Lecture Notes: Guide to Make.com

Introduction to Make.com

• No-Code Platform: Make.com allows building automated workflows with minimal coding.
• Automation Capabilities:
  • Connects different apps, tools, and services.
  • Automates repetitive tasks in business.
  • Passes data between apps/tools or triggers actions based on activities.
• Example Use Case: Submitting a Google form could trigger an automated workflow.

Initial Steps Before Building Automations

1. Plan Your Automation:
   • Think through what you want to build.
   • Have a clear end goal.
   • Suggested tools: iPad, notebook, Whimsical, Miro for drawing out plans.

Navigating Make.com Dashboard

• Organization Tab: Administrative settings and subscription plans.
  • Recommended: Monthly subscription and Pro Plan.
• Team Management: Add team members to your make account.
• Operations and Scenarios:
  • Operations: Actions performed by automations.
  • Scenarios: The automations themselves.

Using Templates and Connections

• Templates: Hundreds of pre-built scenarios available; use as reference or inspiration.
• Connections:
  • Lists all tools and apps linked in scenarios.
  • Manage and verify connections here.

Building Automations (Scenarios)

• Modules: Core components of a scenario.
  • First module is typically the trigger.
• Example Automation:
  • Trigger: Receive an email in Gmail.
  • Action: Use Claude AI to analyze and draft a response.
  • Final Step: Save the response in Gmail drafts.
  • Connections: Ensure all accounts are connected, e.g., Google account for Gmail.

Advanced Features

• Mapping: Connects data between modules.
• Filters: Set conditions for when automations should trigger.
• Routers: Direct data from a module to multiple destinations.
• Web Hooks:
  • Connect non-native tools.
  • Can initiate automations upon receiving data from external sources.

Testing and Debugging

• Testing Automations: Run individual modules or entire scenarios to ensure functionality.
• Error Handling: Use Make’s AI assistant for troubleshooting error messages.
• Version Control: Save regularly and revert to previous versions if needed.

Scheduling Automations

• Set regular intervals for when automations should run (e.g., daily, weekly).

Community and Resources

• AI Playbook Premium Community:
  • Access to pre-built automations.
  • Community support for building and using automations.

Conclusion

• Make.com is a powerful tool for creating efficient and automated workflows.
• Consistent naming conventions for scenarios recommended for easy management.