As content creators, we all have processes in place for planning, developing and disseminating our work. But the sad truth is, whether you’re scheduling tweets, organizing appointments, or updating files on Google Drive, many of the tasks themselves can end up taking longer than your actual content development.
With automation technology at our fingertips today, your workflow doesn’t have to be tedious, mundane or inefficient. Thanks to an amazing app called IFTTT (If This Then That), the apps, devices and sites you use every day can “talk” to one another and help you improve your workflow.
Previously known as “recipes,” IFTTT offers Applets which allow you to set up processes so that “if” you do one thing, “then” another will automatically follow. For example, “if” you upload a photo to Instagram, “then” the app will save a copy to your Dropbox. “If” your Nest home thermostat detects too high of a temperature, you will get an emergency notification. That alone could save your life.
IFTTT offers tons of Applets, curated for everyone from marketers, to small businesses owners, to social media gurus, with more being added every day. For our content creators in the room, we curated this quick list of ways for you to hack your workflow once and for all, so you can get back to spending your time creating the content you love.
1. Tweet your Instagram posts as native photos on Twitter
Most of us know that tweeting out your most recent post right from the Instagram app is as simple as pushing a button, and it’s a great way to get added exposure for your images. But on Twitter, it only shows up as a link. Womp, womp. Thanks to IFTTT, you can use this quick Applet to make Twitter think you’re natively uploading those images. Great time saver.
2. Automatically add new iOS Contacts to your Google services
Macs seem to sync media and appointments together seamlessly. But Google services like Calendar, Contacts and Photos don’t always communicate well with iOS devices. This Applet automatically updates your Google services every time you add a new contact your iPhone or Mac. Magic.
3. Start a timer for the client that just called you
We’ve all been there. You get on the phone with a client, talking shop or helping troubleshoot a problem, and you lose track of time. This Applet is a great way to monitor the length of time you spend not just talking to one client, but all of them.