Running a small business can be overwhelming, especially when you have to juggle multiple tasks at once. From managing finances to keeping up with customer inquiries, it can feel like there are never enough hours in the day. This is where Zapier comes in and saves the day, well at least a few hours in your day…
Zapier is a web-based automation tool that connects your favorite apps and services, allowing you to automate repetitive tasks and streamline your workflow. In this article, we’ll explore the basic benefits of Zapier for small businesses and show you how to get started with this powerful tool.
What is Zapier?
Zapier is a web-based automation tool that connects over 3,000 apps and services, including popular business tools like Google Sheets, Synthesia, and CRMs like Hubspot or Active Campaign. With Zapier, you can create “Zaps,” which are automated workflows that move information between apps. For example, you can create a Zap that will automatically add new prospects and/or leads from your website or landing page to your CRM, or a Zap that sends a Slack message every time you receive a new email. The possibilities are endless, and Zapier makes it easy to create custom workflows that fit your business needs.
The Benefits of Using Zapier for Small Businesses:
- Saves Time and Boosts Efficiency
As a small business owner, time is your most valuable resource. Zapier helps you save time by automating repetitive tasks, allowing you to focus on more important tasks. By automating tasks like data entry, lead generation, and social media posting, Zapier can help you boost efficiency and productivity.
- Increases Accuracy and Reduces Errors
Manual data entry can be time-consuming and prone to errors. With Zapier, you can automate data entry between your apps, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring accuracy.
- Streamlines Communication
Zapier allows you to connect your communication tools, like email, Slack, and Trello, and automate communication workflows. For example, you can create a Zap that notifies your team on Slack every time a new lead is added to your CRM, or a Zap that sends a confirmation email every time a customer makes a purchase.
- Improves Customer Experience
By automating tasks like lead generation and customer onboarding, Zapier can help you provide a seamless customer experience. With Zapier, you can create custom workflows that automatically send welcome emails, follow-up messages, and other communication that helps you build relationships with your customers.
How to Get Started with Zapier.
Getting started with Zapier is easy, and you don’t need any technical skills or coding knowledge. Here are the steps to get started:
- Sign up for a Zapier account
Go to zapier.com and sign up for a free account. Zapier offers a free plan that allows you to create up to 5 Zaps and automate up to 100 tasks per month. This is just enough to get your feet wet and see what it is capable of. You will absolutely need a paid account if you plan on instilling these workflows into your business process.
- Choose your apps
Once you’ve signed up, you’ll need to choose the apps you want to connect to. Zapier offers over 3,000 apps and services, so you’re sure to find the apps you need. Be wary though. When I first brought Zapier on in my insurance agency, we signed up for apps left and right, and it quickly got out of control.Luckily we fixed it fast and moved forward. Learn what you currently have and if there are any processes you can improve. Get leaner and then add some bulk to your workflow.
- Create your first Zap
To create a Zap, click the “Make a Zap” button in your Zapier dashboard. Follow the prompts to choose your trigger app, select your trigger event, and choose your action app. Then, customize your workflow by adding filters, formatting data, and mapping fields.
This is fun and when you see that first Zap work for you it is a mental victory like no other because you just realized that your business is about to change!
- Test your Zap
Before activating your Zap, Zapier will ask you to test it to ensure everything is working as expected. Once you’ve tested your Zap, you can activate it and start automating your workflow.
Conclusion
Zapier is a powerful tool that can help small businesses automate repetitive tasks, boost efficiency, and improve the customer experience. By connecting your favorite apps and services, you can create custom workflows that fit your business needs and save time and resources. With Zapier, the possibilities are endless, and you can automate just about any task you can think of. So why not give it a try? Sign up for a free account today and check it out. Soon you will start automating your small business workflows!