Table of Contents
Workflow Automation platforms allow users to create and manage automated workflows involving multiple applications or services. They help automate tasks such as sending emails, updating CRM records, or posting social media updates. Workflow automation platforms connect various applications, services, and systems to automate tasks and trigger events. These platforms connect multiple apps and systems by using two core technologies: APIs and webhooks. APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) allow systems to request and exchange data, while webhooks enable one system to notify another when a specific event occurs automatically.
If you’re not a developer, working directly with APIs or webhooks can feel overwhelming. That’s why platforms like Zapier, Make, Automate.io, and n8n have become so popular; they make it easier to build automations visually, with little to no code.
Before we dive into how these platforms work, let’s take a closer look at what APIs and webhooks are and how they power automation behind the scenes.
Webhooks and APIs.
An Application Programming Interface (API) is a set of rules that allows one system or component to interact with another system or component. Some APIs are designed for software components to communicate with each other, while others enable software to interact with hardware.
A specific type of API is a web API, which enables web-based systems to exchange data or request services over the internet, often using protocols such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and data formats like JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) or XML (eXtensible Markup Language).
An API follows a request-response model where a client sends a request to an API server, which then processes the request and returns a response. This method is synchronous and is initiated by the client.
API example.
Zapier
Zapier was created in Missouri in 2011 and moved to San Fransisco. Zapier currently has a 5 billion dollar valuation. As of 2024, Zapier connects more than 7,000 apps and services, enabling users to create automated workflows called “Zaps,” with an impressive 81 billion tasks automated on their platform to date. The company is set to grow with over 2.2 million customers and 310 million in revenue by the end of 2023.
Create a business account in Zapier, and you can use the premium services for free for 14 days.
Create a
Milestone V
Create a business account in Zapier, and you can use the premium services for free for 14 days. Create an account in Buffer.
Follow the step-by-step guide:
Create the automated workflow we made in class, take a screenshot, and brainstorm two more ideas of multistep automated workflows that would be helpful in your company. Create the workflows in Zapier, and send me a link to your creations.
Examples: https://zapier.com/templates, and customer stories: https://zapier.com/customer-stories