Make it so: Zaps you can trigger with your voice

More than a third of the U.S. population uses voice assistants like Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant to accomplish everyday tasks like checking calendars, getting directions, or looking up useless facts. And according to an Adobe survey, 94 percent of users say that voice technologies save them time—and improve their quality of life.

But voice assistants aren't just good for streamlining your personal life. They can also save your business some serious time. Coupled with Zapier's automation platform, you can use tools like Google Assistant to do work in the apps you use every day, such as your CRM or chat app. You can build automated workflows—which we call Zaps—that begin when you speak a few words to your assistant. Zapier does the rest.

First, you'll need to connect your Google Assistant with Zapier, which you can do from a computer or on mobile. If you use Google Assistant, follow these instructions to connect it with Zapier. Amazon Alexa users can connect with Zapier following the instructions here.

Once that's set up, give one of our pre-made workflows below a try. Just click on a Zap template, and we'll guide you through customizing it. You can read more about setting up Zaps here.

Set chat app statuses with pushed voice messages

When you're on the go, a hands-free voice command can be much easier than typing. Zapier can help make sure your team knows what you're up to, even if you're away from your computer, by linking your voice assistant and your chat app of choice, such as Slack.

Once you set up this automation, you can say "Ok Google, talk to Zapier" or "Hey Alexa, talk to Zapier," and your voice assistant will be able to use your commands to take action.

If you do something often, like take a 30-minute lunch, you could create a specific Zap for that status change.

You can also make it open-ended and define prompts with Zapier that your assistant will ask you. That will be more like a conversation, where your assistant will ask you things you've defined in your Zap, like what phrase to put in your status and for how long it should stay up.

Send messages

Have you ever been guilty of thinking about a message you need to send, but then forget to do it? Sometimes it's harmless to leave your friends on read, but for the stuff that requires your immediate attention, voice assistants can save the day. 

Zapier can send messages for you in your team chat app or via email with a voice command. Instead of rushing to your phone to tap out a message, just say "Ok Google/Hey Alexa, talk to Zapier." Then, say the voice command you've set up to start your Zap, and then say the message you'd like to send. 

Manage your to-do list hands-free

Ever have more ideas than free hands? Need to remind yourself of something, but too busy to reach for your phone or head to the computer?

When you pair your voice assistant with Zapier, you can manage your to-do list hands-free. Like before, you'll start with "Ok Google/Hey Alexa, talk to Zapier," then "Add a task."

Your assistant will then prompt you to add whichever details you like. Zapier will use those details to create a task or card in your favorite to-do app. You can also adjust the template if you'd like to include due dates, assignees, or any other details.

Manage your calendar

In movies, you typically see personal assistants fetching coffee or managing someone's schedule. Using your voice assistant and Zapier, you can get close enough to the real thing. 

Turn on one of the Zaps below, ask your voice assistant to open Zapier,  then say, "add to calendar."

Add to spreadsheets on the go

It's not always feasible to stop what you're doing to update spreadsheets while you're trying to close deals. Pair your voice assistant with Zapier and you can add spreadsheet rows while you're working. 

Ask your voice assistant to open Zapier, then say "add a row" and whatever details you'd like. You can customize these Zap templates to customize which spreadsheet, what column you'd like to update, and even the question your voice assistant prompts you. 

Create leads in your CRM with just a few words

Sales, business development, and other teams are constantly on the go trying to get and close new business. After a day on the road or full of client meetings, it can feel like you don't have any time to keep up with managing your new or updated contacts.

With Zapier, you can add or update a lead in your CRM using a voice command. Instead of typing in the new details on your phone or computer, talk to your voice assistant and capture the new information while it’s top of mind, whether you’re on the go or in your office.

You'll start with "Ok Google, talk to Zapier," or "Hey Alexa, talk to Zapier," and then walk through the rest of the steps you define in your Zap.

Add automation to your voice assistant to get more done

If you're using a voice assistant, you already know how convenient it is. Expand what's possible by using Zapier to add automation.

Learn more about how to use Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa with Zapier.

Related reading:

• Hey Google, how can you and Alexa increase productivity at work?

• How to create your own Google Assistant automation with Zapier