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Basics of using Zapier
There are small things that are repeated in our daily lives. For example, waking up in the morning, making coffee, reading the newspaper, taking the kids to school, etc. How convenient would it be if these routine tasks could be automated? Zapier acts like a housekeeper who helps with household chores. It is a tool that connects various apps and services that you use to automate repetitive tasks.
Zapier Overview and Features (zapier.com)
Zapier Overview:
Create automated workflows by connecting web apps to a no-code platform
Automatic data movement and automation of repetitive tasks without coding knowledge
Merit:
1.
Support for over 5,000 apps and services to enable use in a variety of work environments
2.
Set up automation in just a few clicks with an easy-to-use, intuitive interface
3.
Increase productivity and save time and effort by automating repetitive tasks
Disadvantage:
1.
Basic features are free, but you need to subscribe to a paid plan to use advanced features.
2.
Additional costs may apply when using some advanced features.
3.
Some customization features are limited, such as adding custom data sources.
Summation:
Zapier is a powerful tool that can save you time and effort by automating tasks.
Consider the pros and cons depending on your budget and required features.
Zap creation process
Zap creation process:
1.
Select Trigger
Example: New mail arrives in Gmail
2.
Select Action
Example: Send a message to Slack when a new email arrives
3.
Complete a Zap by connecting triggers and actions
4.
Use additional features as needed
Complex automation possible with additional app connections, filters, delays, etc.
Similar to assembling Lego blocks, you can configure automation by selecting and connecting triggers and actions to suit your needs.
Create a Zap using AI features
1.
Zapier's AI capabilities make creating Zaps even more streamlined
2.
When a user describes the automation task they want to perform in natural language, AI suggests appropriate triggers and actions.
Example: When you type "When a new email arrives, I want to record it in a Google Spreadsheet",
AI Creates a Zap That Links a Gmail 'New Email Arrived' Trigger to a Google Sheet 'Add Row' Action
AI Creates a Zap That Links a Gmail 'New Email Arrived' Trigger to a Google Sheet 'Add Row' Action
3.
Users can express what they want in natural language without having to navigate apps and features.
4.
With the advancement of AI technology, Zapier is evolving into a more intuitive and user-friendly automation tool.
Creating a Zap with Manual Setup
How to set up Zap manually:
1.
Select the app you want to connect on the Zapier website
Example: When connecting Gmail and Slack, select both apps
2.
Specify triggers and actions in sequence
Trigger: 'New email arrives' in Gmail
Action: 'Send Message' in Slack
3.
Set additional settings, filters, delays, etc. as needed
Pros and Cons:
Pros: Can be fine-tuned to your liking
Cons: Exploring apps and features takes time
Usage Tips:
Simple automation leverages AI capabilities
Complex tasks utilize manual settings
Alternative plan
Compare Zapier's alternative platforms:
1.
Make.com
Automation platform similar to Zapier
Pros: Intuitive interface, lots of app integrations, free plan available
Cons: Fewer apps supported than Zapier, advanced features require paid plan
2.
ActivePieces
No-code platform for business process automation
Pros: Intuitive UI, powerful features, strong in data integration and transformation, free plan available
Cons: Requires paid plan for advanced features
3.
Nadoo
AI-based automation platform, utilizing natural language processing technology
Pros: Easy to set up what users want to do, Supports a variety of apps and services, Free plan available
Cons: Early-stage platform, may have limited features
Selection criteria:
Choosing a platform that fits your needs and budget is important.
When data integration and transformation is important: ActivePieces
When AI-based automation is needed: Nadoo
Summary of how to sign up and use Zapier:
Join the membership:
1.
After accessing the Zapier website, click the "Sign Up Free" button.
2.
Enter your email address and password and click "Create Account"
3.
Once email verification is completed, membership registration is complete.
Creating a Zap:
1.
Click the “Create Zap” button on the dashboard
2.
Select a trigger app (e.g. Gmail - "New Email" trigger)
3.
Select an action app (e.g. Slack - "Send Channel Message" action)
4.
After completing the required settings, click the "Continue" button.
5.
After testing, activate Zap to complete creation
Managing Zaps:
1.
You can check the list of Zaps you created in the "Zaps" tab.
2.
You can check the details and execution history of each Zap.
3.
You can pause or edit your Zap when needed.
Tip:
It's a good idea to start by creating a simple Zap.
Explore different apps and features to get useful automation ideas
Regularly check and inspect Zap execution history
Zapier is intuitive to use, so you can start automating tasks right after signing up, and gradually learn advanced features to improve work efficiency.