IFTTT is a service that lets you use logic to create ‘recipes’ for getting things done.
IFTTT allows you to link together different tools and applications to amplify their power.
The logic is in the simple statement that IFTTT stands for:
“If this, then that.”
IFTTT: How it works …
Channels, Triggers, and Actions are the logical building blocks of IFTTT recipes. Think of the Channel as the venue in which everything takes place. The Trigger is then the first thing that occurs, and the Action is what happens next, as a result of the Trigger.
Here is a screen print illustrating the basics (click the link to see a larger version of the image) …
Recipe creation is a simple, step-by-step process that you are guided through (should you wish to create a recipe of your own). But for starters, there are thousands of shared recipes to choose from. I think that using them is a good way to make yourself familiar with this time-saving tool.
IFTTT for Finding Time
So how is IFTTT helpful for finding time? Well, let’s take a look at some of the shared recipes to give you an idea of how you might be able to use it. I’ll list a few that looked interesting. These all happen to be related to Gmail, which is one of the many available channels:
- Add Email Receipts to a Google Drive Spreadsheet
- Send Attachments to Dropbox or Evernote
- Send Starred Emails to Evernote
- Leave a Transcribed Note to Yourself in Gmail
- Remind Yourself to Review Starred Emails
- Turn Emails into Calendar To-Dos with a Label
- Automatically Add Reservation Emails to Your Calendar
IFTTT is Flexible
So we recently decided to dive into IFTTT and start creating our own recipes. The first was aimed at making it easier to keep track of Facebook Shares.
The Recipe has been set up to add a row to a spreadsheet on Google Drive every time a photo is uploaded to my Facebook Page. IFTTT automatically creates the spreadsheet and adds relevant data (Upload Date/Time, Caption, and Facebook URL).
When we tested it last Monday night, here’s what the Recipe created (click the image to see a larger version).
As you can see, we can easily go into that spreadsheet on Days 1, 2 and 3, click the link that’s right there, and then enter the data re. how many times the photo was shared. We next created a recipe to add calendar reminders (at day 1, 2 and 3) to check for that share data.
The possibilities are really quite amazing. I recently saw a Recipe to “Send me an e-mail when a car priced at less than $6,000 appears on Craig’s List.”
So, if IFTTT sounds good to you, I suggest that you check it out and explore the time-saving possibilities.
And if you’re a blogger, small business owner, consultant, or entrepreneur who would like to learn more about creating and maintaining a successful business, then here’s another great resource for you!
The booklet “How to Create Credibility as a Freelancer“ puts 70 expert-proven tips into your hands. These tips will help you recharge your energy and motivation, increase your visibility, and sharpen those vital organizational and time management skills.
Success is within your reach, so don’t wait. Click here … and get started today!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have no material connection with IFTTT and have not received any compensation for sharing this content.
Related articles
Speak Your Mind