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Before You Build Anything

What Is Workflow Automation?


Adam Browder

February 12, 2025


Introduction to Workflow Automation


Workload automates repetitive tasks that take up valuable time. Automating these tasks helps you focus on what matters most. This is where workflow automation helps.

At Workload, we simplify automation by connecting apps and streamlining tasks. This guide explains workflows, break down their key parts, and shows how automation boosts productivity.

For a more visual step-by-step tutorial, you can also find a video of this post on our Workload Channel.


The Basics: Triggers and Actions

A workflow automates steps between apps. It includes two main parts:

  1. Triggers – events that start the workflow
  2. Actions – tasks that run after the trigger

For example, add a new lead to your database, and the workflow automatically updates records, sends a welcome email, and notifies your team. This process saves you time and cuts down on manual work.

Screenshot showing a workflow example with a trigger, such as "New Lead/Opportunity," followed by actions like "Create Spreadsheet Row", "Send Email" and "Send Channel Message".

Building a Workflow with Workload

Let’s walk through an example of how to create a workflow.

Step 1: Choose a Trigger

First, you need to choose a trigger. We used the app “Google Contacts” and set “New or Updated Contact” as the trigger event. As soon as you add a new contact, the workflow starts.

This is an example of how to select a trigger for a workflow automation. This trigger is "New or Updated Contact" in Google Contacts.

Step 2: Add Actions

Next, choose the actions that follow the trigger:

  • Send an Email: Gmail sends a welcome email to the new contact, using their email address from the trigger.
This is an example of an action step. This step is to "Send Email" in Gmail.
  • Update a Google Sheet: Now, the workflow adds the contact’s name, email, and phone number to a Google Spreadsheet.
This is an example of another action step. This step is to "Create Spreadsheet Row" in Google Sheets.
  • Send a Slack Notification: Finally, the workflow sends an automatic Slack message with the new contact’s details to your team.
This is an example of a third action step in a workflow automation. This step is to "Send Channel Message" in Slack.

Step 3: Testing and Activating the Workflow

Before you activate your workflow, test each step to make sure it works.

For this example, we would test the following:

  • Check that email sends successfully.
  • Verify that the contact details appear correctly in Google Sheets.
  • Confirm that the Slack message posts with the right information.
This image shows how to test each step in your automated workflow.

Now, turn on your workflow. When you add a new contact, it runs automatically—saving you time and reducing errors.

This shows how to activate the automated workflow that you have designed.

Why Use Workflow Automation?

Workflow automation gives you several benefits:

  • Save Time – cut down on manual work so you can focus on high-value tasks.
  • Improve Accuracy – prevents errors by minimizing mistakes in repetitive processes.
  • Boost efficiency – complete tasks instantly without need for manual input.

Get Started with Workload Today!

Workload’s easy-to-use automation tools simplify the process of creating workflows. Whether you need to automate emails, update records, or enhance team communication, our platform empowers you to work smarter.

Ready to automate? Sign up today and take control of your workflows at Workload!

For more helpful guides, subscribe to our Workload YouTube Channel, where you’ll find the latest tutorials on getting the most out of Workload.

Happy automating!

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