How do you connect your internet services to other apps?

1 Use APIs

One way to connect your internet services to other apps is to use application programming interfaces (APIs). APIs are sets of rules and protocols that allow different software components to communicate and exchange data. Many internet services provide APIs that you can access with your account credentials and use to interact with their features and data. For example, you can use the Gmail API to send and receive emails, or the Google Drive API to manage your files. To use APIs, you need some programming skills and tools, such as code editors, libraries, and documentation.

2 Use Zapier

Another way to connect your internet services to other apps is to use Zapier, a web-based platform that allows you to create workflows between different services without coding. Zapier supports over 3,000 apps and provides ready-made templates and triggers for common scenarios. For example, you can use Zapier to create a workflow that automatically adds new contacts from your Gmail to your Mailchimp list, or a workflow that sends a Slack message when a new row is added to your Google Sheets. To use Zapier, you need to sign up for an account and follow the steps to create your zaps.

3 Use IFTTT

A third way to connect your internet services to other apps is to use IFTTT, another web-based platform that enables you to create conditional statements between different services. IFTTT stands for If This Then That, and it works by linking events and actions from different apps. For example, you can use IFTTT to create a statement that says if you post a photo on Instagram, then save it to your Dropbox, or if you receive an email from a specific sender, then add a reminder to your Google Calendar. To use IFTTT, you need to sign up for an account and choose from the available applets or create your own.

4 Use integrations

A fourth way to connect your internet services to other apps is to use integrations, which are built-in features or plugins that allow you to link different services directly. Many internet services offer integrations with other popular apps that you can enable from their settings or dashboard. For example, you can use integrations to connect your WordPress site to your Facebook page, or your Dropbox account to your Microsoft Office apps. To use integrations, you need to check the compatibility and availability of the services you want to connect and follow the instructions to activate them.

5 Use widgets

A fifth way to connect your internet services to other apps is to use widgets, which are small graphical elements that display information or functionality from one service on another app. Widgets can be embedded on web pages, mobile devices, or desktops, and they can help you access or monitor your internet services without switching apps. For example, you can use widgets to display your Twitter feed on your website, or your Google Calendar events on your phone. To use widgets, you need to find the code or link for the widget you want to use and paste or install it on the app you want to display it on.

6 Use webhooks

A sixth way to connect your internet services to other apps is to use webhooks, which are custom callbacks that send data from one service to another when a specific event occurs. Webhooks are similar to APIs, but they work in the opposite direction: instead of requesting data from a service, they push data to a service. For example, you can use webhooks to send data from your Stripe account to your CRM system when a new payment is processed, or from your GitHub repository to your Slack channel when a new commit is made. To use webhooks, you need to configure the endpoint and payload for the service you want to send data to and enable the event for the service you want to send data from.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?