Ultimate Automation Scripts Cheat Sheet: Zapier & IFTTT for Maximum Productivity

Introduction

Automation scripts connect apps and services to create workflows that run automatically. Zapier and IFTTT (If This Then That) are leading platforms that enable non-technical users to automate repetitive tasks, save time, and improve productivity by creating “if-then” connections between apps and services.

Core Concepts

Key Terminology

Zapier vs. IFTTT Comparison

Step-by-Step Process for Creating Automations

Creating a Zap (Zapier)

1. Sign in to your Zapier account
2. Click Create Zap
3. Choose a trigger app and select a specific trigger event
4. Connect your account if not already connected
5. Configure trigger settings and test
6. Choose an action app and select a specific action
7. Connect your account if not already connected
8. Set up the action by mapping data from the trigger
9. Test your Zap
10. Name your Zap and turn it on

Creating an Applet (IFTTT)

1. Sign in to your IFTTT account
2. Click Create to start a new applet
3. Click Add in the “If This” section
4. Choose a service and connect if necessary
5. Select a trigger and configure settings
6. Click Add in the “Then That” section
7. Choose a service and connect if necessary
8. Select an action and configure settings
9. Review and turn on your applet

Key Techniques by Category

Data Handling Techniques

Workflow Optimization

Zapier Optimization

• Use Paths for branching logic
• Implement Filters to reduce task usage
• Utilize Delay steps for time-sensitive workflows
• Create Nested Zaps for complex scenarios
• Use Formatter for data standardization

IFTTT Optimization

• Create Filter Codes for conditional execution
• Use Multiple Applets for complex workflows
• Leverage Data Variables like {{EntryTitle}} and {{EntryUrl}}
• Check Activity log to troubleshoot
• Enable Notifications for important applets

Popular Integrations

Zapier Top Integrations

• Google Workspace (Gmail, Drive, Sheets)
• Microsoft Office 365
• Slack
• Trello/Asana
• CRM systems (Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Social media platforms
• Mailchimp/email marketing tools
• Shopify/ecommerce platforms

IFTTT Top Integrations

• Smart home devices (Philips Hue, Nest)
• Social media platforms
• Gmail
• Weather services
• Mobile device functions
• Voice assistants (Alexa, Google Assistant)
• Location services
• RSS feeds

Common Automation Patterns

Marketing Automations

• Lead capture to CRM
• Social media content distribution
• Email marketing sequences
• Content publishing workflows
• Customer feedback collection

Productivity Automations

• Document management
• Calendar scheduling
• Task creation and assignment
• Meeting notes distribution
• Email filtering and organization

Data Management Automations

• Database syncing
• Spreadsheet updates
• Reporting dashboards
• Data backup
• Form submission processing

Common Challenges and Solutions

Advanced Techniques

Zapier Advanced Features

• Webhooks: Create custom API integrations
• Code Steps: Run Python or JavaScript within Zaps
• Storage: Persist data between Zap runs
• Paths: Create conditional branches
• Transfer: Move bulk data between apps
• Autoreplay: Automatically retry failed Zaps

IFTTT Advanced Features

• Filter Code: JavaScript conditions for applet execution
• Query Parameters: Pass additional data to services
• Multiple Actions: Connect one trigger to multiple services (Pro)
• Widgets: Quick access to run applets manually
• Location Triggers: Proximity and geofencing automations

Best Practices

General Best Practices

• ✅ Start with clear workflow objectives
• ✅ Document your automations
• ✅ Test thoroughly before relying on workflows
• ✅ Monitor performance and error rates
• ✅ Implement error notification systems
• ✅ Review and optimize automations quarterly
• ✅ Use descriptive names for workflows

Zapier-Specific Best Practices

• ✅ Use Paths instead of multiple Zaps when possible
• ✅ Utilize Formatter steps for data consistency
• ✅ Implement error handling with Paths
• ✅ Use Scheduled triggers for regular tasks
• ✅ Test Zaps with real data samples
• ✅ Add notes to complex steps
• ✅ Use folders to organize Zaps by function

IFTTT-Specific Best Practices

• ✅ Check the Activity log regularly
• ✅ Enable applet notifications for critical workflows
• ✅ Use the IFTTT mobile app for location-based triggers
• ✅ Create backup applets for critical functions
• ✅ Test across devices when using IoT services
• ✅ Use descriptive titles that explain the full workflow

Quick Reference: Common Code Snippets

Zapier Code Snippets

Basic Filter:

return inputData.field_name.includes('specific text');

Date Comparison:

const now = new Date();
const inputDate = new Date(inputData.date_field);
return (now - inputDate) < (24 * 60 * 60 * 1000); // Within last 24 hours

Conditional Data Assignment:

output = {
  result: inputData.status === 'active' ? 'Proceed' : 'Stop'
};

IFTTT Filter Code Snippets

Check Content Format:

if (Email.subject.includes('[IMPORTANT]')) {
  return true;
}
return false;

Time-Based Execution:

const hour = Meta.currentUserTime.hour();
// Only run between 9am and 5pm
return hour >= 9 && hour <= 17;

Value Threshold:

if (WeatherUnderground.currentConditionsTrigger.Temperature > 75) {
  return true;
}
return false;

Resources for Further Learning

Zapier Resources

• Zapier Learning Center
• Zapier University
• Help & Support Documentation
• Zapier Community
• Zapier Blog

IFTTT Resources

• IFTTT Help Center
• IFTTT Blog
• IFTTT Developer Documentation
• IFTTT on Twitter
• IFTTT Community

General Automation Learning

• Automate.io Blog
• NoCode Journal
• Automation Wikipedia
• ProcessStreet Checklist Blog
• Automattic Blog