No-Code Tool Introduction: Zapier, the Workflow Automator
Welcome to the second instalment of our no-code tool introductions series, where we put leading no-code software platforms under the microscope.
This time, we’re talking all things Zapier, as we explore some of the countless ways this workflow automation tool has innovated business processes and taken the heavy-lifting out of software integration.
Without further ado, let’s dive in.
What is Zapier?
In Zapier’s own words, it’s a tool that “empowers you to automate your work across 4,000+ apps - so you can move forward, faster”.
Communicating the breadth of actions that Zapier is able to automate isn’t easy. Put simply, though, this almighty software allows you to quickly and near-effortlessly link platforms, send relevant data and trigger important actions to automate what was once a laborious manual effort. These triggered actions are known as Zaps.
In the face of outdated operational processes and complex software integrations, Zapier says ‘no more’ and Zaps the problem out of existence.
Here’s a closer look at how Zapier makes this workflow automation magic happen:
You have an app where an action takes place, and another desired action you’d like to happen upon the completion of the original action.
You set the original action as a trigger and set a resulting action you’d like to happen once this trigger happens.
Once the trigger conditions are met, the resulting action - or Zap - comes into effect.
It gets better - a Zap can create up to 100 actions, allowing for complex multi-step workflows to be completed automatically without any input from you once they’re set up.
Just think of the possibilities this opens up for your business.
From streamlining everyday internal processes and saving time on repetitive tasks to minimising manual work and connecting otherwise incompatible software platforms, Zapier is your companion for all things automation.
Why use Zapier?
The sheer number of apps with which Zapier is able to connect and communicate is enough to justify its use.
Without Zapier, so many business owners and teams across the globe would remain encumbered by legacy processes and unable to automate the work that needs to happen for their business to operate efficiently and effectively.
Here are just a handful of examples of automated actions facilitated by Zapier:
Email responses to customer queries
Additions to customer databases upon new signups
Calendar event creation following a customer booking
Content uploads to your chosen platform
Sales notifications
Dashboard reporting
If you need to streamline workflows and reduce human error, you need Zapier.
The magnitude of what Zapier is capable of can be a lot to wrap your head around, but Zapier’s core features are actually fairly straightforward in essence.
Here’s the lowdown on Zaps and what they make possible:
Multi-step Zaps: complex and time-consuming manual processes are no more thanks to Zapier’s ability to automate multi-step actions
Paths: logic comes into play with paths, wherein Zapier triggers different actions depending on when and whether certain criteria have been met
Filters: introduce conditions to your Zaps with filtering options that prevent actions from being triggered until the conditions you’ve specified are met
Formatting: incorporate formatting steps into your Zaps to instantly and effortlessly transform data from one format to another as you see fit
How we’re harnessing Zapier in no-code projects
When you choose a no-code development partner like NoCode Labs, you can reap the rewards of codeless app development while leaving all of the heavy-lifting to the experts.
We have years of experience tapping the enormous potential of Zapier’s workflow automation, so we’re ideally placed to deliver your no-code project - utilising Zaps to streamline processes throughout the course of the build.
If you’re wondering how the wonders of Zapier work when put into practice on a no-code project, here are some ways we’ve made use of its many talents:
Internal platform user invites: we incorporated Zapier triggers into our build of a bespoke OKR progress tracking app, implementing Zaps to send new users invite emails (with relevant fields auto-populating on the login screen upon the user’s arrival)
Data reporting dashboard updates: we integrated Zapier with a third-party contact form tool to automate updates in Google Sheets upon submission of the contact form. From there, a custom Google Data Studio dashboard is kept constantly up-to-date based on changes in that Google sheet
Payment notifications and processing: for our own payment processing, we make use of Zapier’s Stripe integration to handle payments and supply customers with credits based on their chosen service plan. Oh, and we make sure we’re constantly up-to-date on new orders thanks to Zapier’s automated notifications
TL;DR: Zapier may not make the impossible possible, but it’s not far off. Zapier’s innovative technology connects with over 4,000 leading apps to transform manual processes into automated workflows to save your business a truly staggering amount of time, effort and resources.
Rid your working life of repetition by leaving recurring tasks to Zapier and unlocking the immense power of workflow automation.
Does Zapier sound like the missing piece of the puzzle for the next phase of your business? Get in touch today to find out how NoCode Labs could harness Zapier’s automation wizardry and transform the way your business works online.