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Batch 3 Catch Up

This document provides a comprehensive guide to using Webhooks and RSS Feeds in Zapier for automation. It explains the various webhook request methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, PATCH) and their use cases, along with integration steps and practical examples. Additionally, it outlines how to set up RSS feeds to monitor content updates and create custom automations.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)

16 views4 pages

Batch 3 Catch Up

Uploaded by

elizabethogor1

We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.

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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

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Mastering Zapier: Webhooks and RSS Feeds

Zapier is an incredibly versatile automation platform, enabling you to connect apps and streamline
workflows. In this guide, we will explore two powerful tools in Zapier: Webhooks and RSS Feeds, focusing
on their request methods, integration details, and practical examples.

1. Webhooks
What Are Webhooks?

Webhooks are a method for apps to send real-time data to other systems whenever a specific event
occurs. In Zapier, webhooks enable seamless data transfer for apps that aren’t natively supported on the
platform.

What Is an Endpoint?

An endpoint is a URL that serves as the destination or source for data in a webhook request. It is where
data is sent to or retrieved from. For example, in a POST request, the endpoint is the URL where data is
submitted.

Webhook Request Methods in Zapier

Zapier supports the following webhook request methods:

a. GET

● Purpose: Retrieve data from a specified endpoint.

● Use Case: Pull information from a public API or external database.
● Example:
○ Request: GET https://api.example.com/data
○ Response: { "id": 123, "status": "active" }

b. POST

● Purpose: Send data to an endpoint.

● Use Case: Submit form data or create a new resource in an external system.
● Example:
○ Request: POST https://api.example.com/users
■ Headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json" }
■ Body: { "name": "John Doe", "email": "[email protected]" }
○ Response: { "id": 456, "status": "created" }

c. PUT

● Purpose: Update an existing resource at an endpoint.

● Use Case: Modify user details in a third-party app.
● Example:
○ Request: PUT https://api.example.com/users/123
■ Body: { "email": "[email protected]" }
○ Response: { "status": "updated" }

d. DELETE

● Purpose: Remove a resource at an endpoint.

● Use Case: Delete records or entries in an external system.
● Example:
○ Request: DELETE https://api.example.com/users/123
○ Response: { "status": "deleted" }

e. PATCH

● Purpose: Apply partial updates to a resource at an endpoint.

● Use Case: Update specific fields without overwriting the entire resource.
● Example:
○ Request: PATCH https://api.example.com/users/123
■ Body: { "phone": "123-456-7890" }
○ Response: { "status": "patched" }

Integration Steps

1. Set Up a Webhook Trigger:

○ Choose "Webhooks by Zapier" as the trigger app.
○ Select "Catch Hook" or "Retrieve Poll."
○ Provide the webhook URL to the external app.
2. Set Up a Webhook Action:
○ Choose "Webhooks by Zapier" as the action app.
○ Select the appropriate request method (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, PATCH).
○ Configure the URL, headers, and body as needed.

Example

● Scenario: A form submission tool sends data via a POST request to Zapier’s webhook URL. The
data is then parsed and stored in a Google Sheet.

Exercise: Create Two Zaps

1. Name the first one Sender and in the zap, let your trigger be a schedule by zapier step (dont configure it ,
its just a stand in trigger), then add an action of a webhook by zapier step and configure it to send a
parameter named Name , whose value is your name to a webhook address/url Provided to you by the
second Zap whose name is Receiver.

2. Second Zap is named Receiver and will be a webhook by zapier trigger, configure it, get your address/url
and place it in the first zap and then test the first zap if both zap work as need the setup is complete

First person to finish the setup with Proof wins NGN20,000, Second person wins 12,000 , Third wins 8,000
(Prizes will be sent first thing on Saturday morning (Tomorrow).

Video Guide:https://share.vidyard.com/watch/Vc1KGrprUiVXjHybkJnbFx?
2. RSS Feeds
What Are RSS Feeds?

RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds allow users to access content updates from websites in a
standardized, XML-based format. In Zapier, RSS feeds can be used to monitor updates and create custom
automation.

How to Use RSS Feeds in Zapier

1. Obtain the RSS Feed URL:

○ Navigate to the desired website or blog.
○ Look for an RSS icon or use tools like "View Page Source" to locate the feed URL.
○ Example Feed URL: https://example.com/rss
2. Set Up RSS in Zapier:
○ Choose "RSS by Zapier" as the trigger app.
○ Select "New Item in Feed."
○ Enter the feed URL into Zapier.
3. Map Feed Data:
○ Test the trigger to identify fields like title, link, description, and publication date.
○ Use these fields in subsequent actions (e.g., post to social media or send email
notifications).

Examples of Output

a. RSS Feed to a Podcast Platform:

● Input: An RSS feed URL from a podcast hosting site (e.g.,

https://podcast.example.com/rss).
● Output: Each new episode’s details, including:
○ Title: "Episode 5: Advanced Automation"
○ Description: "In this episode, we dive into automation tools."
○ Link: https://podcast.example.com/episodes/5

b. RSS Feed to Social Media:

● Input: Blog RSS feed URL (e.g., https://blog.example.com/rss).

● Output: Each new blog post’s details, including:
○ Title: "How to Use Webhooks in Zapier"
○ Link: https://blog.example.com/webhooks-in-zapier
○ Summary: "Learn how to automate workflows with webhooks."

c. RSS Feed for Team Notifications:

● Input: News site RSS feed URL.

● Output: Post headlines to a Slack channel with links to the articles.

Exercise:
This is the Bbc news RSS Url:http://feeds.bbci.co.uk/news/world/rss.xml
Create a zap,use the Rss trigger and test to see results, once it works, the exercise is complete

Video Guide: https://share.vidyard.com/watch/1pTb1s6k1hfxohg8R55nwQ?

Conclusion
Webhooks and RSS feeds in Zapier provide advanced options for integrating with external systems and
automating unique workflows. By mastering request methods for webhooks and effectively using RSS feed
data, you can unlock powerful automation capabilities tailored to your needs.