No Code Automation: How to Automate Tasks Without Writing a Line of Code
Are you tired of wasting time on tedious tasks that could be automated?
Do you wish there was an easier way to automate your work without having to learn how to code? If so, then you’re in luck! In this blog post, we will discuss how to automate tasks without writing a single line of code.
We’ll cover a variety of tools and methods that can help you get started automating your work today. So don’t wait any longer – let’s get started.
What Is No Code Automation?
No code automation is a software development technique that connects software applications together with little to no code writing. We have heard of low-code and high-code, but no-code is a new concept.
The term “no-code” typically refers to the method of developing applications without the use of traditional programming languages. In other words, it does not require knowledge in JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and many others. It also means that no coding experience is necessary for the creation of an application; instead, you can use drag-and-drop features and other components to create an application within a visual interface.
Although no-code has been around for decades, it has only recently started to gain popularity in mainstream businesses. In fact, Forrester Research predicts that by 2025 at least 70% of application development will be based on low or no-code platforms.
It is clear that no code automation is more than just a buzzword; it is here to stay and companies are taking notice. No code is expected to revolutionize the way we build software and make technology more accessible to everyone.
Benefits of No-code Automation Tools
So, why use no-code automation? What value does it offer businesses and their employees? Here are just a few benefits to consider.
- Faster Integration Process: The integration process between apps can be a time-consuming task if you have to write code for it. But with no code automation, you can set up all your integrations quickly and easily without writing any code at all.
- Cheaper and fast: Another key benefit of no-code automation tools is that they are often much cheaper and faster to implement than traditional coding-based solutions. This is because there is no need to hire expensive developers or consultants to create and maintain the automation tasks. In many cases, no-code automation tools can be implemented using existing staff with little or no training.
- Flexibility: No-code tools allow you to build solutions that fit your needs exactly.
- It reduces costs.
- It helps improve productivity and efficiency: No code automation tools empower businesses to be more efficient and effective. They decrease the time to action and the cost of waiting on IT to create applications using traditional programming approaches. It doesn’t require coding to automate any part of your business.
- It helps automate tedious tasks: It can be used to speed up and automate routine tasks, freeing up employees to focus on more important work. Additionally, it can help reduce the risk of human error by automating manual processes.
How To Automate Tasks Without Writing A Line Of Code
The real power behind automation is in automating workflows.
A workflow is a set of actionable tasks or steps that are required to successfully complete a process.
An example of this is the regular monthly process of sending electronic invoices to your customers. This can be broken up into a series of steps:
The first step is to retrieve a list of all customers who have outstanding invoices. You can do this by downloading a list from your CRM or ERP system, or by logging into your online accounting software and exporting an invoice report in CSV format.
You’ll need to generate an individual invoice for each customer on the list and email it to them directly. In some cases, you may need to attach additional PDFs, like your company’s terms and conditions, to the email before sending it out.
Finally, you need to update the status of each invoice from “unpaid” to “sent”.
Each one of these steps can be automated using different tools and technologies, but it’s only when you put them together that you get a valuable workflow that will save you hours, days, or weeks worth of work every month.
What Are The Best No-Code Automation Tools For The Job?
Make (formerly Integromat)
Intergromat is a no-code automation tool that connects your apps and services to work smarter, not harder.
With Intergromat, you can build automated workflows between different applications and services, such as Gmail and Google Sheets.
The platform has more than 100+ pre-made templates to help you get started, or you can import your own from Github or the marketplace.
Integromat offers a free plan and paid plans starting at $9/month.
Zapier
This is the tool that got me started with automation. It allows you to create “zaps” that connect apps together by passing data between them. It has over 1,000 apps in its directory and you can connect pretty much any app that exposes an API.
It is a great tool to start with because it has a simple UI, a large community, and many tutorials showing you how others are using Zapier. The downside of this is that it can often be too simple and you will quickly hit limitations on what it can do and find yourself needing something more
IFTTT.
IFTTT is a tool that lets you create powerful connections with one simple statement — if this then that. IFTTT connects apps, services, and devices so they can work together.
How it works
Create Applets to automate the service-to-service workflows in your life. An applet is triggered by changes that occur within other web services such as Gmail, Facebook, Telegram, Instagram, or Pinterest.
With over 600 apps and services available to connect through IFTTT, the odds are very good you already use some of them. There’s everything from Instagram, Slack, and Gmail to Twitter, Alexa, and Google Home. Connect an app or service to IFTTT, and you unlock all sorts of possibilities for automating your life.
If this, then that uses a simple format for its applets (previously known as recipes). The first part is called a “trigger.” The second part is called an “action.” When the trigger happens (this), the action will be performed (that). You can think of it as “When X happens in app A, do Y in app B.”
Microsoft Flow
Microsoft Flow is one of the best no-code automation tools available in the market today. Microsoft Flow has a free version that lets you choose from 25+ pre-defined templates. These templates allow you to automate various business tasks, such as copying files from one location to another, sending an email when a new item is added to SharePoint, sending an SMS when a task is completed, and more.
If none of these options work for you, you can use Microsoft Flow’s web-based interface to create your own automation. You can start with a blank template or find a template that closely resembles the kind of automation you want to create.
It’s important to note here that while Microsoft Flow has a free version, it also offers premium plans starting at $15/month per user. The free version allows you to run up to 750 automated tasks each month, whereas the premium plans allow you to run up to 15,000 automated tasks each month (and more).
Tips For Getting Started With No Code Automation
Choose the right tool for your needs.
The first step is finding the right tool for your needs. When you’re just getting started with no code automation tools, it’s best to go with something simple and easy to use.
For example, if you want to automate the approval process for job applications at your company, you may want to create an automated email that goes out when someone submits an application or resumes on your website.
In this case, all you need is an app like Google Forms or Typeform that allows people to submit information and then send an automated email through
Start small
Look for a one-off task that takes up a lot of time from both management and your team. It doesn’t have to be a big process – maybe it’s something that only takes an hour each week, but eats up a good chunk of your day. Figure out that one task and go from there.
Know what you want to achieve
Before you start searching for tools, it’s important to know what outcome you’re looking for. Do some research and look at what other companies are doing with no-code automation so you can get an idea of what’s possible.
Examples of how no-code automation can save you time and energy
There are many ways that no-code automation can save you time and energy. Here are some of the most common use cases that our no-code users report:
- Automatically emailing leads with a special offer after they sign up for a newsletter
- Sending a text message to new subscribers to welcome them to your list
- Automatically creating web forms from your spreadsheet data
- Notifying your team when there is a new form submission (for example, if someone signs up for an event)
- Sending out personalized postcards or letters to customers who subscribe to your service (or don’t resubscribe)
- Updating an inventory spreadsheet every time a customer makes an order
Automating tasks is an easy way to save time and free up your mind to focus on other aspects of your business. So don’t be intimidated—you are capable of creating automated processes, even if you don’t have any coding experience under your belt! By using tools like IFTTT and Zapier, you can learn to build advanced automation processes without writing a single line of code.