What is Zapier used for and how does it work?

More and more, the name of the software " Zapier " comes up whenever conversations turn to digital marketing or Martech (Marketing automation). Why? Because Zapier is among the most used software on the Internet today. Marketers and business optimizers can no longer do without this type of software… but then, what does Zapier do and how does it work?

Zapier the super digital tool

Zapier is the glue between over 1000 applications and digital tools. Zapier allows you to synchronize tasks across two (or more) software simultaneously. For example, if someone fills out a form on your website, Zapier can take the information and put it into your CRM or your newsletter tool.

In fact, the tool connects to the API of various software and offers users a series of " triggers " and " actions " that can be taken. Additionally, for some time now, it has been possible to create Workflows in the Zapier interface.

Here are other types of tasks (Zaps) that Zapier can perform

• Automate your social media presence by sending an " RSS Feed " to Facebook.

• Document your projects by copying your tasks into Trello, Asana or others into a software like Evernote.

• Ensure that no one misses a meeting by sending notifications from Google Calendar to Slack.

• Send SMS to your clients to remind them of their appointments.

• Etc.

How does Zapier work?

First of all, to understand how Zapier works, you need to know the terms of the software.

What is a Zap?

A Zap is an automated workflow between your applications. For example, you could have a Zap that saves your email attachments to Google Drive or Dropbox. A Zap consists of two essential parts: a trigger and an action.

What is a Trigger?

The trigger is the event in an application that initiates the Zap. Once you set up your Zap, Zapier will " monitor " your application for this trigger. For the previous example, you receive a lot of emails every day, but the Zap will only be effective if your emails contain an attachment.

What is an Action?

The action is the event that the Zap will perform. In the email example, the action is to save the email attachment.

In the previous screenshot, I created an automation so that people signed up for my Chatbot are added to my newsletter in Autopilot, a marketing automation software.

As you can see, Zapier requires no programming knowledge. However, for those who are programmers and/or have more specific needs, I recommend trying the Integromat tool, which allows you to code your Zaps custom.

Do you need Zapier for your business?

Now that you know what Zapier is for and how it works, if you need Zapier for your business but are not comfortable using it, we can help you through our online consulting service. Would you like to know more? Contact me by email!

Cheers!