How do integrations and APIs connect my tools?

An integration links two tools so they share information automatically. Most integrations work through an API, a set of rules that lets one program ask another for data or actions.

Your business probably uses several tools: a website, a calendar, a payment processor, an email list, maybe accounting software. An integration connects two of them so information moves between them on its own. When a customer books online and the appointment appears in your calendar, that is an integration at work.

What an API is

An API (application programming interface) is how software talks to other software. Think of a restaurant. You do not walk into the kitchen. You order from a menu, and the waiter brings back what you asked for. An API is that menu and waiter. It lists what one tool will share or do, and it carries requests and answers back and forth.

Most integrations are built on APIs. One tool sends a request through the other tool's API, like "add this person to the email list," and gets an answer back.

Examples you may see

A website form that adds new leads to your email list
An online store that sends paid orders to your shipping tool
Your website showing your latest Google reviews
A booking tool that adds appointments to your calendar

How connecting usually works

Many tools offer a Connect button that opens the other service's sign-in page. You sign in there and approve what the connection can do. This is the safe way to connect. It never requires giving anyone your password.

Some tools instead give you a key, a long string of letters and numbers that works like a password for software. Treat keys like passwords. Never post them in an email, a chat or a shared document.

We can do this for you. If you want two of your tools connected, open a request in your client portal and tell us which tools and what should happen. Our team will tell you the safest way to set it up.

Common problems

If an integration stops working, someone may have changed a password or removed access on one side. Reconnecting usually fixes it.
If information shows up twice, two integrations may be doing the same job. Tell us which tools are involved.
If someone asks you for a key or a password to "connect" something, check with us first. There is almost always a safer way.

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