Writing a Zapier book was a natural step for our founder, Kelly Goss as she is so passionate about helping business owners increase productivity in their companies. As a Certified Zapier Expert, Kelly is the perfect person to impart everything she’s learned using Zapier in her own businesses as well as helping clients do the same.
Automate It with Zapier is intended to teach simple methods for improving processes and the best way to use Zapier to automate them. It is the most comprehensive guide about business process automation using Zapier on the market.
We thought we’d share the topics covered in the book, discuss who it’s aimed at, and what they can expect to achieve from reading it.
Watch the overview video for Automate It with Zapier
Who is the book for?
There are so many people who will benefit from Automate It with Zapier.
Firstly, owners of micro, small and medium-sized businesses who don’t have the budget for a team of developers to build bespoke systems for them. Employees too, in these businesses, can learn how to implement more streamlined processes and automate them using Zapier.
Then you have freelancers, contractors, and business consultants. Not only can they improve their own operational processes but the skills they’ve learned can be used to provide consultancy for clients. Business workflow automation consultancy is a growing service and can be applied to every single business! Workflow automation is a great skill to acquire, and could be extremely lucrative. Other people who could also offer automation consultancy include solution architects, process consultants, virtual assistants, CRM consultants, bookkeepers, accountants, and online business managers.
Improving processes and getting started with Zapier
The book kicks off by explaining in practical terms how you can simplify processes, initially by brainstorming them and then assessing what can be automated. It introduces Zapier, explains how to keep your account organized, and how to plan and build your first Zap. You’ll learn how to troubleshoot issues and handle errors (which are inevitable!).
Learning about Zapier’s inbuilt apps
Zapier has a bunch of built-in apps which allow you to manipulate data, such as extracting information from emails, reformatting dates, and use RSS feeds. There are apps that can send you SMS notifications, create a digest of information, and schedule automations to run at specific times. The book explains how these can be used in your Zaps to optimise the performance and also how to build multi-step workflows.
Digging deeper into Formatter by Zapier
One of Zapier’s most powerful built-in apps is Formatter by Zapier. You can format dates, times, text, numbers, and much more. You can use lookup tables, picklists and also import CSV files, as well as use spreadsheet-style formulas and operations.
This functionality is so effective at manipulating data into the right format, whether you need to perform math functions or prepare it for the next application.
Automating different processes within the business
Automate It with Zapier includes practical examples for all areas of your business, including:
- Sales
- Marketing
- Operations
- Finance
- Reporting
The book includes business scenarios that you can work through, with tips from Kelly, to test your newfound problem-solving and automation skills.
From beginner to advanced automator
Some of Zapier’s more advanced functionality, such as using webhooks and code, are explored briefly too, so that you have an appreciation for how powerful the platform can be.
Whether you are a solopreneur or work in a team, you’ll learn how to organise folders and Zaps, and how to collaborate with others if needed. All the key terminology is explained in easy-to-understand language and the information will get you up and running in no time.
Endorsed by Zapier
Cody Jones, Head of Global Partnerships & Channels at Zapier wrote the foreword for the book. He says “Just like playing with Legos, Zapier will allow you to create anything. However, sometimes it is helpful to have a step-by-step guide to ensure you build what you want. That is why we are so excited about Kelly’s book. As one of our Zapier Certified Experts since 2018, Kelly Goss is at the core of what automation and process mapping can do for businesses.”
Reviews
The book has had glowing reviews since it was published. You can check out some of the initial reviews here.
Buy the book
You can buy Kelly’s book directly from the publisher, Packt in print and eBook formats. It is also available from Amazon in Kindle format as well as in paperback. Here are links to Amazon (.co.uk) and Amazon (.com) to get yours now!
Once you’ve read the book you will be able to build advanced workflow automations using Zapier, and be a true automation superhero!
Check out our automation training programme
And finally, if you’re really keen to transform your business using automation, then visit the Solvaa Automation Academy. Our signature training programme, ‘Simple Automation Blueprint: Zero to Hero’ is aimed at anyone who wants to learn the fundamentals of business process automation from the experts – a sure-fire way to recession-proof your business.
It’s an 8-week blended learning course with on-demand videos, templates, resources and weekly group coaching sessions. And it’s more than just a Zapier course (although we do show you how to use Zapier like a pro) as you’ll learn about Process Mapping, Business Process Improvement and Business Process Management too – principles that can be applied to other areas of business too!
Whether you are a complete novice or have been using Zapier for a while, our programme is for you. It’s perfect for individuals and teams in micro, small and medium-sized businesses, including solopreneurs, consultants and freelancers. You’ll have access to our experts and can participate in live calls where you can ask all your burning questions, as well as hands-on workshops to keep you on track with implementing your new skills. We run regular cohorts so there will be an opportunity for everyone to participate.
Our head trainer, Kelly Goss, is a specialist in business systems, process improvement and automation, and one of less than 100 Zapier Certified Experts in the world. Kelly has many years’ experience in optimising systems and processes, and implementing automations for clients and is now passing on her knowledge to students through our trademarked ‘4-Step Solvaa Automation Methodology®‘.
Find out more via our dedicated Solvaa Automation Academy website.
Solvaa is a process and automation consultancy specialising in improving sales, operations and financial administration workflows. We help you to simplify and streamline existing processes, integrate your business tools to make data transfer more efficient and automate manual tasks to increase productivity. We are Zapier Certified Experts, Pipedrive Certified Experts and Xero Certified Advisors.
Contact us today to discuss how Solvaa can help you simplify, improve and automate all aspects of your business with Zapier to save you time, reduce costs and keep you agile as you grow.
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