What is IFTTT? The Ultimate Guide
We are made to automate! What is IFTTT?
Main takeaways
- IFTTT stands for “If This Then That”
- It’s a free web service that helps to automate tasks and improve productivity
- Automation tool connects various services and apps to create “applets” that perform automations
Automation starts to be more and more advanced and affordable. Therefore, many businesses as well as private users start to implement automation solutions into their daily routines. Most of the automation workflows are based on a simple rule: if this then that which brings me to a software I would like to elaborate about now
What is IFTTT?
IFTTT is a platform which allows you to build automation no-code automation workflows. The platform helps to boost your productivity by connecting particular apps together, so they can exchange information between them. This means that if something happens in one app then it can be used as a trigger to start a process in another app. For example, you can connect Twitter and Facebook together, so once something is posted on Twitter it will automatically appear on your Facebook page.
How does IFTTT work?
The tool is based on building simple rules that trigger actions between applications. Once something happens in one app then it will trigger another action somewhere else based on predefined rules.
What does IFTTT stand for?
IFTTT stands for “IF This Then That”. Is a commonly used conditional statement in programming. It also clearly explains how the app works. It is using action from one app to trigger action in another app.
Getting started with IFTTT
IFTTT, or “If This Then That,” simplifies automation for users. You can get started by downloading the mobile app, whether you use Android or Apple’s iOS, and creating a free account. Once set up, you’ll swiftly begin automating tasks.
The platform offers a diverse array of applets and suggests automation recommendations for new users. Grouped into Collections, these applets cover various platforms and tasks, from news and weather to home automation.
IFTTT’s user-friendly interface allows browsing or searching for applets by category or service. The “My Applets” section manages active applets and shows a history of previous uses.
For those seeking customization, IFTTT enables users to create their own applets. These can be tailored by combining different app “services” and configuring specific trigger parameters to suit individual needs.
What do users like about IFTTT?
Platform users like the platform for its simplicity and possibility to connect numerous applications together. The platform is user friendly and very easy to navigate. It allows you to select from a long list of applications that are available within the platform and provides numerous features connected with them. You just need to link IFTTT with the platforms that you would like to automate.
An example below shows an automation where every new post on Facebook page will be automatically posted on Discord channel. This automation is called “Applets”.
How do businesses use IFTTT?
Businesses are usually using multiple different services like for example: slack, asana, trello and others. Managing multiple different apps is quite difficult especially if you need to use them to manage repetitive tasks on regular time intervals. This is where businesses prefer to use automation solutions like IFTTT because it removes repetitive tasks from employees and increases the productivity of the whole organization.
What are the benefits of IFTTT?
There are numerous advantages of using it. Some of the key benefits are as follows:
- It can be used completely for free
- Large number of applications available
- Can be used within app and web apps
- Allows you to automate small and more complex tasks based on simple rules
- It cas perform tasks according to schedule, therefore, you will never miss the deadline again
- It allows you to automate the most popular apps, which increase that chances that you will find it useful
Can help you organize your content
IFTTT can work with a variety of social media platforms. You can publish posts instantly and simultaneously by creating triggers which will launch posts in many places at the same time. For example, you can also use it to share YouTube videos on Discord channel.
Use it to find new clients
The automation platform can help you build relationships with your customers by building email or social media triggers. On top of that you can automate any other app that you want. Imagine that your potential customer will receive a quote or invoice immediately, so the customer’s experience can be as positive as possible.
Helps you outrun the competition
Even though the automation apps are with us for a while, still many businesses are not using them at all or they don’t know how to take full advantage of them. Having started with automation now gets you ahead of your competition straight away.
IFTTT pricing
Automation tool offers 3 different plans: Free, Pro and Pro+. The free plan allows you to build up to 5 automations (Applets), whereas the paid plans allow to build respectively 20 or unlimited number of Applets. The pricing is quite affordable and you can learn about its specifics here.
IFTTT competitors
The platform is not the only software available on the market. There are other softwares that work in a similar way.
Zapier
Zapier is an online platform that helps you automate workflows by connecting your apps and services you use. This allows you to automate tasks without having to build this integration yourself. Or hiring someone to build this integration for you.
Make
Make is a build automation tool that automatically builds executable programs and libraries from source code by reading files called Makefiles which specify how to derive the target program. You can learn more about it here.
Summary
IFTTT is a very practical tool which allows you to build automation solutions for many applications. It offers a free plan which is a little bit limited, however sufficient if you don’t plan to build many advanced applications. The other paid plans are available for a very affordable price.
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