What is Zapier and How Does it Work?
Zapier is a web automation platform that allows users to connect and integrate the web applications they use in their daily workflows. With Zapier, users can automate repetitive tasks by creating "zaps" that connect their different apps and trigger actions between them.
One key difference between Zapier and traditional integrations is that Zapier does not require any coding knowledge to set up. This makes it a great tool for non-technical users to easily connect their apps and automate their workflows.
So how does Zapier work?
At the core of Zapier is the concept of API's, or application programming interfaces. API's are essentially a set of rules and protocols that allow different software systems to communicate and exchange data with each other. Zapier uses API's to connect and integrate different apps, allowing users to automate tasks and create workflows between them.
To create a zap, users first need to select the trigger app and action app they want to use. The trigger app is the app that initiates the zap, while the action app is the app that performs the action. For example, you could set up a zap that triggers an action in your email marketing software whenever a new lead is added to your CRM (customer relationship management) system.
Once the trigger and action apps have been selected, users can then set up specific trigger and action events. For example, in the zap mentioned above, the trigger event could be "new lead added to CRM" and the action event could be "send email through email marketing software".
Users can also set up multiple actions for a single trigger, creating more complex and powerful workflows. For example, you could set up a zap that not only sends an email to a new lead, but also adds the lead to a specific list in your email marketing software and updates a spreadsheet with their contact information.
Benefits of Using Zapier for Sales Teams
There are many benefits to using Zapier for sales teams, particularly when it comes to CRM systems and LinkedIn. For example, you could set up a zap that automatically adds new LinkedIn connections to your CRM, or that sends a personalized email sequence to new leads that have been added to your CRM.
Zapier can also help sales teams save time and effort by automating routine tasks and processes. For example, you could set up a zap that checks your CRM for new leads every hour and adds them to a spreadsheet, or that automatically updates your CRM with new information from LinkedIn.
In addition to saving time and effort, Zapier can also help sales teams improve their productivity by streamlining their workflows and reducing the need for manual data entry. By automating tasks and integrating different apps and systems, sales teams can focus on more high-value activities, such as prospecting and closing deals.
Who does Zapier Integrate with?
Zapier integrates with over 2000 applications. Some of the better known Sales applications include:
- Salesforce
- HubSpot
- LinkedIn Sales Navigator
- Mailchimp
- Leadformly
- Zoho CRM
- Infusionsoft
- ActiveCampaign
- ConvertKit
- Pipedrive
- Agile CRM
- Freshsales
- Outreach
- Close
- Nutshell
- Adobe Sign
- HelloSign
- Drip
- Autopilot
- Pardot
Can you give me a specific example of how it's done?
Here is a user story that demonstrates how you can integrate LinkedIn with Zoho CRM using Zapier:
As a sales manager at a software company, I use LinkedIn to find and connect with potential clients, and Zoho CRM to track and manage my sales leads. I want to streamline my workflow and save time by automating the process of adding new LinkedIn connections to my Zoho CRM.
With Zapier, I can easily set up a zap that connects my LinkedIn and Zoho CRM accounts and automatically adds new LinkedIn connections to my CRM as new leads. Here's how it works:
- I log in to Zapier and click the "Make a Zap" button.
- I choose LinkedIn as the trigger app and Zoho CRM as the action app.
- I select the trigger event "New connection added" and the action event "Create lead".
- I connect my LinkedIn and Zoho CRM accounts to Zapier and test the trigger to make sure it's working.
- I customize the lead fields in my Zoho CRM that I want to populate with data from LinkedIn, such as the lead's name, company, and job title.
- I name my zap and turn it on.
Now, whenever I add a new connection on LinkedIn, Zapier will automatically create a new lead in my Zoho CRM with all the relevant information. This saves me time and effort by eliminating the need to manually enter new leads into my CRM, and helps me stay organized and track my sales activities more effectively.
To see another example of this in action, check out the official Zapier academy at Automated workflow: How to create your first Zap - Zapier 101 - YouTube
Conclusion
Overall, Zapier is a powerful tool that can help sales teams streamline their workflows and improve their productivity by automating repetitive tasks and connecting their different apps and systems. Whether you're using CRM's, LinkedIn, email sequences, or any other web applications, Zapier can help you create seamless and efficient workflows that save you time and effort. So, it is a great tool for sales teams to use along with CRMs, LinkedIn, email sequences, and more.
