must be completed often or on a set schedule since the benefits are immediate. Every day, you will spend less time on repetitive tasks that can soon become onerous or irritating.
Transferring data from one app to another is a common task. Those would be ideal for automation. When someone fills out a form on your website or subscribes to an email marketing campaign, for example, you can create new leads in your CRM.
Tasks that do not require much thinking. Some tasks necessitate inventiveness, problem-solving abilities, or emotional intelligence. It’s possible that you won’t want to automate them. Other easy chores, on the other hand, do not necessitate significant thought and might be handled by an automation tool like Zapier.