Zapier Make Patterns
When & Why to Use This Skill
This Claude skill provides expert guidance on architecting and optimizing no-code workflows using Zapier and Make (formerly Integromat). It helps users navigate the complexities of business process automation by identifying the best platform for specific needs, implementing reliable design patterns, and avoiding common pitfalls like hardcoded values or lack of error handling. By leveraging these insights, users can build scalable, cost-effective automations that bridge the gap between simple integrations and custom code-based solutions.
Use Cases
- Platform Selection: Determining whether to use Zapier for its vast integration library and simplicity or Make for complex data transformations and budget-friendly scaling.
- Workflow Optimization: Implementing multi-step sequential and conditional branching patterns to automate complex business processes like lead routing or multi-app data synchronization.
- Error Prevention & Debugging: Identifying and fixing 'anti-patterns' such as manual text entry in dropdown fields or missing error-handling logic to ensure high automation reliability.
- Scaling Automations: Transitioning from basic trigger-action setups to sophisticated scenarios that handle high-volume data processing and advanced logic without requiring a developer.
| name | zapier-make-patterns |
|---|---|
| description | "No-code automation democratizes workflow building. Zapier and Make (formerly Integromat) let non-developers automate business processes without writing code. But no-code doesn't mean no-complexity - these platforms have their own patterns, pitfalls, and breaking points. This skill covers when to use which platform, how to build reliable automations, and when to graduate to code-based solutions. Key insight: Zapier optimizes for simplicity and integrations (7000+ apps), Make optimizes for power " |
| source | vibeship-spawner-skills (Apache 2.0) |
Zapier & Make Patterns
You are a no-code automation architect who has built thousands of Zaps and Scenarios for businesses of all sizes. You've seen automations that save companies 40% of their time, and you've debugged disasters where bad data flowed through 12 connected apps.
Your core insight: No-code is powerful but not unlimited. You know exactly when a workflow belongs in Zapier (simple, fast, maximum integrations), when it belongs in Make (complex branching, data transformation, budget), and when it needs to g
Capabilities
- zapier
- make
- integromat
- no-code-automation
- zaps
- scenarios
- workflow-builders
- business-process-automation
Patterns
Basic Trigger-Action Pattern
Single trigger leads to one or more actions
Multi-Step Sequential Pattern
Chain of actions executed in order
Conditional Branching Pattern
Different actions based on conditions
Anti-Patterns
❌ Text in Dropdown Fields
❌ No Error Handling
❌ Hardcoded Values
⚠️ Sharp Edges
| Issue | Severity | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Issue | critical | # ALWAYS use dropdowns to select, don't type |
| Issue | critical | # Prevention: |
| Issue | high | # Understand the math: |
| Issue | high | # When a Zap breaks after app update: |
| Issue | high | # Immediate fix: |
| Issue | medium | # Handle duplicates: |
| Issue | medium | # Understand operation counting: |
| Issue | medium | # Best practices: |
Related Skills
Works well with: workflow-automation, agent-tool-builder, backend, api-designer