Forem: Oleg

This Automated Email Digest Saves Me Dozens of Hours Weekly

Oleg — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 11:00:28 +0000

Every day, we open our inboxes to dozens of new emails.

But let’s be honest—not all of them get our full attention. It’s easy to miss something important in that flood of messages.

Now, imagine this: every morning, there’s just one message waiting for you—a simple summary of all the key emails from the past 24 hours.

Here’s how it works:

We gather up all the emails you received over the last day
Filter out only the ones that actually need your attention
Compile a brief, clear summary highlighting what matters and eliminating the noise
Send it to your preferred channel (Telegram, Slack, etc.)

Now, let’s walk through the steps.

First, we set up a scheduled trigger with the cron expression 0 8 * * *, meaning the scenario will run every day at 8:00 a.m. Additionally, we specify your time zone to ensure correct timing.

Next, we need to retrieve all emails from the past day (since the last scenario execution). We use the “find email” node and set a filter following standard search operators. In this case, to get emails from the last 24 hours, we use the filter newer_than:24h.

Then, I added an optional JavaScript node to extract only the key information from the emails (such as subject, sender, and message text) and filter out messages based on specific keywords I don’t want to see (like emails from certain organizations, individuals, or known spam terms). Here’s the code:

/** u/CustomParams
{
  "messages": {
    "title": "Email Messages",
    "key": "messages",
    "description": "JSON array of email messages",
    "type": "string"
  },
  "exclude_keywords": {
    "title": "Exclude Keywords",
    "key": "exclude_keywords",
    "description": "Comma-separated list of keywords to exclude messages",
    "type": "string"
  }
}
*/

export default async function run({ data }) {
  const messages = JSON.parse(data.messages);
  const excludeKeywords = data.exclude_keywords ? data.exclude_keywords.split(',').map(keyword => keyword.trim()) : [];

  const extractedMessages = messages
    .filter(msg => {
      let bodyData = '';
      if (msg.payload.parts) {
        msg.payload.parts.forEach(part => {
          if (part.body && part.body.data) {
            bodyData += part.body.data;
          }
        });
      }

      const body = Buffer.from(bodyData, 'base64').toString('utf-8');
      return !excludeKeywords.some(keyword => body.includes(keyword));
    })
    .map(msg => {
      const subjectHeader = msg.payload.headers.find(header => header.name === "Subject");
      const fromHeader = msg.payload.headers.find(header => header.name === "From");

      let body = "No Body";
      if (msg.payload.parts) {
        const bodyPart = msg.payload.parts.find(part => part.mimeType === "text/plain");
        if (bodyPart && bodyPart.body && bodyPart.body.data) {
          body = Buffer.from(bodyPart.body.data, 'base64').toString('utf-8');
        }
      }

      return { subject: subjectHeader?.value || "No Subject", from: fromHeader?.value || "No Sender", body };
    });

  return { extractedMessages };
}

After running this node, I receive a structured array of filtered, essential email data.

Then, I passed this array into a ChatGPT node with a prompt that categorizes the emails and specifies the response format:

`Use the following data from emails received over the past day:
{{$40.extractedMessages}}

Categorize the emails into the following categories, if applicable:

- Work or Meetings – work-related messages or meeting invitations.
- Newsletters and Updates – subscriptions to blogs, product updates, newsletters.
- Notifications – event reminders, updates, notifications.
- Confirmations and Receipts – order confirmations, payments, registrations.
- Promotions – marketing emails, discount offers, sales.

Ignore any emails that are clearly spam or irrelevant to the above categories. Group emails under their respective category using bullet points. Do not include categories with no emails. For each email, provide a concise summary in the format below:

📰 Newsletters and Updates:
Sender Name: Brief summary of key content.
🛒 Promotions:
Sender Name: Brief description of the promotion.
🔔 Notifications:
Sender Name: Brief description of the notification.
📅 Work or Meetings:
Sender Name: Brief description of the meeting invitation.
📄 Confirmations and Receipts:
Sender Name: Brief description of the confirmation.`

Responses should be concise and grouped by category using bullet points. If there are no emails for a category, omit that category entirely.

Afterward, you can send the summarized message to your preferred channel! For convenience, I created three options in this example: Slack, Telegram, or Discord.

Cool, Right?

And remember, future modifications are entirely in your hands!

This simple automation will save you time and ensure you never miss a beat. Want this template? Check it out here!

Want to learn how to build complex systems like this on Latenode? Use this form to book a paid workshop with our manager. If you run an automation agency and are interested in Latenode’s features and partner program, please mention it in the same form to schedule a free call.

Automated Lead Generation: Find & Email Lookalike Companies Using Ocean.io & Latenode

Oleg — Sat, 19 Oct 2024 02:51:48 +0000

Latenode partnered with Ocean.io to introduce an innovative plug-and-play node called Lookalike Companies. This tool gathers comprehensive data on companies similar to the one whose domain you enter in the settings, all in seconds. It’s useful for lead generation when you have a clear ideal customer profile but need help finding and connecting with similar prospects to generate new leads.

The workflow below takes advantage of this feature. Upon reading this article, you will explore how to automatically find new leads based on your ICP and send emails to these companies using AI.

Key Takeaways: Automate lead generation with Latenode and Ocean.io's Lookalike Companies node. This tool finds companies similar to your ideal customer profile and sends personalized emails using AI. The workflow reduces search time from hours to minutes, increasing efficiency and unlocking growth opportunities. Learn how to set up and benefit from this automation by scheduling a free demo.

Discover how to find lookalike companies and email them automatically! Get your Demo

How Does it Work & How to Use This Workflow

Imagine this: you have a profile of the companies that spend the most on your products or services. Whenever one of these companies signs up on your website using an email, that data gets automatically sent to your Airtable database. From there, it triggers a lead generation workflow, which you can easily access by using this template. Since all the technical settings are already configured, let’s dive straight into how it works. Here’s the simplified view of the scenario:

After the corporate email is pulled in, the data is processed through the Javascript node that extracts the company's domain while filtering out the email provider. This domain is essential for the next step — where the headless browser integration retrieves data from the website associated with the domain.

When scraping is complete, the data goes to ChatGPT 4o Mini, which checks if the website is functional based on the prompt. This plug-and-play node operates on a credit system, which means it has its own pricing (other ChatGPT integrations in the workflow use fewer credits):

1M Input tokens = 79 Latenode credits (that is equal to $0.15)
1M Output tokens = 316 Latenode credits (that is equal to $0.6)

If the website is operational, the workflow rates how well it matches your ICP on a scale from 0 to 10. This stage is based on Latenode’s ICP example criteria:

The system then sends a Telegram notification via ChatGPT, generating a message with two key details (This step can be omitted if unnecessary):

Niche
Service

Concurrently with the notification, an Ocean.io integration node activates if the ICP fitting rate is 6/10 or higher. It identifies three companies similar to the one with the listed domain. The number can be increased to 50, but accuracy will decrease. This integration is costlier, at 79 credits ($0.15) per returned object. What kind of data can it find? Here is a list:

Company brand name, logo, legal name, size & description
Number of employees & department names and sizes
Country, city, region, longitude, latitude
Website, email addresses & LinkedIn accounts
Industries, categories, keywords, technologies being used
Year of foundation

During testing, Ocean.io identified three U.S. automation agencies that use AI and low-code platforms. Results appear in the output window upon activation. It doesn't consistently return emails for all companies found; in one instance, it provided an email for only one of the three lookalike companies.

This node searches the web for company data using various markers when interacting with domains. A key marker is the presence of a LinkedIn account. With 900M people and 77M companies on LinkedIn, Ocean.io becomes a potent tool for lead generation, as it identifies potential customers and partners in bulk.

The Iterator sends each company's data to a JavaScript node, which collects the email address. Another JS node extracts the domain from the email and sends it to the headless browser integration to verify the website's functionality. It’s then used to formulate and send an email using ChatGPT & Gmail integration.

Explore the Pros of Automating on Latenode!

This workflow reduces ICP-fitting company search time from dozens of hours monthly to minutes daily, while sending personalized emails. It quickly automates lead generation, unlocking growth opportunities. To see how Latenode can benefit your case, schedule a free, personalized demo. Complete the form below with your company details, contact information, and book a call.

FAQ:

What is the main benefit of using the Lookalike Companies node?

The Lookalike Companies node automates the discovery of companies similar to your ideal customer profile, significantly speeding up lead generation.

How does Ocean.io contribute to the lead generation process?

Ocean.io uses web scraping to gather detailed company data based on various markers, providing a comprehensive list of potential leads for outreach.

What types of data can be collected through this automation?

The automation can collect company names, contact information, employee counts, industry details, technologies used, and social media profiles.

How does the workflow determine if a company matches the ideal customer profile?

The system uses AI to rate how well a company matches your ICP on a scale from 0 to 10, based on predefined criteria.

Can the workflow be customized for specific business needs?

Yes, the workflow is flexible and can be adjusted to modify search criteria, increase the number of companies identified, or alter email personalization parameters.

How does the automated email process work?

The workflow uses AI to generate personalized emails based on the scraped company data and automatically sends them using integrated email services.

80% Less Time Spent, 62% More Leads Made: Lead Engagement & Outreach Automation Usecase

Oleg — Sat, 19 Oct 2024 02:50:44 +0000

Lead engagement involves interacting with potential customers to nurture their interest. The process focuses on building relationships and guiding leads through the sales funnel. It often goes together with outreach, which means reaching out to potential clients who visit your website, follow you on social media, or show interest by downloading a resource or subscribing to a newsletter.

Automating these processes allows your team to focus on high-value issues while the system handles repetitive tasks. Upon reading this article, you will learn about a workflow made by a Latenode partner NoCode4All to automate these tasks for a contract automation company that opted to remain unnamed. It also includes a study to determine how extensively automation has been used across industries to solve them.

Key Takeaways: Discover how automating lead engagement and outreach can transform your business. With Latenode's workflow, tasks like data extraction, enrichment, and personalized outreach are streamlined, allowing your team to focus on high-value activities. This approach led to a 62% increase in lead generation and a 45% boost in engagement. Response times improved by 80%, enhancing overall efficiency and business growth.

Unlock the power of low-code automation for your business! Get your Demo

About NoCode4All

NoCode4All is a Greek development agency that builds software solutions using no-code & low-code platforms. They create custom iOS and Android apps, web apps, and automation tools for businesses. The team is known for its expertise in Zapier, Softr, and Latenode.

How This Automation is Working & Why It’s Needed

Imagine you are a lawyer, advisor, or a contract automation company. Every day you need to process huge amounts of data about potential customers visiting your website and respond to their interest in time. This can be a real headache, given the constant flow of visitors and the need to personalize your approach to each potential customer.

NoCode4All made a workflow that solves this problem by automating the identification, data enrichment, and targeting of visitors in real-time, with minimal human involvement.

What is Latenode?

Latenode offers a wide range of nodes that trigger scripts and perform specific actions, enabling you to build scenarios like assembling Lego blocks. These include integrations with various apps and utility modules like Wait, Iterate Data, Set Variables, etc. Each node and integration has different customization options.

The platform also supports Javascript code integration nodes, an AI-powered assistant that can write code, explain it, and debug existing snippets, as well as HTTP requests. They let you interact with the APIs of unavailable apps and execute custom actions in the workflow. The code and HTTP blocks play a key role in the scenario.

It allows for real-time identification, data enrichment, and targeted outreach to visitors, dynamically adjusting efforts based on company traffic, with minimal human involvement. Let's see what the scenario is all about!

Impact TLDR:

62% lead generation increase: the number grew from 500 to 810 qualified leads per month
45% increase in lead engagement: before automation, 20% of leads engaged in the brand’s activities on average; after automation, the share grew to 29%.
The average share of leads converting grew from 5% to 7% – a 40% improvement
Automation increased the share of personalized communications from 20% to 50%
Response time decreased from up to 24 hours to no more than 4.8 hours – by 80%.

Tools Used in the Scenario

Dealfront's Leadfeeder. Tracks companies visiting your website, providing real-time insights into potential leads based on web traffic data.
Apollo. A comprehensive data aggregation tool that helps you to access company and contact information, enabling more accurate targeting. It offers an API system that allows you to gather needed information about website visitors.
Instantly. An automated cold email platform that customizes outreach campaigns, ensuring each message is aligned with the engagement potential of the lead.

Steps of Operation

Given the confidentiality constraints in the contract automation sector, this section will focus on the broader aspects of the workflow. It will explore the functionality without delving into specific details, such as the JS code nodes, etc. Below is an overview of the key operational stages:

Data Extraction from Leadfeeder in Latenode

An HTTP request is sent to Leadfeeder’s API to extract a list of companies visiting the website, along with website URLs. The system analyzes this traffic data to determine the engagement potential of each company, enabling more informed decision-making.

Company Matching and Enrichment in Apollo

Latenode passes the extracted URLs to Apollo via another API request, where they are matched with existing company records. Apollo then retrieves detailed information about individuals within these companies, focusing on those most likely to make purchasing decisions.

Contact Extraction & Enrichment

Using the Legal ICP filter, Apollo extracts the contact & corporate details of people in specific companies that match the ideal customer profile in the Legal industry. The end result is an array of contact details such as names. Emails, jobs, and company information.

Automated Campaigns via Instantly

Latenode sends the detailed contact list to Instantly using its API. Instantly then adds these contacts to a ready-made email campaign. It automatically sends custom emails to each potential customer, which helps engage more leads in conversation.

Running every 5 minutes by a schedule, the workflow turns website visitors into actionable leads, making it possible to focus on nurturing them and closing deals rather than handling tedious data entry tasks. This brings higher conversions, better engagement, and greater business growth without hiring new staff.

Discover the Advantages of Automation with Latenode

Thanks to NoCode4All for the information on this usecase. If you'd like to learn more about how Latenode can benefit your case and talk about the partner program, book a free personalized demo with a manager. Provide your contact details in the form below, choose a comfortable time, and ask questions in the call!

FAQ

What is lead engagement and why is it important?

Lead engagement involves interacting with potential customers to nurture their interest and guide them through the sales funnel. It's crucial for building relationships and increasing conversion rates.

How does Latenode automate lead engagement and outreach?

Latenode uses custom nodes to automate tasks like data extraction, enrichment, and outreach. This reduces manual work, allowing your team to focus on high-value activities.

What tools are integrated into the Latenode workflow?

The workflow integrates tools like Dealfront's Leadfeeder for tracking, Apollo for data enrichment, and Instantly for automated email campaigns, enhancing lead engagement and outreach.

What are the benefits of automating these processes?

Automation leads to significant time savings, increased lead generation, improved engagement rates, and faster response times, ultimately driving business growth without additional staffing.

Can I customize the automation to fit my business needs?

Yes, Latenode offers various customization options through its nodes and integrations, allowing you to tailor the automation to your specific business requirements.

How can I learn more about implementing Latenode in my business

You can book a free demo with a Latenode manager to explore how their solutions can benefit your business. Fill out the contact form to schedule a convenient time for a call.

Simplify Tracking of Lifetime Deals with TimePaste's Custom Node

Oleg — Sat, 19 Oct 2024 02:47:55 +0000

If you're a lover of lifetime deals on software subscriptions, there is great news for you. Latenode has an automated monitoring tool that keeps track of lifelong subscriptions. You as an active deal seeker, might spend hours weekly reviewing new offers. For frequent buyers, monitoring the deals can look almost like an addiction, fueled by the fear of missing out.

Latenode partner TimePaste has found a way to automate the tracking of new trades, set up a notification process for them, and layered it entirely into a single custom node you can install in your scenario now. This guide shows why these nodes represent the next generation of web apps, using this one as an example.

Key takeaways: Discover how a custom node can streamline your search for lifetime SaaS deals by integrating AppSumo with Telegram and Discord for updates. This tool saves time and money by delivering new deals directly to your chat, eliminating the need to sift through numerous offers. With Latenode's revenue-sharing model, creators benefit each time their node is used, fostering innovation and collaboration.

Learn how custom nodes can help automate your business! Get your Demo

About TimePaste

TimePaste, an automation agency, specializes in enhancing business efficiency through low-code platforms like Latenode. They streamline processes, reduce manual work, and enable faster workflows without extensive coding knowledge. By leveraging automation, TimePaste helps businesses save time and resources.

Searching for Lifetime SaaS Deals Automatically

This solution integrates a platform called AppSumo to keep track of new discounts and promotions of lifetime SaaS deals in real-time, and then sends you a notification. The problem with Appsumo is that it shows dozens of deals that you simply don't have time to look through if you search for them in a list like this:

That's why TimePaste made a node that connects the platform to your Telegram bot and Discord server to send updates there, like in this example:

As a result, you get:

Instant updates on new SaaS deals in your chat.
Countless time & money savings; you see the best deals one by one and don't miss anything out.

This tool replaces AppSumo and creates a structured flow of new deals in your chat. The node is free to use; you’ll only need to purchase the Latenode subscription. To implement it in your scenario, follow the step-by-step tutorial below.

Add the node to your scenario

The AppSumo New Products tool is found in the TimePaste.com folder of the action nodes. You'll also find other options there, like Website or API Monitor and Reorder Latenode Nodes. To use it, first add it to your workflow. Then, connect it to a trigger like Run Once, Schedule, or Webhook Trigger.

Build your Airtable database

Then, you should make a table in Airtable that includes the following columns:

Title
Category
Description
Image
Price

Configure everything as 'single line text' except Description, which should have the ‘long text’ property. In this case, Airtable is a required database to which Appsumo sends information about lifetime deal SaaS additions.

Integrate Airtable with the node

You'll need three elements from the database:

Base ID: An array of numbers starting with 'app'. Found in your base's URL.
Table ID: Located after the base address in the URL.
Access Token: Latenode will need you to log in to Airtable and provide an access token. Here is the screenshot with it:

Copy and paste this data into the node settings. In addition, customize your database scopes. To do it, open your Airtable profile, go to Builder's Hub, select Personal Access Token, and click Create New Token. Then, select your database and grant access. The result should resemble this:

Launch the Discord server and add the webhook URL to the settings

At this stage, you set up notifications for new lifetime deals is by using a Discord server. Here is what you should do for this:

Click the "+" icon in the sidebar to add a new server.
In settings, find the ‘Integrations’ area.
Create a webhook by clicking "New Webhook" if none exists.
Copy the URL and add it to node settings.

Set up a Telegram Bot and connect it to the node

In addition, make a Telegram bot for notifications. You cannot use this bot without both Telegram and Discord launched, but you can mute one of these channels if you want. Follow these four steps:

Search for the BotFather
Tap New Bot in the menu
Pick its name and username
Copy the token BotFather has sent you, and add the data to the node settings
Also, add your personal chat ID. To find it, use Telegram Raw Bot.

This will display the updates on SaaS deals in your personal Telegram chat, as shown in the screenshot:

Custom Nodes: A New Way to Automate Your Business

This lifetime SaaS deals monitoring tool shows that custom nodes are a big step forward in using online platforms. Their advantage is that you get access to advanced automation of business processes. You can replicate specific functions from different services without special expertise, or paying a fee to access them. This is maximum creativity with a low threshold of entry.

These nodes do more than just copy features. Take the Website or API Monitor, for example. This tool offers monitoring of website uptime and content changes, and an option to capture screenshots to help pinpoint issues. It shows how custom nodes can serve as ready-made automation solutions for any purpose.

This guide offers more details on how to create them. In addition, Latenode has a revenue-sharing model that rewards creators every time their solution is used. If you'd like to discuss these tools with the Latenode team or ask how low-code automation can help your case, book a free personalized demo. Fill in your details and choose a convenient time for a call with the manager.

FAQ

What is a custom node, and how does it work for tracking SaaS deals?

A custom node is a specialized tool that automates specific tasks. For tracking SaaS deals, it integrates with platforms like AppSumo to monitor new discounts and promotions, sending real-time updates to your preferred communication channel, such as Telegram or Discord.

How do I set up the custom node for SaaS deal tracking?

To set up the custom node, subscribe to Latenode, add the AppSumo New Products node from the TimePaste.com folder, and connect it to a trigger node. Then, integrate it with your Airtable database and set up notifications via Discord or Telegram.

What platforms does the custom node support for notifications?

The custom node supports notifications through Discord and Telegram. You can choose either platform based on your preference or existing setup to receive instant updates on new SaaS deals.

Do I need any technical expertise to use the custom node?

No special technical expertise is required. The process involves following a step-by-step guide to integrate the node with your existing systems. It’s designed to be user-friendly, even for those new to automation tools.

Is there a cost associated with using the custom node?

The custom node itself is free to use, but you will need a Latenode subscription to access and implement it. This subscription provides the necessary infrastructure to support the node’s functionality.

How does the revenue-sharing model work for custom node creators

Latenode offers a revenue-sharing model that rewards creators each time their custom node is used. This incentivizes the development of high-quality, user-centric nodes and encourages collaboration within the community.

How TimePaste's Custom Node Automates Website Monitoring

Oleg — Sat, 19 Oct 2024 02:47:01 +0000

Website and API monitoring is essential for ensuring uptime and reliability. Website owners and administrators often spend countless hours manually tracking performance and resolving issues. This approach drains resources and negatively impacts end-users when pages become inaccessible.

Latenode offers an automated monitoring solution with TimePaste’s custom node that checks the status of specific pages or APIs, sends real-time updates, captures screenshots of problem areas, and integrates seamlessly into your workflow. This guide shows how to set up the node, demonstrates its advantages, and explores the power of custom nodes in business automation.

Key Takeaways: Automate website and API monitoring with TimePaste's custom node. Save time and improve reliability by receiving real-time updates and screenshots of issues. Custom nodes offer advanced automation without extensive technical expertise, allowing you to replicate SaaS functionalities efficiently. Book a free personalized demo to explore how custom nodes can benefit your business and learn about monetization opportunities.
Explore the pros of building custom nodes on Latenode! Get your Demo

About TimePaste

TimePaste, an automation agency, specializes in improving business efficiency through low-code platforms like Latenode. They streamline processes, reduce manual work, and enable faster workflows without extensive coding knowledge. By leveraging automation, TimePaste helps businesses save time and resources.

Configuring this Node in Your Scenario

Let's walk through setting up the website monitoring node in Latenode using the example of tracking the status page status.latenode.com. The goal is to automatically monitor if the page no longer shows the text ‘All checks passing’ and receive notifications with attached screenshots if any issues arise. Here are the steps to configure the node:

Find and Add the Node

The node is located in the TimePaste section of the Action nodes. Once you've found it, simply add it to your workflow and connect it with a trigger node, such as Schedule, and any other relevant node — for instance, the JS node, which allows you to send notifications directly to your Discord channel.

Timepaste's node performs its primary functions, while other tools can help further tailor it to your specific tasks.

Enter the Website URL

In the Website Address or API Endpoint field, enter status.latenode.com, which is the URL we want to monitor.

Enable Screenshots

Turn on the Take Screenshot option. This ensures a screenshot will be captured if the page has an issue. Set the screenshot size in the Screenshot Size field to the default value, 1920x1080.

Set the Success Status Check

In the Success Status Regex field, enter the default expression 2\d{2}, which checks if the server response returns a status code between 200 and 299, indicating a successful page load.

Exclude Unnecessary Elements

Use the HTML Elements to Exclude field to add elements like cookie or pop-up banners. This filters out irrelevant content that could interfere with monitoring results, such as consent pop-ups.

Check for Specific Text

In the Check for Specific Text field, enter ‘All checks passing’. The node will check if this text is present on the page after it loads. If it’s missing, the page will be flagged as having a problem.

Adjust Page Load Delay

Set the Page Load Delay to 1 second. This allows the page to fully load before the monitoring begins.

What Happens During a Failure?

If the ‘All checks passing’ text is missing or the server returns a status outside the 200 range, the node will capture a screenshot of the page and trigger the next node — Send Discord Webhook. This sends a notification to your Discord channel with the attached screenshot, as demonstrated in the example screenshot:

Once you integrate this tool into your workflow, its key advantages include:

Time Savings. Automated systems continuously monitor the website’s status without requiring constant human intervention.
Faster Response to Issues. Instant notifications and screenshots of problem areas allow quicker identification and resolution of issues.
Increased Reliability. Reducing the human factor minimizes the risk of missing critical problems.
Improved Efficiency. Frees up your team’s resources to focus on more strategic tasks.

Why Custom Nodes Are a Game-Changer

Made by the users, custom nodes in Latenode represent a new approach to building mini-apps that provide advanced capabilities. These pre-built automations can replicate the functionality of various SaaS platforms, allowing users to automate complex business processes without paying for the full suite of features offered by those platforms.

You get access to sophisticated automation with minimal setup. There's no need for extensive technical expertise or hours spent building from scratch. This lowers the barrier to entry, enabling users to maximize creativity and efficiency while saving both time and money. If you’d like to know more, this guide shares insights into building these nodes. Additionally, node creators can monetize their work, earning rewards every time their custom nodes are used.

Interested in seeing how it works and exploring the monetization potential? Book a free personalized demo with a manager to learn more about the opportunities and start building your nodes today! Fill in your contact details, book a convenient time slot and share your questions.

FAQ

What is the main benefit of using TimePaste's custom node for website monitoring?

TimePaste's custom node automates the monitoring of websites and APIs, providing real-time updates and screenshots of issues, saving time and improving reliability.

How do I set up the custom node to monitor a website?

Enter the website URL, enable screenshots, set the success status check, exclude unnecessary elements, check for specific text, and adjust the page load delay. Follow the detailed steps in the guide.

What happens if the monitored website encounters an issue?

If the specified text is missing or the server returns an error status, the node captures a screenshot and sends a notification to your Discord channel with the attached screenshot.

Can I customize the monitoring settings?

Yes, you can customize various settings such as the URL to monitor, screenshot options, success status checks, excluded elements, specific text checks, and page load delays.

What are the advantages of using custom nodes in Latenode?

Custom nodes provide advanced automation capabilities, replicating SaaS platform functionalities without the full suite cost. They save time, reduce the need for technical expertise, and improve efficiency.

How can I learn more about creating and monetizing custom nodes

Book a free personalized demo with a Latenode manager to explore the opportunities, learn how to build custom nodes, and understand the monetization potential. Fill in your contact details and schedule a convenient time for the call.

Try AI Automation to Cut Down Inbound Communications & Outreach Costs

Oleg — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 19:25:02 +0000

Let’s face it — managing your digital footprint these days feels like drinking from a firehose. Social media, websites, emails, calls, chat messages — it’s overwhelming. Fortunately, the attention of business leaders has recently been clinging to new tools that use AI to simplify automation.

As part of a study to explore how Latenode solves these practical customer problems, the team reached out to Audax Group CEO Mike Kirshtein, a heavy user of the platform. They discussed Audax’s unique automation offerings, current trends in AI and automation, and its newest solution made on Latenode — AI Appointment Setter.

Key Takeaways: Audax Group leverages AI automation on the Latenode platform to drastically reduce business costs and streamline customer operations. Key savings include a 30–50% reduction in personnel costs, 80–90% time savings on tasks, and 60–70% reduction in client wait times. AI tools like appointment setters, chatbots, and inventory management systems enhance efficiency, allowing businesses to scale without significant staff increases.

How to use AI automation to save on outreach and inbound communications? Ask our partner, Mike. Get your Demo

What is Audax Group?

Could you tell more about what your company is doing?

Mike: We sell a lot of AI Automation, and we partner with other businesses. If we like what a company sells, we can help boost their sales by automating and optimizing the process with AI. We replicate their workflow, enhance it with AI-driven automation, and make it even more efficient. We do it for the solar industry, insurance, real estate, CRM, and probably a few other industries. My company is not large. Basically, I figure out an automation or a workflow, sell access to it, then resell it.

What are the specific services Audax offers?

Mike: We make very specific things:

Unlimited texting
Central bots
AI autoresponder
AI calls
Cold email outreach
Content creation

We could also set up AI that communicates with people online. A lot of life insurance agents don’t respect their online presence. They don’t even know it exists. They might talk to their mother and friends on social media, but they don’t realize that their social media presence matters when somebody wants to talk about any business.

So, we can use AI to interact on your behalf, responding to comments and posts as if it were you. Such an approach actually creates a more personal experience between you and others — whether they are clients, potential clients, or just people in general.

In addition, there is a service called unlimited texting. It happens through cell phone. We start it on your platform, then it goes strictly to Google Sheets, and we do it on a local computer using a program called Zero Work, another robotic processing thing.

The central bots act pretty much like people, and they were originally made in Make, but we’ve brought them over to Latenode. These are starting to become more and more useful. We have email auto-respond, AI calls, cold email outreach, content creation, you know, these are all just different bots.

Who Does Audax Group Work With?

How many clients do you have at the moment?

Mike: Well, the total result would be hundreds. I’m an agency, and I work with other agencies. I work with their clients, which are my clients, like downstream. At least three times a week, we take on new people. We have meetings where we have 20 to 50 people trying to get in. Those are the bigger bursts, but we have stuff going on every day.

What are the specific niches and types of businesses you’re serving? Are those small to medium, or do you work with large companies?

Mike: I’m working with clients ranging from a single realtor who just needs our assistance, to one of the largest insurance companies in the US that has been in business with a history spanning more than a hundred years.. We’re working with companies of every size. I think it’s the point — AI and automation leverage the playing field. The average person can perform similarly to a Fortune 500 company with AI and automation.

Our average client is a business owner. There are two main niches we have:

Inbound communications, like people calling in, shooting emails and texts. For example, a doctor’s office or insurance company, where people are trying to call up and set up a meeting.
The outreach. When it comes to this, it’s email, text, phone calls, and voicemail drops. The goal of those things is bringing new clients and deals with those we presently have.

There’s no consistency in clients. Everybody needs it, obviously. It’s a money issue. We’re not cheap, but what we’re offering is very cheap in comparison to hiring people to do it. We charge 497$ as a monthly subscription, but if the automation uses services like Latenode, clients need to fund them too.

How AI Appointment Setting Tools Are Working

So, the AI appointment setting tools. What is their main advantage over traditional approaches? In other words, how is AI changing the scheduling process?

Mike: Oh, it’s easy. We have a lot of industries that do outbound calls. If you go to the worst phone room, they’re manually dialing on a phone. If they’ve got better than that, it’s some kind of automated dialer that is dialing number after number. You need someone there to answer every call. When you’re making calls, you have closers, when people close the deal and bring in the money.

Usually, in front of them, there is somebody who sets the call, somebody who has to set the appointment for the closer. How many do you need per closer? Nobody knows the answer, it changes from business to business. Now imagine, you have unlimited settings. It means if you have 10 closers, you could keep them on calls all day long. No free slots, assuming you have the leads, or you’re willing to purchase the leads.

Your business on autopilot? Audax’s appointment setter makes it closer than you think. Get your Demo

How Audax Supercharges Appointment Setting Process

What led you to build a setter within Latenode instead of using other platforms?

Mike: I’ve been using it since they were in beta, and what initially drew me in was that they were free and offered real support. Zapier, on the other hand, barely offers any support — maybe just some email assistance, but I’m not patient enough to wait days to get some stupid email response. Right now, we’re actively working within it to get scenarios running.

They offer much more support than Zapier through their Discord community. There are people there who try to assist, and I like them. I want to use platform more, but I’m having trouble getting some features to work the way I need them to, which is frustrating. Honestly, if we get this platform to work, it’s going to be really valuable to our operations.

So now let’s discuss your Latenode scenario. Can you walk me through your setup? What does it do and which integrations are involved?

Mike: Sure. It’s very simple. You’re doing a call. You’re monitoring incoming texts.

All images are taken from Audax’s official web page about qualified AI appointment setters and the home page.

The first nodes interact with the text message. When it comes in, it triggers your CRM system, which sends the webhook to the scenario.
Webhook sends the information to the Open AI speaking assistant, which formulates a response. Here is the video recording with the samples of the OpenAI’s speech
Then, the scenario goes through updating the CRM and a Google Sheet, which includes the name, phone number, other data, and a message that it got sent.

Mike: It’s the basic setup of formulating response texts. The other thing we wanted to do was add Google Sheets to the CRM. All of our new text messages appear on a spreadsheet in Google Sheets. We then have that updated in the CRM, triggering Latenode, which formulates a response. It’s pretty uniform.

Essentially, these setters function like virtual assistants to schedule tasks, gather information, suggest convenient times, and log everything into your calendar. And it’s 24/7. Instead of manually managing a meeting or call, the scenario makes it instead of you. Does it sound about right?

Mike: Yeah, it’s a machine. A person could only set as many calls every day — even on their best day — as whatever time allows for. Our system allows unlimited simultaneous inbound calls, and we can make as many outbound calls as somebody wants. We could literally call 334 million people at the same time. Humans only make as many calls a day as possible — AI is unlimited.

It does it in 12 languages. It does more languages, but we have 12 that we trained it on. It could do a hundred and something. I can’t speak multiple languages, but we have clients who do. And it speaks all these different languages with a native accent. If you go to an office, their top reps outperform an AI in quality, but they can’t compete in quantity.

Here are the lead breakdown results, including monthly lead generation averages, conversion rates, and database conversion rates.

Want AI to be your 24/7 appointment setter? It’s not science fiction. Get your Demo

Audax Group’s Expertise in AI-Powered Automation

Let’s talk about the current trends in AI and automation. What trends are you currently observing in the field? How are they influencing your business and the experiences of your customers?

Mike: It’s a lot. So, okay. Everybody regardless of their business, I think, would like to do everything better and cheaper. AI and automation go together to accomplish this goal. Let me bring an example: an email autoresponder. Can you make an AI assistant giving the answers somebody you hired would give? If the answer is yes, you just found a way to replace a person.

Communications automation — this is where we’re most effective. In my company, anyways, this is the trend we notice.

So, the biggest challenge companies are facing is to simplify and automate communications, right? Do you see a growing demand for different types of automation?

Mike: If you articulate it, we automate it. It’s how it came into play. If you explain a process you do, we recreate it. What is a common everyday practice to me is not clear to the average person. The average person has very little understanding of AI and automation. They just know the effects of it.

If we do things right, nobody realizes how they were done. They just enjoyed what they got done. If you call one of the businesses we service, you’re going to speak to a representative that has every answer, yet it’s AI. It would take too much money and time to find someone absorbing such a flow of information like a sponge, but AI absorbs it instantly and gives answers.

In every business, they’re selling something whether it’s a product or a service to a client. All of these require communication from both parties. They know what they want and what they’re willing to give up in return. Imagine, we’re getting into a situation where my AI talks to your AI, and they make an agreement. They come to terms with something. We might oversee it.

Here is an example, I’m a business. I use Latenode whenever I need it. Let’s say I’m using it to work with a client. It’s tiding with all the software making phone calls, emails, and texts on behalf of a business that is our client. So, you send them an email. What are the odds that they have an email autoresponder responding to our AI’s email? So now the AIs are just talking with each other.

Thank you very much, Mike. Can we stay in touch in our Discord community?

Mike: Sure. It’s very all right, and I’m there if you have questions, just shoot them over.

Reflecting on the entire interview, the team placed him in the shoes of Latenode clients, considering the potential headaches they might face and how it and Audax could help address these challenges. Following this, additional research was conducted, which proved to be a solution to many of these issues. See it yourself.

AI Automation Research Report: Cost & Time Savings in Inbound Communications, Outreach, and More

The report offers insights into how solutions like Audax Group’s setters help businesses save money and time, focusing on inbound communications, outreach, and other fields. Below is a table with the results, shown in percentages, along with their meaning. All insights are cited from the relevant sources as of 2023, and 2024, so they reflect the current market condition in the United States.

Automation slashes personnel expenses by substituting manual labor with computerized systems. Notably, automating routine tasks cuts labor costs by 30–50%. The outcome stems from eliminating additional hiring needs, minimizing errors, and boosting productivity. (ExO Insight)

AI automation dramatically accelerates task completion. Operations typically requiring hours of manual effort are reduced to minutes. The result yields time savings of up to 80–90% in specific processes, including data processing and standard business procedures. (Gravity Flow, ExO Insight)

Implementing customer service systems like Audax Group’s AI-powered setters, chatbots, and assistants decreases client wait times by 60–70%. This enhancement boosts customer satisfaction while easing the burden on support teams, allowing them to address more complex inquiries. (ARCA)

AI-optimized inventory management enables a 20–30% reduction in storage costs and prevents excess stock. Predictive AI anticipates equipment failures and schedules maintenance, lowering downtime and repair expenses by 10–15%. Moreover, AI risk analysis helps companies minimize losses and sidestep costly legal issues, yielding savings proportional to the specific risk involved. (ARCA)

Automated workflows prove invaluable as businesses grow. In the past, rising sales and orders meant bringing on many new team members. Now, with Audax’s tools made on the Latenode platform, companies tackle bigger workloads while keeping new hires to a minimum. Some even manage expansion without adding staff at all. The result? Smoother scaling and better use of existing resources as your business reaches new heights.

Get the Same Scenario, Here is How

Ready to join the AI revolution? Don’t worry, you won’t be replacing your team with robots. Think of it as giving your human employees superpowers. They’ll thank you for freeing them from mind-numbing tasks and refocus on what really matters — building relationships and closing deals. This setter can make calls in up to 100 languages, which is 100x more than most humans do!

This scenario is a perfect demonstration of how Latenode automates routine tasks, like scheduling appointments, using AI. If you’d like to set up such a workflow in your account, just submit your details through the contact form. Your information will be passed on to Mike, who will assist you with your specific request.

How an RFID Inventory Management Startup Manages Progress Reporting With AI-powered Automation

Oleg — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 18:30:27 +0000

Automation is reshaping how companies handle tasks like reporting updates on progress to their clients and team members. You can minimize the expenses of hiring new employees in your company, cut down on time costs, and help yourself streamline complex tasks that would take countless hours if done manually.

The Latenode team contacted Paul, an everyday user of the platform and a deployment manager at an RFID inventory management startup that opted to remain unnamed. This reading shares their experience using Latenode and the challenges they’re solving by using AI models in their progress reporting automation script. You’ll also gain research insights into the role of automation in the startup’s key sectors: logistics, retail, & inventory management.

Key Takeaways: Latenode helps startups automate progress reporting, saving time and reducing errors. An RFID inventory management startup used AI-powered automation to process installation emails, cutting processing time by 80% and reducing costs by 77%. Automation in logistics, retail, and inventory management sectors shows significant improvements in efficiency, cost savings, accuracy, and customer satisfaction. Latenode offers flexible pricing and integrations with various tools and AI models.

Try ChatGPT, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, and other AI models on Latenode! Sign up for Free

Let’s get started, Paul. What is your company doing? What is your role within it?

Paul: Mm-hmm. So, our company does RFID Inventory management. We develop and install our own system at retail stores all across the US, and hopefully across the world, one day. So, my role is that I’m a deployment manager. I’m responsible for leading the installation of our system for our customers. That involves managing contractors, logistics, inventory, and all sorts of stuff, right?

So when a client wants to work with us, we will design an automated system for their store, and then we will send our installation crew to install it. It’s all, they just pay us and we do everything right. When we send out emails to customers, like providing them with updates on their installations, all of them come from a general email.

Alright, thank you for sharing. How many clients do you have at the moment? And who are they?

Paul: Uh, we have five clients, and we’ve deployed our systems to, like, several hundred stores, with a lot more coming up. The size of the project is large. One of our clients may have 500 locations where we need to install our system. So, that will take us about a year to do, or more. Pretty much all of our customers are in retail. They either sell clothes, or shoes, or some sort of this stuff.

Do you have some exact price for the product you’re offering, or does it depend on the case?

Paul: It’s client-specific. It depends on how big their store is. The bigger the store, the more of our equipment we need to put in it. We charge customers an ongoing cost once our system is installed. They pay a yearly payment for each store. The cost of automation is just an expense on our side. I can’t really provide the numbers, unfortunately, as it’s pretty confidential, I’m sorry.

What led you to choose Latenode?

Paul: The big selling point to us was, like, we weren’t charged per step in the execution. Make became very expensive very quickly, when we realized that it was every time the automation was triggered you paid a credit. Then, we quickly realized, as we were building more complex automations, that they had, like, 9–11 steps.

We realized that it charges a credit for every step in the automation, and that was frustrating. We wanted to create very complex automations, but working within Make wasn’t going to scale for us. For example, in June, we had a very busy month, and due to a glitch in one of our automations, which triggered a loop, we ended up with a bill from Make for, like, $800 just for that month.

So, the cost is important for your company, right?

Paul: Yes, but the price isn’t the most important, though. It’s flexible, we get that. If there was a situation where our automation just stopped running for some reason, like an outage, that would cause a lot of headaches. So, yeah, I’d say this:

Reliability is number one
The variety of apps that work with it is probably number two.
Ease of use & user interface is number three.
Low pricing is four, to be honest.

But the free plan was still really, like, very important to us, because we were able to go in and, like, build out some of the automation we want to test and once we discovered on the free plan that everything worked how we needed it to, that’s what made us upgrade to a paid plan.

Problem: a small team needs to handle a ton of progress reporting emails

It’s hard to manage dozens of emails containing installation progress reports, especially if you’re a startup with about 50 staff members, such as in this case. Reviewing these emails manually, extracting info, and sharing updates through internal channels was time-consuming and prone to errors by Paul’s team. It led to constant miscommunications & delays and decreased efficiency.

Solution: using AI in a Latenode scenario to automate progress reports

This automated script handles new emails about installing the company’s systems in the stores, and then the process goes through the next nodes to send out a message about it through an internal channel. It solves the headache of manual handling of multiple emails and messages, which takes a lot of time and effort and brings a risk of an error. Here’s how it works, specifically:

Integration node one triggers the script when it receives a new email containing store, system information, and the state of the installation.
Then, the workflow integrates an AI model that pulls data from that email
Node three processes the information, structures it with another AI and forwards it to the next part.
Then, the info goes to the company’s internal communication channel, so the staff can see the updates.

Latenode helps Paul’s team save time and money on hiring new staff, reviewing these emails, and sending messages to colleagues.

Instead, the process is handled by an AI in conjunction with other nodes. This scenario is a game-changer for them, with three key metrics reflecting how much it helps, exactly:

Before automation, data processing took 15 hours/week. After this scenario was implemented, this figure dropped to 3 hours — an 80% reduction in the time needed for this task.
Errors in processes often lead to productivity losses and project delays. Before implementing the scenario, their share was 10%, which increased the risk of missing important messages. After Paul’s team started using the script, their number dropped by 5x.
Before automation, labor costs were about $3,000 per month, a significant expense. After automating the process, expenses dropped to $700 monthly, resulting in 77% savings.

Automate email updates, integrate CRM, and more! Sign up for Free

Automation Usage in Logistics, Retail, and Inventory Management

This research report from Latenode offers an overview of automation adoption and performance in the industries the company Paul works at is involved with, including logistics, inventory management, and retail. Upon reading it, you’ll not only have insights from the interview and scenario results, but also key metrics that reflect the overall state of automation adoption in the US.

The findings are presented in a series of tables, accompanied by explanations of each metric, supported by recent research and industry insights.

Impact on Operational Efficiency

Automation technologies in logistics and inventory management have dramatically improved operational efficiency. For instance, the integration of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) can reduce the number of manual tasks by up to 30% (Supply Chain Brain, Software Development Company — N-iX).

Automation tools also speed up retail operations and enhance customer experience by reducing wait times and improving inventory accuracy (Inamax).

Cost Savings

The adoption of automation leads to notable cost reductions across various sectors. In logistics, automation can cut labor costs by up to 25%, as it allows companies to reduce their dependence on manual work (Software Development Company — N-iX).

AI-based inventory management systems lead to cost reductions by optimizing stock levels, thus preventing overstock and the associated holding costs (Capital Numbers). Automation reduces the likelihood of stockouts, which can save businesses close to 10% in lost sales opportunities (Inamax).

Improvement in Accuracy and Error Reduction

Automation improves accuracy by reducing human error. In logistics, the usage of automated picking systems has decreased errors by up to 50%, leading to fewer returns and higher customer satisfaction (Supply Chain Brain).

AI and machine learning algorithms enhance the accuracy of stock counts and demand forecasts, reducing errors by as much as 60% (Software Development Company — N-iX). Retailers benefit from automated systems that ensure consistent pricing and accurate stock levels, which are critical for online and offline operations (Capital Numbers).

Customer Experience Enhancement

Automation directly impacts customer satisfaction by boosting speed and accuracy. In logistics, faster order handling, automated progress reports, and real-time tracking of data lead to increased customer satisfaction (Inamax). The use of AI for personalized recommendations and checkout improves the shopping experience, increasing client retention and loyalty (Capital Numbers).

Automation Grows in Impact Across Industries

Looking ahead, the integration of AI, machine learning, and robotics will drive further efficiencies, enabling businesses to scale operations and respond dynamically to market changes. The insights from this study highlight the current benefits and the promising future that automation holds for these sectors. Luckily, with Latenode, you can become part of this future.

Build the Same Scenario in Your Latenode Account

Join Latenode for free to replicate this scenario! The basic account tier offers basic features, such as an unlimited number of blocks within your scenario, and 300 executions a month. You can purchase a Latenode subscription for advanced features, such as unlimited active scenarios at the same time, unlimited connected accounts, 150 parallel executions, auto retry & error handling, and more.

Also, check out the Latenode community forum for quick advice from devs and other users! This is a hub for automation enthusiasts who share their insights on the platform, suggest ideas for new features, report bugs, and take part in weekly hangouts. However, if you want more private communication, the team also has a Discord community.

Build your own automation scenario on Latenode! Sign up for Free

FAQ

What is Latenode?

Latenode is an automation platform that helps businesses streamline tasks like progress reporting using AI and integrations with various tools.

How did Latenode help the RFID inventory management startup?

It automated their progress reporting process, reducing data processing time from 15 to 3 hours per week and cutting labor costs by 77%.

What are the key benefits of using Latenode?

Reliability, variety of app integrations, ease of use, and flexible pricing, including a free plan for testing.

How does automation impact logistics and retail sectors?

It increases efficiency by 10–30%, reduces costs by 10–30%, and improves accuracy by 20–60% across various operations.

Can Latenode integrate with AI models?

Yes, Latenode offers integrations with AI models like ChatGPT and Claude 3.5.

How can users get support or share ideas about Latenode?

Users can join the Latenode Discord community with over 800 members, participate in weekly hangouts, and interact with developers.

How to Automatically Collect 4.25x More Valid Emails from LinkedIn for Targeted Outreach

Oleg — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 17:08:10 +0000

Email outreach is one of the biggest challenges companies face in 2024. If you're dealing with new customers, investors, or other businesses, you're likely doing it over email. However, finding new contacts takes time and money, pulling you away from other important tasks. You’ve got two options: hire more staff or automate the process. Spoiler alert: automation’s the way to go.

It saves time, helps gather a lot of reliable emails, and speeds up your operations. All these benefits are available through the Latenode automation platform. This reading explores it, shows how to scrape emails from LinkedIn profiles with a script from Spyro, a heavy user of Latenode. It also offers research insights on automation adoption in email marketing and networking.

Key takeaways: Latenode’s automation scenario reduces the cost of collecting LinkedIn emails by 80% and boosts the number of collected emails by 4.25x. It offers a high accuracy rate of 95% while cutting time spent collecting contacts from 15 to 2 hours per week. This usecase showcases how businesses can use Latenode to streamline outreach and speed up their operations.

What is Latenode, Specifically?

Latenode is a low-code service offering a visual editor to add scenario triggers, action blocks, and nodes interacting with apps. These include CRM systems, tools like Google Sheets, social media platforms like LinkedIn, and hundreds more. It also has HTTP request blocks capable of connecting to API systems. They let you automate interactions with the apps that are not in the library.

The service offers a block for Javascript code integration. It can help you customize scenarios even further. You don’t need to code to use this block — an AI assistant can generate a code snippet based on your prompts. It can also describe, debug, and customize it if needed. The usecase below shows how some of these features have been used in practice.

Collecting Emails from LinkedIn Profiles for Targeted Outreach Campaigns

This section captures the entire automation process, from finding and validating profiles and email contacts and uploading them into your database. You’ll need your CRM system, Clay, Hunter, and a lot of HTTP request blocks to run this workflow.

Tools Used in This Scenario

Clay

Clay is a data enrichment tool that focuses on LinkedIn profiles. It automates the process of gathering data, adding valuable context for more targeted outreach campaigns. For example, you can get contact data and add it to your CRM system. Clay offers free and paid plans, with premium features starting at $134 per month.

Hunter.io

Hunter.io can help find and verify email addresses tied to specific domains or individuals. It's handy for sales, marketing, and networking. Key features include domain search, email verifier, and email finder, which makes it easy to find and validate contact details. The service is free, but it also has paid plans, with pricing based on how many searches and verifications you need

Steps of Operation

Start the workflow by sourcing LinkedIn profiles using Clay

During this step, the system sends an HTTP request to interact with Clay. First, he scenario automatically finds and gathers profiles that match specific criteria you set, such as job titles, industries, and locations. This saves you time and effort in manually searching for potential contacts or leads.

After finding these profiles, the service adds extra information to the found profiles. This includes details about the person's company, their exact job title, and ways to contact them. With this additional data, you can create more focused outreach campaigns. Once all this information is collected and organized, it's ready for you to use in the next steps of your scenario.

Extract emails and other information

The scenario looks at LinkedIn profiles Clay has just scraped and sends requests to their URLs using nodes like Get Profile Data by URL. The system collects important information such as people's names, job titles, and email addresses. To keep your account safe and avoid problems, it also includes checks to make sure it follows LinkedIn's rules about how its website can be used.

Notably, all Linkedin Data Scraper blocks are paid for. You’ll have to pay 11 credits ($0.02) per request to use them.

Email verification with Hunter.io

Hunter.io email verifier in practice. The image is taken from the product’s web page.

Then, the scenario sends another HTTP request to interact with the Hunter.io API system and validate each address. With this node, the scenario examines each email to ensure it can receive messages. By using Hunter.io, you can remove any incorrect or unusable contacts, which helps manage a targeted outreach campaign.

Integrate your CRM or email marketing tool with Latenode

With the help of another request block, the workflow sends an API request to your CRM. This automatic connection keeps it up-to-date with the newest and most accurate contact details. Your team can spend more time dealing with potential customers instead of manually moving data around or updating information.

Using this automation scenario, you can make your outreach campaigns work much better and more accurately. This workflow helps build a thorough contact list while following LinkedIn privacy rules and the guidelines of this social network. All LinkedIn blocks have been added to the Latenode library after deliberate discussions with their team, so feel free to scrape data with them.

"I'd say that the main advantage of this scenario is its scalability, thanks to Latenode, significant time savings for companies, and improved data quality. Furthermore, it allows businesses to tailor their outreach based on collected profile data or user actions. They can filter info and make better decisions when it comes to outreach," Spyro shared.

At the same time, automations like this one are widely used by many companies worldwide. Check out Latenode research insights to get a grasp of the big picture of automation adoption in email marketing & networking.

State of Automation in Email Marketing and Networking

Email continues to be a foundational tool for digital marketing and networking, and automation is playing a growing role in improving efficiency and results. Recent surveys of over 200 marketing professionals and data from campaigns have provided valuable insights into how automation impacts email address collection and targeted outreach.

Current State and Effectiveness of Automation in Email Strategies

Automation has changed email marketing. According to a 2023 survey, 62% of marketers are now using automation tools specifically for email collection and outreach, a significant jump from 53% in the previous year (Ascend), (Insightly). On average, automated processes collect contacts 5x faster than manual efforts.

Table 1: Manual vs. Automated Email Collection

These results are not just about speed. The quality of contacts has improved, with automated systems yielding a higher score for contact relevance (8.2 out of 10). Companies that adopted automation reported a 35% increase in their email database size within the first six months of 2023 (Insightly).

Moreover, CRM integration has become a standard practice, with 82% of businesses linking their automation tools to their CRM systems. This has improved lead qualification processes by 28% (Ascend2. Additionally, automated email campaigns have seen significant boosts in key performance indicators such as:

Open rates: increased from 20.9% to 25.7%.
Click-through rates: jumped from 2.6% to 3.8%.
Conversion rates: grew from 1.2% to 1.9% (FormRush).

Benefits and Challenges of Automation in Email Strategies

One of the most notable advantages of automation is personalization. Data shows that personalized email campaigns see a 41% increase in click-through rates compared to generic campaigns (Insightly). Advanced systems can now tailor content based on behavior, preferences, and past interactions, making automation essential for targeting.

Another key benefit is timing optimization. Automated tools that use AI to determine the best times to send emails have led to a 23% increase in open rates (Ascend2). Automation also enables sophisticated audience segmentation, allowing for micro-segmentation based on multiple factors. Segmented campaigns see a 39% higher open rate compared to non-segmented campaigns.

Table 2: Impact of Automation on Email Metrics

However, challenges remain. Ensuring compliance with regulations like GDPR and CAN-SPAM is a top concern, with 72% of marketers reporting that navigating these laws is their biggest challenge (Insightly). Email deliverability is another issue, as filters are becoming better at flagging automated emails.

Marketers need to balance the convenience of automation with the personal touch that customers expect, with 68% of consumers stating they would disengage from brands if communications feel too automated (FormRush).

Trends and Prospects in Email Marketing and Networking Automation

AI continues to reshape email strategies. Predictive analytics tools can now forecast recipient behavior with up to 85% accuracy, enabling highly targeted and effective campaigns (Insightly). Multi-channel automation is also becoming more prevalent, with 59% of marketers reporting improved results by integrating email with other channels like social media (Ascend2).

Hyper-personalization, powered by data analysis, is rapidly growing. AI-driven systems can create detailed micro-segments and optimize email content dynamically. This trend has led to engagement rates increasing by up to 50% for companies leveraging these technologies (FormRush).

Final Insights and Future Outlook of Email Automation

Automation has revolutionized email marketing and networking, making it more personalized, and effective. The integration of AI and machine learning into automation tools will likely drive even greater improvements in the future. However, marketers must continue balancing automation with compliance and customer expectations to maintain the human touch in communications.

As companies adopt more advanced automation tools, the Latenode team expects significant growth in email marketing results, including higher engagement and improved ROI. By selecting the right tools and strategies, you can harness the full potential of automation, paving the way for more streamlined processes and better outcomes.

Get Your Own LinkedIn Email Scraper!

Latenode is a tool for building sophisticated solutions for your business, especially if you have experience in automation management. If you don’t — fill in the contact form. Add your company details & contact data, and click the button. The team will send it to Spyro, who shared insights about this LinkedIn scraper. Soon after, you'll have the chance to get a demo and discuss how to tailor it to your needs.

Also, feel free to use Latenode yourself! Create a free account for basic functions, including unlimited blocks in one scenario, 300 executions a month, 5 active workflows at the same time, and more. Consider the subscription to access more benefits, up to unlimited active scripts, connected accounts, and 1.5M executions per month.

The Latenode community forum is a hub for low-code enthusiasts, who share insights about their scenarios. There you can learn more about the platform, get help from developers and other users, point out bugs, get answers to FAQs, and suggest new features. If you want more private communication, no problem! The Discord community can serve you with that.

FAQ

Q: What is Latenode used for?

A: Latenode is a low-code automation platform that helps businesses create workflows to automate tasks like collecting LinkedIn emails, integrating CRM, and more.

Q: How much can I save with Latenode’s LinkedIn email collection automation?

A: You can reduce data collection costs by up to 80%, while increasing efficiency and contact accuracy.

Q: How does Latenode integrate with LinkedIn for email scraping?

A: Latenode uses Clay and Hunter.io to collect and verify LinkedIn email addresses while staying compliant with platform rules.

Q: Do I need coding skills to use Latenode?

A: No, Latenode offers a visual editor and has an AI assistant for generating code snippets, making it accessible for non-coders.

Q: What are the key benefits of automating LinkedIn outreach with Latenode?

A: It saves time, improves data accuracy, reduces costs, and allows your team to focus on more strategic tasks.

Q: Can I use Latenode for other automation tasks?

A: Yes, Latenode supports integration with various apps and tools for tasks beyond LinkedIn, including CRM, email marketing, and more.

Create Integration With Any App: Two Methods

Oleg — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 21:30:24 +0000

Hello DEV community! While other low-code automation platforms take pride in having thousands of pre-built integrations, Latenode stands out by offering an environment where users can create new integrations with any desired application in just minutes, completely from scratch!

There are two ways to make this happen, covering all your potential use cases. Let's start with the simpler one.

Method #1 HTTP request

If you're looking to connect with an app that provides API documentation, focus on the cURL examples given.

Each API endpoint in your application demands a specific communication method, and the cURL example offers a template to execute the desired functionality.

For instance, let's suppose you want to create a new Trello card and consider the Trello documentation. Your steps?

Identify the action you need, like “Create a new Card.”
Find and copy the cURL example showing how to communicate with this Trello endpoint.
Note the required parameters for this API request. For instance, creating Trello cards requires knowing where to place the card, so the “idList” parameter is essential.

After these steps, let's return to Latenode, where you simply:

Add an HTTP request node to your scenario.
Click on “Create from example” and paste your cURL.
Replace the API Key, API Token, or other authorization details your service needs. Ask ChatGPT where to find these in your app.

Often, this is enough to build a new API integration from scratch in two minutes! 🎉

For our Trello case, manually set the required parameter idList to inform Trello where to create the new card. Additionally, define the card's name and description, using data from your Latenode scenario as shown on the screenshot below.

Now you know how to build an integration with any app using an HTTP request on Latenode.

If you have questions, feel free to ask in our Discord community.

Method #2 JavaScript AI Integration

Using JavaScript for integration might seem more complex, but Latenode's AI Assistant within the JavaScript module makes it accessible for beginners.

To create a new Trello card using AI, ask our assistant the following:

– Add Script to my code that will create an API integration with Trello – "Create a new Card"

The remaining steps are similar to the HTTP method:

Enter your API Key and API Token.
Add the idList of your Trello board.
Specify the Trello card name and Description.

You add these directly to your code, but the AI simplifies the process, offering guidance throughout.

🐞 Encounter a JavaScript error? Don't worry! The AI will help you fix your code once you send the error back to the chat.

You don't even have to explain what you need; sending a raw error will be enough to get new code:

That’s it!

Using these methods - HTTP request and JavaScript AI integration - you choose a self-service approach for any low-code integration you can imagine.

Enjoy using Latenode, and for any questions about the platform, join our Discord community of low-code experts.

First-Ever Lifetime Deal for Early Birds! 💸

Oleg — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 21:36:33 +0000

Hey guys! Oleg from Latenode here.

The last few months have been very intense for us. We’re receiving more and more positive feedback about our Latenode – a low-code automation platform built by professionals for professionals. The amount of traction is increasing not only within our Discord community but also externally – in Facebook, LinkedIn groups, and Reddit threads. It's truly inspiring to see the resonance between our vision, our product, and your needs.

As a token of appreciation for all this valuable feedback you provide, we decided to run a very exclusive and time-sensitive offer for all our early adopters – a Lifetime Deal!

What is a Lifetime Deal?

Before we move on to the particular options, let's figure out what a Lifetime Deal (LTD) is, why we’re doing it, and why it's potentially an extremely good choice for you.

LTD is a unique opportunity that doesn't come around often. This is more than just an offer; it's a commitment from us to you, our early supporters.

1. Token of Our Appreciation

Here's the scoop: The Lifetime Deal is our way of saying 'Thank you 🙏' for believing in Latenode. It's a limited-time opportunity to get lifetime access to our platform. No fees, no subscriptions, just uninterrupted access to the best low-code automation tools on the market.

2. Our Guarantee of Your Further Feedback

But why are we doing this? Because we know the value of being in at the ground level. Early adopters, like you, are the backbone of our community. You've been with us from the start, providing invaluable feedback, and shaping Latenode into what it is today. This deal is our way of ensuring you continue to be a pivotal part of our journey to shape Latenode even further.

3. Your Tickets to All Upcoming Breakthroughs

Now, let’s talk reality. Opportunities like this are rare. Typically, LTD is something companies offer at the very beginning, and we’re no exception. Our platform is rapidly evolving, and this deal is your ticket to be a part of every breakthrough, every innovation, without ever paying extra.

4. Your Smart Investment Limited Asset

And there’s more to it. For the web developers, tech gurus, and business pros among you, this is a smart strategic move. Secure your spot now, and you’re set for any future project. Plus, when this deal is off the table, your account becomes a valuable asset. Imagine having something that's no longer available to others – it's not just a tool, it's an investment.

⚠️ Please note that this offer is only available for a limited time, and we cannot guarantee its availability in the future.

Lifetime Packages

Our packages start from $249, and execution credits are renewed every month. It means that your business can satisfy the need for an automation tool once and forever! ❤️‍🔥

Let’s break down our packages:

Starter ($249) – 3000 execution credits per month
Advanced ($499) – 6000 execution credits per month
Professional ($699) – 10,000 execution credits per month
Team ($1,490) – 20,000 execution credits per month

What is an Execution Credit? We have a fair pricing model that doesn't charge for every step in your workflow. Instead, we use Execution Credits which are based on the execution time of the entire scenario. 30 sec of exec time = 1 Credit.

Note that the Professional and Team packages have unique feature advantages.

💢 Check out a detailed description here: https://latenode.com/lifetime-deal-early-bird

Questions? Ask in our Discord Community or help@latenode.com.

Leverage your Zapier automations

Oleg — Sun, 03 Dec 2023 20:31:42 +0000

Hello low-coders! My name is Oleg.In this article, I’ll share with you the perfect synergy between Zapier and Latenode that helped me slash my automation costs by 89 times and allowed me to extend data processing capabilities.

Let me take a step back and express my unconditional love for Zapier. With more than 6000 ready-to-use connections, it's the most user-friendly platform I've encountered. Therefore, when a new automation need arises, I’m confident that a few minutes on Zapier is enough to make it a reality.

However, the business processes I assist with often require a massive number of operations in my Zaps. In terms of Zapier “tasks” - internal credits - this can really hit the pocket.

Workaround for Numerous Operations

As you probably know, Zapier charges for each action item in your automation. This becomes especially bothersome when you loop a part of your workflow to run an action or set of actions more than once. For instance, if you have a list of email addresses to add to your contact list, each ‘Add Contact’ action adds only one contact. So, you're looping. And if you need to place 1,500 emails at once, be prepared to pay $39 on the Zapier starter plan.

Luckily, our team built a platform that doesn’t consider the number of actions in your automation. So, whenever such an extensive action workflow appears, follow this clever workaround:

Make a Webhook POST request from your Zap and transfer the data.
Process it in a low-code environment that doesn’t bill you for the number of actions.
Send the result back to Zap as a webhook response.

Showcase: Data Processing on Latenode

Let’s try sending data to Latenode for the heavy lifting, then bringing the results back into Zapier to finish the job. Imagine having Google Sheets with sales data for the past half-month:

Step 1: Get Ready-to-Go Data on Zapier

We will use Zapier to get data from Google Sheets. We add the “Get Many Spreadsheet Rows” action to have a one-line output as a result of this step. Sending data in such a format requires only one task. Let’s focus on cost-efficiency.

Step 2: Create a New Scenario on Latenode

As shown in the previous screenshot, we put Latenode’s webhook URL, and send our output from Google Sheets there. To make it happen, we should:

Create a new scenario on app.latenode.com (it’s entirely free).
Add a new webhook trigger.
Deploy your scenario or run once for a single test.
Click on the webhook, get your URL and put it into Zapier.

After that, if your Zapier’s POST webhook is activated, Latenode will receive your data as shown below.

Now, the data is under your total control. To demonstrate Latenode's capability, I'll transform it using a JavaScript module with an in-built AI assistant that will do all the work for me.

Step 3: Use JavaScript AI to Transform the Data

As a showcase, let’s ask the AI to make a sum of Sales Figures ($) from our one-line Google Sheet data and see how it figures it out. To make this real, two steps are left:

Add a JavaScript code module right after the webhook.
Ask the AI assistant to parse data from the Sales Data object and make a sum of what’s needed. Our request looks like this:

Hey! Could you please parse data from the Sales Data object, make a sum of Sales Figures ($), and then return the sum back?

In a moment, your Latenode scenario calculates the sum of the “Sales Figures” column despite the one-line format this data has been received in.

Moving forward, we can add another JavaScript module and ask:

Please add a script to my code that will convert the sumOfSales from USD to EUR using a free available API

Latenode supports NPM packages, offering great flexibility in data processing.

Overall, our scenario looks like this. Ensure you end it with a webhook response, so the result of two operations will be returned to Zapier:

Parse sales figures and sum them.
Convert the sum from USD to EUR.

After that, Zapier’s webhook response receives new data that can be used further in your Zap. Our screenshot below demonstrates how we use the converted sum in a Slack channel.

That’s it! I hope this guide gives you a fresh perspective on automations and shows how everything can be optimized for cost-effectiveness and data flexibility with the help of a Zapier and Latenode bundle. By the way, the Latenode community on Discord is extremely supportive, so feel free to ask any questions and expect immediate help from the dev team there.

Automate on app.latenode.com, and stay tuned for more hacks!

Stop Overpaying: Pricing models of automation platforms

Oleg — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 21:17:40 +0000

Hello DEV community! It's Daniel from Latenode!

Three minutes of reading this material will uncover all the truth about the monetization systems your favorite low-code platforms use, so you become aware of why Latenode is 89.7 times cheaper than Zapier when it comes to automations with thousands of operations.

All images in this article are intended for illustrative purposes only. The '-💲' symbol depicted in the images denotes an internal fund debiting action within the platform and should not be interpreted as the cost of an individual operation or the overall scenario cost.

Zapier

Let’s start with Zapier, where the system is straightforward.

The execution of each action in your workflow consumes one task – credits you use on the platform for billing.

The more tasks in your workflow, the more you pay. And it doesn’t matter how much data you process or how many server resources you've used. Action executed? You’re billed!

However, Zapier’s team is proud of the fact that they don’t bill for the execution of the trigger – the starting node that runs your workflow. Well, appreciate it! Even so, you can’t add more than one trigger in your workflow. So in fact, you are protected from spending on just one extra task per automation. It's not a big deal.

Additionally, Zapier allows you to loop the chosen part of your workflow when the sequence of actions can be executed repeatedly.

And yes, you still need to pay with one task per each executed action within your loop.

Pipedream

Pipedream works differently – it uses credit instead of tasks, and Pipedream charges one credit per 30 seconds of compute time at 256 megabytes of memory per workflow execution.

Such a system looks more fair, because it’s not the same to get a single-line request from the server and to process complex data. The latter requires significantly more resources and time, and therefore, being charged based on the actual compute time and memory usage ensures that users only pay for the resources they consume.

But there is one thing... Pipedream doesn’t provide users with a loop like Zapier does, therefore often it’s not possible to complete your process within just one workflow you build on Pipedream. The only suggested workaround is by utilizing two different workflows.

The first workflow is the fetching workflow. It grabs this array of records from Airtable, Google Sheets, Quickbooks, or some database or API.
The second workflow is the processing workflow. It's responsible for processing a single record at a time, so that way you can use all of the pre-built actions Pipedream has to offer.

Why is this so? Because while Pipedream bills you for each 30 seconds of compute time, it also bills you for each run of your workflow. And apparently, it’s not very profitable to allow you to loop actions and execute everything within only one scenario.

The first low-code conspiracy revealed.

Make

When it comes to Make, everything becomes straightforward again – billing is based on the execution of each step.

Make is extremely great at building complex architecture, where you can build automations visually and connect everything to everything, not only each to next as Zapier does. The only differences are:

What tasks are in Zapier, operations are on Make.
What loops are in Zapier, iterators are on Make.

The only thing Make lacks (and this is intentional) is the ability to integrate custom code for working with data. Therefore, you can only build complex architectures using pre-built tools.

Does it affect the price? Of course! What you can get from only one JavaScript action on Pipedream requires the sequence of 3-5-7-9 different actions on Make.

Here is an example of a part of Make’s scenario that can be replaced with a single JavaScript module on Pipedream:

However, using Make would result in billing for four operations. Those of you who work with data understand how complex the logic for transformation and aggregation can be. Therefore, this example is somewhat simplified to illustrate the point clearly.

The second low-code conspiracy revealed.

Latenode

Speaking about Latenode, it has the same pricing model as Pipedream – one credit equals 30 seconds of computing time.

And while the initiation of your scenario also requires a credit, there is one huge difference – Latenode doesn’t force you to execute the maximum number of scenarios as Pipedream does if you need to iterate or loop data. So you’re free to run iterations within a single scenario run.

At the same time, the platform also doesn’t force you to the maximum number of actions in your scenario. Number of operations won’t be billed. That’s exactly why you also have full-code flexibility with the JavaScript module, that also includes work with NPM packages inside. Huge data processing is highly welcomed on Latenode.

Therefore, Latenode represents the most flexible, transparent, and fair platform in the context of pricing models. So users don’t think about anything else, but automations.

Does this mean you should abandon platforms you've been using for years? Not at all. However, in scenarios where you need to transform huge amounts of data on Make or iterate through thousands of JSON objects on Pipedream, consider making an HTTP request to Latenode. Transfer the data there for more cost-effective transformation in an environment suited for it. This way, you can avoid overpaying for your automations.

Reach out to Latenode’s low-code community on Discord and ask anything about automation on the platform itself.