How to Create Automation Between Apps Using Zapier or Make
In today’s fast-paced digital world, time is your most valuable asset. Whether you’re running a business, managing a marketing campaign, or handling daily operations, repetitive tasks can drain your productivity. This is where automation tools like Zapier and Make (formerly Integromat) come in. They allow you to connect different apps and automate workflows — without writing a single line of code.
In this article, we’ll explore how to create automation between apps using Zapier or Make, step by step, along with practical examples.
What Are Zapier and Make?
Zapier and Make are powerful no-code automation platforms that connect your favorite apps (like Gmail, Slack, Google Sheets, Trello, Shopify, and more) to perform tasks automatically.
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Zapier: Best for quick and simple automations (“Zaps”) with an easy-to-use interface.
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Make (Integromat): Ideal for complex workflows, conditional logic, and multi-step automations with visual mapping.
Both platforms act as a bridge between apps that don’t natively integrate with each other.
Why You Should Automate Tasks Between Apps
Here are some reasons why automation is a game-changer:
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Saves Time: Automating repetitive tasks allows you to focus on high-impact work.
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Reduces Human Error: Once set up, automations run consistently without mistakes.
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Increases Efficiency: Tasks like sending emails, updating spreadsheets, or moving data between apps happen instantly.
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Improves Collaboration: Automatically updates team members or tools in real-time.
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Scales Your Operations: You can handle more work without hiring extra hands.
How to Automate Apps Using Zapier
Let’s walk through the process step-by-step:
Step 1: Sign Up and Choose Your Apps
Create a free account on Zapier.com.
Search for the two (or more) apps you want to connect — for example, Google Forms and Google Sheets.
Step 2: Create a New Zap
A Zap is a workflow automation in Zapier. It has two main parts:
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Trigger: The event that starts the automation.
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Action: The task that happens automatically after the trigger.
Example:
Trigger: New form submission in Google Forms.
Action: Add the form data to a Google Sheet.
Step 3: Configure the Trigger
Select your trigger app (Google Forms), choose the trigger event (new response), and connect your account.
Step 4: Set Up the Action
Choose the action app (Google Sheets) and select the event (create a new row). Then, map form fields to spreadsheet columns.
Step 5: Test and Activate
Zapier will test the workflow to ensure data transfers correctly. Once it works, turn the Zap ON, and your automation is live!
How to Automate Apps Using Make (Integromat)
If you need more complex workflows, Make offers a visual drag-and-drop builder that lets you see the data flow between apps.
Step 1: Create an Account
Go to Make.com and sign up.
Step 2: Build a Scenario
A Scenario in Make is similar to a “Zap” in Zapier.
Click “Create a new scenario,” then select your starting app.
Step 3: Add Modules
Each module represents an action, trigger, or filter.
For example:
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Trigger Module: When a new email arrives in Gmail.
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Action Module: Add that email’s data to Airtable or send a Slack message.
Step 4: Map Data Visually
Make lets you drag connections between apps and visually see how data moves. You can even add:
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Filters and conditions
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Loops or delays
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Error handlers
Step 5: Test and Schedule
Run a test to ensure it works, then schedule your scenario to run automatically (e.g., every 5 minutes or in real time).
Real-World Automation Examples
Here are some practical ways you can use Zapier or Make:
| Goal | Zapier Example | Make Example |
|---|---|---|
| Save leads automatically | New Facebook Lead → Add to Google Sheet | New Typeform submission → Add to Airtable & Notify in Slack |
| Improve customer support | New Gmail email → Create Zendesk ticket | New Intercom message → Update CRM + send email |
| Simplify eCommerce | New Shopify order → Send to Google Sheets | WooCommerce order → Update stock in Airtable + email customer |
| Manage social media | New blog post → Share on Twitter | New YouTube video → Post on LinkedIn + Telegram group |
Zapier vs. Make: Which One Should You Choose?
| Feature | Zapier | Make (Integromat) |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Simple and beginner-friendly | Advanced visual builder |
| Best For | Quick, single-step automations | Complex, multi-step workflows |
| Pricing | Free for basic Zaps | Free for basic Scenarios |
| Conditional Logic | Limited | Advanced filters and branching |
| Interface | Text-based | Visual and modular |
👉 Choose Zapier if you want simple, reliable automations.
👉 Choose Make if you need advanced logic, data mapping, or multiple app actions.
Tips for Effective Automation
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Start Small: Begin with one or two workflows to get familiar with the tool.
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Use Templates: Both Zapier and Make offer ready-made templates for popular automations.
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Add Filters: Ensure actions only run under certain conditions (e.g., only high-priority emails).
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Monitor Logs: Regularly review your automation logs for errors or improvements.
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Secure Your Accounts: Use strong passwords and enable 2FA for all connected apps.
Automation is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity for anyone who values productivity. With tools like Zapier and Make, you can connect your favorite apps, streamline workflows, and focus on what really matters: growing your business and achieving results.
Whether you’re automating email responses, updating CRMs, or syncing customer data, the possibilities are endless — and you don’t need to know any code to do it.
So go ahead — pick an app pair, set up your first automation today, and experience the magic of no-code workflows!
