Automation software can save you a lot of time. Especially for Social media influencers or anyone whose business has a social media presence added. It is very crucial to keep your brand image alive in the world. In the current digital era, social media plays an essential role in businesses. It’s not only in businesses of the 21st century but also in traditional businesses. Due to a large number of people on social media platforms, businesses can drive growth by keeping their brand alive on social media.
Both Zapier and IFTTT (If This Then That) help with these kinds of tasks. You can automate your posts on various social media platforms and save that time to be utilized on your other productive activities. And that is the best part of the technology – it is here to stretch our arms furthermore while we reduce our daily activities.
Ready to automate your social media platforms with either of the two? This guide will save you time by highlighting which of the two automation software best suits your needs.
Both Zapier and IFTTT have a good presence in the industry and are used by many companies and businesses in automating tasks.
Because IFTTT is free but offers as much, it competes closely with Zapier which, yes, has a free limited plan but also features terrific automation tools behind the paywall. That makes sense why it is high time we should figure out which software to go with.
Ease of use: Zapier vs IFTTT
One of the things you should consider is ease of use. From a first-person perspective, you should be able to set up the software without a hassle.
IFTTT
IFTTT is easy to use. The only thing you have to get the hang of is the recipes. Although IFTTT changed the name to Applets for the latter not being too techie. Applets in IFTTT imply the various ways in which you can integrate certain services to perform a particular task. Applets, as IFTTT calls it, is a way that lets the software play a follow-up task triggered by a specific initial task (trigger). Applets are composed of triggers “if” then followed by a resultant action dubbed “that.”
For example, “If any new SMS received, then send an email to Gmail.” Easy as that. There are many IFTTT Applets that you can choose from. The best thing is that if any of the actions you want to be performed is not in the available Applets, IFTTT lets you custom make them.
To create a new applet, choose a trigger action and the resultant action that you want to be executed when the trigger is fired. But keep in mind IFTTT has tons of Applets already so ensure you check thoroughly before creating your own. Searching for services on IFTT is not that easy though.
When you want to add a particular recipe, you have to search for that app. For example, having your selfies sent to Gmail each time you take them. You go to discover page and search for Gmail, then go through the available recipes for that app. I know this can be a tedious exercise, especially if the Applet is not accessible on the platform yet.
Zapier
Zapier, on the other hand, has a way of calling these Applets. Zapier calls the actions as “Zaps.” Unlike IFTT, Zapier is more inclined to the business aspect of automation. Zapier has a more complex cause and effect actions which include multi-step processes.
As a result, Zapier can be a little bit harder to master for a beginner, unlike IFTT. Although in Zapier, it is easy to search for zaps. Head over to the integration tab (when logged in) which gives you the whole list of supported apps, but you can also filter by a category, which is a handy addition. Some of the groups in the app list include; accounting, Ads and Analytics, Devices, e-commerce, social media, among others.
On top of just showing automated actions based on a single app in IFTTT, Zapier lets you select two apps from the integrations page. You are then shown the possible, coordinated cause and effect actions among the two apps. To create your zaps, however, Zapier has a wizard to help you with that. But still, just like IFTTT, you have to select a trigger first then select a resultant action.
Verdict
IFTTT is simple to use and has an extensive library of shared recipes that you can choose from, which makes it easier for beginners to get the hang of. Zapier, on the other hand, can be a little harder for beginners to work with, but once you know, it takes automation to another level with multi-step zaps, unlike IFTTT.
Automation: Zapier vs IFTTT
Automation is the frontline face of these programs. IFTTT and Zapier are both aimed at automating repetitive but straightforward processes that can be tiresome when performed naturally.
Here is how the two compare in terms of automation;
Zapier has multi-step processes, and these make it easier to automate processes that require more than one resultant effect. Although this makes Zapier hard for beginners, when you get the hang of it saves a lot.
IFTTT only features 1-2 necessary actions which come with its advantages and disadvantages. On the bright side, it makes it easier for beginners to get started for its simplicity. On the opposite side, IFTTT has less task automation than Zapier.
Verdict
IFTTT wins it; it is simple to use and beginner-friendly.
Third-party app integrations: Zapier vs IFTTT
App integrations are the core factor behind automation services. A program with more third-party app integrations will help you do more on the many apps that are fully supported by the service. As I said before, IFTTT is inclined more on the end-user rather than businesses.
So IFTTT supports almost any social media network you could think of. Apart from social networks, it also supports integration with various smart devices, the likes of LG washer, Philips Hue bulb, Samsung Robot Cleaner, and more. Additionally, IFTTT supports integration with different service categories, including blogging tools, voice assistants, developer tools, cloud storage services, business tools like MailChimp, Salesforce, etc. and many others.
Zapier also supports a tone of applications. Zapier’s third-party app integration has more apps than IFTTT. As of now, Zapier supports integration with over 1500apps! Which is 3x more compared to last year. IFTT, on the other hand, currently supports up to 550+ apps. But of course, Zapier being more business-centric it not only boasts the many app integrations but also has almost any business app integrated. Zapier supports apps like Pipedrive, Hubspot CRM, Facebook Lead Ads, Asana, among other business-focused apps.
App library: Zapier vs IFTTT
As I said before, Zapier’s app library is the biggest than IFTTT’s. Zapier currently supports over 1500 apps, of which most of them are business oriented while IFTTT supports over 550 apps. IFTTT has no premium apps in its portfolio of supported apps. Zapier, on the other hand, despite the enormous app library has categorized some apps as free and some as premium. To get the premium apps, you must at least subscribe to a payment plan.
Verdict
Zapier supports a ton of apps as compared to IFTTT. For casual use like home automation, IFTTT wins it for supporting a lot of IoT devices already in the market, and it is free with no premium apps. Verdict: It’s a tie
Availability: Zapier vs IFTTT
To use IFTTT, you can either use their website directly by going to https://ifttt.com/ or by using their mobile app available for both Android and iOS. IFTTT apps make it easier to perform “DO” actions like saving notes on your notes, use Google Assistant to save contacts on your device, or even turn the lights off with Alexa among other cause and effect actions.
Unlike IFTTT which accommodates individuals on the go, Zapier is only available on the web with no mobile apps available yet. A bummer for individuals who get more work done on mobile devices like social media influencers.
Verdict
IFTTT wins on this for having apps for various platforms which makes it easily accessible and you can automate tasks easily with your device on the go.
Pricing plans: Zapier vs IFTTT
Zapier
For multi-step automated actions, Zapier proves to be useful, especially in the business world. Which probably explains why the program has a pricing plan around its valuable features.
Zapier has a pricing model both for individuals and businesses. For individuals and professionals, Zapier offers a free plan for life. In the free plan, you are limited to only five zaps a month, and all the zaps are only two-step. This is extremely tight and will not make an impact on your business if you need any serious results. The free plan gets you five zaps which run every 15 minutes, and you will be able to perform only 100 tasks a month.
Pricing plans for individuals include a starter package, professional and professional plus.
1. Starter plan
For the starter plan, you pay $20/month for a year of subscription ($240/year) or a $25 month-to-month subscription. In the starter plan, you are offered 20 zaps a month which run every 15 minutes, and you are allowed to perform up to 1000 tasks per month.
Premium Features Included:
- Multi-step Zaps
- Filter
- Formatter
- Premium Apps
2. Professional plan
The professional plan offers 50 zaps a month that run every 5 minutes and allows up to 3,000 tasks a month. The professional plan will set you back by $50 per month paid annually ($600/year) or a month-to-month subscription of $62.50.
Premium Features Included:
- Multi-step Zaps
- Filter
- Formatter
- Premium Apps
- Auto-replay
- Path
3. Professional Plus Plan
The professional plus plan is the top-tier plan for individuals with 125 zaps allocated per month running every 5 minutes, and one can perform up to 10,000 tasks per month. The professional plus plan is priced at $125 per month billed annually ($ 1500/year) or $156.25 when you choose to pay every month.
Premium Features Included:
- Multi-step Zaps
- Filter
- Formatter
- Premium Apps
- Auto-replay
- Path
Zapier also offers different pricing plans for businesses. What is different about business plans is that they include collaboration tools to allow business teams to work together online. Zapier has two business plans dedicated to either a team or a company.
1. Team plan
The team plan goes for $250 per month, billed annually or $312.50 month-to-month basis. It includes unlimited zaps per month that run every five minutes and is allocated a total of 50,000 tasks per month. These plans also include extra tasks, on which the tasks will be priced based on usage.
What’s Included:
- Everything in Professional Plus, plus
- Unlimited Members
- Shared Folders
- Folder Permissions
2. Company plan
Pricing of the company plan starts at $ 600 per month, billed annually or $ 750 month-to-month. It includes unlimited zaps running every 5 minutes and has a total of 100,000 monthly task allocation. Users under this plan can also be allocated extra tasks, and the pricing per task will be based on the usage.
What’s included:
- Everything in the Team plan
- SAML SSO & Provisioning
- Access Control for Apps
- Custom Data Retention
IFTTT
IFTTT, on the other hand, is free to use for individuals. So, for those who want a joyride with little automation, then IFTTT is a perfect alternative. However, IFTTT has a business part of it that the program doesn’t disclose the charges. However, there have been rumors in the past about IFTTT introducing a pricing plan. That has not yet been materialized.
Verdict
On matters pricing, IFTTT wins the battle: the platform is free to use with no pricing model and has the support of over 500 applications. On the other hand, Zapier’s free plan offers little to no automation.
The platform restricts you to only five zaps a month with a total of 100 tasks. You also have no access to premium apps and no multi-step zaps, which is aimed to lure free users into subscribing to the paid plans. But since Zapier offers a free trial on all of their plans, you can try it out and see if that suits your needs.
Workflow: Zapier vs IFTTT
With IFTTT’s free business model, it is apparent that it cannot lack downsides. Cheap is expensive has turned out true in most cases. Even here, the situation is no different. Firstly, IFTTT requires one to have multiple accounts to link to various integrated apps. The second and what we have already talked about is the lack of multi-step integrations.
Lastly, IFTTT is buggy, or it is not clear if it was set to behave so. Time taken to execute actions from the time of trigger is not instantaneous. Zapier counters all of this with immediate effects, multi-step support, and with only $50 a month, you can reduce the time taken to perform a Zap by 5minutes.
Final verdict: Zapier vs IFTTT
Deciding on what to choose between the two is daunting. Especially when the free plan offers as much. Both tools are the best automation software as per now. However, to help you solve this, you need to ask yourself what is your primary purpose behind using the automation tools and whether you’re a business or an individual. For businesses, Zapier is the way to go. Zapier features multi-step automation and supports many apps, especially for business needs.
Despite the paywall, Zapier is worthy for business use. For individuals who want to automate some aspects of their life, IFTTT is the best way to go. It satisfies the casual needs of a regular social media user and someone who just got some IoT devices at home and needs some more customized automation.
Thank you for reading! Let us know in the comments below which automation system you think would work better for your business. Be sure to also check out “WikiBuy vs Honey (Comparison) Saving Money Online Made Easy” and find ways to save money online now!
This article is sponsored by Amazon Prime! Amazon is offering our BestandVS community an exclusive offer of a FREE 30-day trial of their famous Amazon Prime Membership. Click here to get your free trial started and enjoy that free 2-day shipping!
Leave a Reply