5 Make.com Automations Every Shopify Store Owner Should Set Up

Running a Shopify store means juggling many tasks: managing products, processing orders, engaging customers, and tracking inventory. While this work is essential, many daily operations are repetitive and time-consuming. Imagine reclaiming hours each week, reducing manual errors, and focusing more on growing your business instead of getting bogged down in routine tasks.

This is where automation comes in, and Make.com is a powerful, visual platform that connects your apps and systems, including Shopify, without needing to write any code. It’s like having a virtual assistant who works 24/7, tirelessly handling the processes you set up. For any Shopify store owner, freelancer managing stores, or operations manager, setting up a few key automations can dramatically improve efficiency and customer experience.

Why This Matters

In today's fast-paced e-commerce world, efficiency is key. Automating repetitive tasks allows you to scale your business without proportionally increasing your workload or staff. It minimizes human error, ensures consistency in your operations, and frees up valuable time for strategic thinking and creative problem-solving. Ultimately, automation helps you deliver a better, faster, and more reliable experience for your customers, leading to increased loyalty and sales.

Step-by-Step Guide: 5 Make.com Automations for Shopify

Here are five practical Make.com automations that every Shopify store owner should consider setting up:

1. Automation 1: New Shopify Order to Google Sheet for Tracking

   What it does: Automatically records every new Shopify order into a Google Sheet, creating a centralized log for easy tracking, reporting, or accounting.

   Why it's useful: No more manual data entry! This ensures all order details are instantly available in a spreadsheet, making it easier to monitor sales performance, reconcile finances, or prepare reports for your team or accountant. It's a simple, reliable data backup.

   How to set it up:

   • In Make.com, create a new scenario.
   • Add a Shopify module and choose the "Watch Orders" trigger. This will start your automation every time a new order is placed.
   • Add a Google Sheets module and select "Add a Row."
   • Connect your Google Sheet and map the relevant Shopify order details (e.g., Order ID, Customer Name, Email, Total Price, Item List) to the columns in your spreadsheet.
   • Save and activate your scenario.

2. Automation 2: New Order Notification to Slack or Microsoft Teams

   What it does: Sends a real-time notification to your team's Slack channel or Microsoft Teams group whenever a new Shopify order comes in.

   Why it's useful: Keeps your entire team in the loop without constant manual checks. This is great for celebrating sales, alerting your fulfillment team immediately, or simply staying updated on your store's activity. It fosters a sense of shared success and urgency.

   How to set it up:

   • Create a new Make.com scenario.
   • Add a Shopify module and use the "Watch Orders" trigger.
   • Add a Slack module and choose "Create a Message" (or a Microsoft Teams module and "Send a Message").
   • Select the desired channel and customize the message using dynamic information from the Shopify order (e.g., "🎉 New Order! #{{Order ID}} from {{Customer Name}} for ${{Total Price}}").
   • Save and activate.

3. Automation 3: Low Stock Alert via Email

   What it does: Periodically checks your Shopify inventory and sends you an email alert when a product's stock quantity drops below a certain threshold.

   Why it's useful: Prevents stockouts and lost sales. You'll be proactively notified when it's time to reorder or restock, ensuring popular items are always available. This helps maintain customer satisfaction and consistent revenue.

   How to set it up:

   • Create a new Make.com scenario.
   • Add a "Scheduler" module as your trigger. Set it to run daily or at specific intervals.
   • Add a Shopify module and choose "Search Products."
   • Add a "Filter" tool. Configure it to only pass products where the 'Inventory Quantity' is less than your chosen threshold (e.g., 5 units).
   • Add an Email module (e.g., Gmail or SendGrid) and choose "Send an Email."
   • Set the recipient to your email address and customize the subject and body to include details about the low-stock product.
   • Save and activate.

4. Automation 4: New Customer Welcome Email (via Mailchimp or similar)

   What it does: Automatically sends a personalized welcome email to new customers who make a purchase or sign up on your Shopify store.

   Why it's useful: Builds customer loyalty from the start. A timely welcome message makes customers feel valued, introduces them to your brand, and can even include a special offer for their next purchase. It automates a crucial step in customer onboarding.

   How to set it up:

   • Create a new Make.com scenario.
   • Add a Shopify module and select the "Watch Customers" trigger (when a new customer is created).
   • Add your email marketing tool module (e.g., Mailchimp, SendGrid, Constant Contact) and choose the action to add a subscriber or send an email.
   • Map the new customer's email address, first name, and last name to the corresponding fields in your email marketing tool.
   • Save and activate.

5. Automation 5: High-Value Order Alert for Special Handling

   What it does: Notifies a specific team member or channel when a Shopify order exceeds a certain value, prompting special attention.

   Why it's useful: Ensures your most valuable customers receive a premium experience. You can use this to personally thank high-spenders, double-check their order for accuracy, or prepare for special packaging. It adds a human touch where it matters most, potentially leading to repeat business and positive reviews.

   How to set it up:

   • Create a new Make.com scenario.
   • Add a Shopify module and use the "Watch Orders" trigger.
   • Add a "Filter" tool immediately after. Set the condition to only pass orders where 'Total Price' is greater than your chosen threshold (e.g., $500).
   • Add a Slack or Email module. For Slack, choose "Create a Message" to a specific channel or person. For Email, "Send an Email" to your customer service manager or fulfillment lead.
   • Customize the message to highlight the high-value order and include relevant details.
   • Save and activate.

Pro Tips for Make.com Automation

• Start Simple: Begin with one automation, test it thoroughly, and then expand.
• Use Templates: Make.com offers many pre-built templates that can give you a head start.
• Test Thoroughly: Always test your scenarios with dummy data before going live to catch any errors.
• Monitor & Adjust: Keep an eye on your scenario history in Make.com. If an automation fails, investigate and adjust as needed.
• Error Handling: Utilize Make.com's error handling features to ensure your automations are robust and notify you if something goes wrong.

FAQ

Q1: Is Make.com difficult to learn for non-technical users?
A1: Not at all. Make.com uses a visual, drag-and-drop interface, making it very intuitive. You connect app modules like building blocks, and the platform guides you through the process.

Q2: What if I need help setting these up?
A2: Make.com offers extensive documentation, tutorials, and a supportive community forum. If you prefer professional assistance, many certified Make.com consultants (like those listed on Integration Directory) can help you set up complex automations.

Q3: Is my Shopify data safe with Make.com?
A3: Yes. Make.com prioritizes data security and uses industry-standard encryption and security protocols to protect your information. Your data is processed securely and not stored permanently unless explicitly configured.

Written by Vangari Sai Sampath, Automation Specialist · Integration Directory · Hyderabad, India