An integration or zap is an automated workflow that connects your applications together. Each integration consists of a trigger step and one or more action steps. When you publish your integration, the action steps will be executed every time the trigger event occurs.

The core of any automation boils down to a simple command: "WHEN" and "DO". For example, when this happens, do that. Even the most complex automation can be broken down into this simple command.

To create a new integration from Apizeal, you can use:

Predefined integration templates.
Custom integrations.

Let's take a closer look at each one...

Creating integrations from templates

Integration templates, or zaps, are predefined integrations that already include a trigger and an action for you to start from. If you have the Marketing Bundle service activated and have already connected your Apizeal account with Zapier, you can find integration templates in the "INTEGRATIONS" option in your Apizeal account or on the Zapier website.

✏️ Note: To use an integration template in Apizeal, click on "USE THIS ZAP".

Create an integration from scratch

You can also create a new integration from scratch. In your Apizeal account, click on the "INTEGRATIONS" option in the left sidebar menu and then click on "CREATE ZAP".

✏️ Note: If you need to exit the Zap editor at any time, your progress will be saved as a draft directly in your Zapier account.

Now, you just need to follow these steps:

1. Add a Trigger

First, add a trigger. Remember: a trigger initiates your integration. Think of it as the "WHEN" of any automation.

1. Choose your trigger app: the integration or zap will be activated by an event that occurs in this application.

2. Select your event: this will be the event that occurs in the selected application and triggers the zap.

The trigger events vary depending on the applications you select. For example, a calendar application might have "New Event" as a trigger, while a lead collection application might have "New Registration" or "New Lead".

3. Log in to your application account: select or connect the specific application account you want to use in the zap's trigger.

For each application you connect, Zapier will request a general set of permissions that will allow you to have flexibility with your integrations or zaps.

4. Set up your trigger: establish the trigger options according to your needs. Customizing your trigger event will look different depending on the application you have selected. Sometimes, you may not need to make any additional customization.

5. Test your trigger: perform a test to see if you get the correct data. While you have the option to skip this step, it is important to carry it out.

Testing your trigger ensures that Zapier can find the information you want. You will also use this information in subsequent steps as you continue to configure your Zap.

Review your test data to confirm that it is extracting the correct information from your trigger event. When you are satisfied with the test information, click on "CONTINUE". The Zap editor will take you to set up the action step of your Zap.

2. Add an action

The action is the "DO THIS" part of your automation. Actions are the events you want your Zap to perform after your trigger occurs. Without an action, you will not have a complete integration or Zap.

Next, add an action:

1. Choose your action app: Just like you did with your trigger, you now need to select your action app.

2. Select your event: Once you have selected your app, choose the action event, which is what you want your Zap to do.

Just like with trigger events, action events vary between different apps and types of apps. For example, a spreadsheet app might have an action event for "create a new row", while in another app, the event is called "add".

When you're done, click on "CONTINUE". The Zap will perform an action in this app when triggered. This will be the event that the Zap carries out in the selected app when it is triggered.

3. Select your application account: now connect the specific account of the application you want to use in the Zap action. You will be prompted to sign in to your action application account if you haven't connected it before.

4. Configure your action: set the data you want to send to your action application. The Zap editor will ask you to further customize your action event. Usually, you will see "CUSTOMIZE" in the editor.

Zapier separates the data coming from your trigger event into individual pieces, which can then be used in action fields. To transfer your information from Application A to Application B, you need to tell Zapier what information from your trigger application should be sent and where it should go in your action application. We call this "mapping" those fields.

Think of it as a multiple-choice option: you can select one or multiple options, and you can also add customized text.

When you map a data, such as a contact name, what you see in the editor is a personalization variable. When your zap is activated, real data from your applications will be used every time your zap is executed.

5. Test your action: After configuring your action, it's time to test your zap. When you click on "TEST ACTION", Zapier will test your zap by performing the action according to how you have mapped the fields in your action step.

You will see a preview of the action your zap completed, but it's always good practice to verify your action app to see how it looks.

3. (Optional) Add more actions

If you're on a free trial or a paid plan of Zapier, you can add multiple actions to your Zaps. You can further customize your integration or zap with any of the following options:

Additional action steps: to add more actions, click on the plus icon (+) after a step.
Search steps: use a search step to find existing data in your apps.
Filters: add filters to limit the execution of the zap unless certain conditions are met.
Delay: add a delay between the steps of the zap.
Paths (workflows): add flows to perform different actions in your zap based on different conditions.

4. Establish a name for your integration or zap

Next, give a name to your zap so that you can easily identify it in your control panel.

At the top left, click on "UNTITLED ZAP".
Enter a name for your Zap.

5. (Optional) Adjust your Zap settings

On the right sidebar, click on the different configuration icons to adjust it to your convenience.

6. Publish your Zap

After setting up and naming your Zap, you're ready to publish it!

At the top right, click on "PUBLISH".
Once your Zap is published, Zapier will run the action steps every time the trigger event occurs. You can see a log of all your Zap's activity, including the data that enters and exits each step, in your Zap History.

✏️ Note:

At Apizeal, the integrations feature is available with the Marketing Bundle subscription service.

Apizeal and Zapier are two different software platforms, with different functionalities and features, that connect to each other to allow you to integrate thousands of applications. To enjoy the benefits of each, it is necessary to have an active user account in both Apizeal and Zapier.