In the evolving landscape of financial advisory services, establishing a digital office is no...
SideDrawer’s secure, collaborative digital vault platform is designed to help financial professionals, multi-advisor firms, and enterprises manage sensitive documents with ease. However, many offices also rely on various other software solutions—such as CRMs, content management systems, and marketing platforms—that may not have native integrations with SideDrawer. That’s where Zapier comes in.
In this post, we explain how and why you should use Zapier with SideDrawer to enhance your office productivity—and how you can extend these benefits to actions on your own websites.
What Is Zapier and How Does It Work?
Zapier is a no-code workflow automation tool that connects over 5,000 applications. It operates on a simple "if-this-then-that" (IFTTT) model. Users create automated workflows called “Zaps,” using these two elements:
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Triggers - An event occurs in one app (for example, a new contact is added in your CRM or a new form submission is received on your website).
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Actions - Zapier then automatically executes a corresponding task in another app (for instance, creating a secure document folder in SideDrawer). Multiple actions can be created within one workflow.
SideDrawer has already done the work to integrate our API first platform with their service to allow you to automatically invoke SideDrawer Actions like creating a new SideDrawer for your clients, sending a new Info Request or sending Reminders in a sequence of actions with other system actions like creating a new CRM profile or task. By using Zapier, SideDrawer clients can build custom integrations and streamline their workflows, ensuring that all the applications they rely on communicate seamlessly. This approach allows you to eliminate manual data entry, reduce errors, and ensure that all your business-critical applications remain synchronized.
Example: When your CRM receives a new lead or your website contact form is filled out, a Zap can automatically create a new SideDrawer record. This secure folder can then be used to store onboarding documents or client files without any manual intervention.
Why Use Zapier with SideDrawer?
1. Custom Workflows for Your Unique Processes
Not every application used in your office integrates directly with SideDrawer. Zapier fills that gap by enabling custom integrations:
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Automate Document Collection: Automatically create a new SideDrawer when a client completes an online form or when a CRM record is updated.
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Streamline Collaboration: Set up workflows that send reminders or update team members whenever critical files are added or updated in SideDrawer.
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Decrease manual work: Automatically trigger info and file requests from SideDrawer when a task or activity is created in a CRM without putting any sensitive information at risk.
2. Seamless Integration with CRMs and Other Tools
Many offices may use CRMs like Wealthbox, HubSpot, or industry-specific systems - SideDrawer does manage a set of native integrations with specific systems widely used by our clients. If these systems lack native integration with SideDrawer, Zapier acts as the bridge:
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Data Synchronization: Ensure client information, transaction details, or project updates in your CRM instantly trigger actions within SideDrawer so that important actions are immediately taken.
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Enhanced Data Accuracy: Automate data transfers to reduce manual entry errors and keep records consistently updated.
Case in Point: A SideDrawer client recently integrated their CRM with SideDrawer via Zapier to automatically open a secure SideDrawer, Tile set and Record structure each time a new prospect is added—saving time and reducing follow-up delays.
3. Increased Productivity and Reduced Operational Costs
Numerous studies have demonstrated that most advisors are spending upwards of 50% of their time and energy on activities unrelated to growing their business and serving their clients. Our goal at SideDrawer is to improve the experience of our Professional Service Providers by providing secure, seamless and easily scalable sensitive information exchanges such that Advisors are able to deliver their highly personalized service at scale.
By automating repetitive tasks:
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Save Time: Your team can focus on high-value activities instead of manually transferring data between systems.
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Lower Costs: Fewer manual tasks translate to reduced operational costs, enabling more efficient use of resources.
4. Flexibility and Scalability
Zapier’s no-code platform means you don’t have to be an IT expert to create or modify workflows. There is always value in working with experts and our team is here to support you should you choose to contract IT system implementation teams experienced with Zapier and your specific technology stack.
Whether you choose to use IT contractors or leverage your internal team resources as your business evolves, with the SideDrawer-Zapier integration you will be able to:
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Easily Update Workflows: Adjust triggers or add new actions as your processes change.
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Scale with Confidence: Whether you add new tools or change your CRM, Zapier makes it simple to maintain seamless integration with SideDrawer.
Linking Website Actions with SideDrawer
For many SideDrawer clients, the website is a primary touchpoint for clients and prospects. Integrating website actions into your automated workflows can further streamline your operations.
Automate Website-Triggered Actions
Many clients have websites powered by content management platforms or custom forms that capture leads and inquiries. With Zapier, you can:
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Trigger Actions from Website Submissions: When a visitor fills out a contact or inquiry form on your website, a Zap can automatically create a new secure folder in SideDrawer or update a CRM record.
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Integrate with Content Platforms: For example, clients using platforms like Flotiq can have website actions—such as new content submissions or updates—trigger SideDrawer workflows. This ensures that document collections, file sharing, or collaboration workflows are always in sync with your website updates.
Additional Reference: Clients looking to bridge website content with secure document management can explore an integration like the Flotiq and SideDrawer integration via Zapier.
Real-World Examples
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Financial Advisors: A firm might have a dedicated website where prospective clients fill out detailed information. With a Zap, each new submission can automatically trigger the creation of a secure client folder in SideDrawer.
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Real Estate and Mortgage Providers: Clients with websites can automatically send new property or mortgage inquiry data to SideDrawer for secure document collection and subsequent follow-up actions.
For more examples of how SideDrawer clients can integrate website actions, visit SideDrawer’s integrations summary page to see how other firms are streamlining workflows through Zapier.
Getting Started: A Quick Guide
To integrate Zapier with your SideDrawer account and build custom workflows:
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Sign Up for Zapier: Create a free account at Zapier.com.
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Connect Your SideDrawer Account: Navigate to the SideDrawer integration page on Zapier and follow the prompts to authenticate your account.
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Choose Your Trigger: Identify the event in your CRM or website (e.g., a new form submission) that should initiate a workflow.
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Set the Action in SideDrawer: Define the action you want SideDrawer to perform, such as creating a new document vault or sending an info request.
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Test and Deploy: Run tests to ensure the Zap works as expected, then activate it to automate your workflow.
For more detailed instructions, visit SideDrawer’s Zapier Integration documentation and explore the sample workflows provided.
Conclusion
Integrating Zapier with SideDrawer empowers you to build custom, automated workflows that bridge the gap between your CRM, website, and other unsupported applications. This seamless connectivity not only streamlines your office processes but also enhances data accuracy, increases productivity, and reduces operational costs. Whether you’re automating the creation of secure client folders or synchronizing data from website form submissions, Zapier turns your disparate systems into a cohesive, efficient workflow.
Embrace automation today and unlock the full potential of your SideDrawer experience.