If you’ve ever wished your favorite apps could talk to each other, Zapier is the tool that makes it happen. It automates repetitive tasks by connecting apps like Gmail, Google Sheets, Slack, Notion, and hundreds more. In this post, I’ll show you how to create your first Zap — an automation that saves you hours every week.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYUr7B5x_eU

Creating a Zap is simpler than most people think. You don’t need coding experience — just an idea of what tasks you want to automate.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Sign Up or Log In to Zapier
Visit zapier.com and sign up for a free account, or log in if you already have one.

2. Click “Create Zap”
Once you’re inside your dashboard, click the orange Create Zap button. This will open the Zap editor.

3. Choose a Trigger App
The trigger is what starts the automation. For example, “New Email in Gmail” or “New Row in Google Sheets.”

  • Select the app.

  • Choose a specific trigger event.

  • Connect your account if prompted.

4. Add an Action Step
Next, choose the action you want to happen automatically. For example, when a new Gmail arrives, add a task in Notion or send a message in Slack.

5. Test Your Trigger and Action
Zapier lets you run a quick test to make sure everything works as expected. If the test is successful, you’re good to go.

6. Name and Turn On Your Zap
Give your Zap a clear name (like “New Leads to Google Sheets”) and toggle it ON. From now on, Zapier will handle that workflow for you.

Pro Tips:

  • Use Multi-Step Zaps to chain multiple actions together.

  • Add filters so automations only run under certain conditions.

  • Check the Zap History tab to see every successful run.

Zapier is one of those tools that once you start using, you can’t imagine working without. Even a single well-designed Zap can eliminate hours of manual work each week.