Book Image

Automate It with Zapier

By : Kelly Goss
Book Image

Automate It with Zapier

By: Kelly Goss

Overview of this book

Zapier is an emerging no-code workflow automation technology that enables organizations to connect their cloud-based and web applications and automate data transfer between them. Zapier's built-in features and flexibility allow users to integrate thousands of business applications and create simple to complex automation to reduce time spent on repetitive tasks, thereby increasing productivity. This book is a must-have for business owners, their employees, and independent freelancers and contractors looking to use Zapier for business process automation. The book takes a hands-on approach to implementation and associated problem-solving methodologies that will have you up-and-running and productive in no time while leveling up your automation skills. You'll discover how to plan your automation building for optimal results, what are the native features available in Zapier, and the applications that connect with it, as well as how to optimally configure your workflows to automate your processes in as few steps as possible. Finally, you'll find out how to create advanced workflow automation from scratch and learn how to troubleshoot issues. By the end of this Zapier book, you'll be able to build your own advanced workflow automation using Zapier, addressing the key pain points encountered in businesses with manual and repetitive tasks.
Table of Contents (29 chapters)
1
Section 1: Getting Started with Zapier
7
Section 2: Customizing Your Zaps with Built-in Apps by Zapier – Functionality and Practical Uses
15
Section 3: Using the Features of the Formatter by Zapier Built-In App
21
Section 4: Getting the Most Out of Zapier – Business Automation Examples

How to create your first Zap in the Zap editor

There are two ways that you can create a Zap. You can use workflow templates that Zapier has created, which we will cover later in this chapter; however, the best way to learn how to use Zapier to automate your processes is to build your Zaps from scratch.

All workflows are created, edited, and maintained in the Zap editor. The Zap editor is accessible at any time from the expandable left sidebar menu, by clicking on the Make a Zap button. Let's first have a look at how to navigate through the Zap editor.

Navigating in the Zap editor

The Zap editor is structured with text fields, icons, and buttons along the top bar and right-side panel, as well as a central section that serves as the visual editor. This is shown in the following screenshot:

Figure 3.10 – The structure of the Zap editor

Let's take a look at this structure in more detail to understand what each section offers us.

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