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Creating Your First Sierra Automation (Simple Step-by-Step)

Learn how to create a simple Sierra Interactive Automation using a guided example so you can save time, follow up consistently, and avoid manual work.

Why This Feature Matters

Automations help you take consistent action without relying on memory or manual effort. Even a single, simple automation can:

  • Ensure no new lead is overlooked
  • Reduce repetitive tasks
  • Improve response consistency
  • Save time every day

Sierra Automations are designed to support your workflow, not replace thoughtful follow-up. This guide walks you through creating one simple automation so you can get started confidently.

Table of Contents 

  1. Before You Begin

  2. Example Automation

  3. What Happens After Activation

  4. Best Practices

  5. Troubleshooting & Common Questions

Before You Begin

Before creating your first automation, confirm:

  • You are a Primary Manager or Manager user
  • You have access to the Sierra Client Admin Area (CAA)
  • You understand the basic outcome you want (for example: tagging a new lead or creating a task)
  • You are starting with a simple use case

This guide intentionally avoids advanced logic so you can focus on the basics.

Example Automation You’ll Build

When a new lead is created → apply a tag and create a follow-up task

This is one of the most common and effective starter automations.

Step 1: Access Automations

  1. Log into your Sierra Client Admin Area (CAA).
  2. Click the Gear icon in the top navigation.
  3. Select Automations.
  4. Click + New Automation.

Step 2: Name Your Automation

Give your automation a clear, descriptive name.

Example: New Lead – Apply Tag + Create Task

Clear naming makes automations easier to manage later.

Step 3: Choose a Trigger

Triggers define when an automation runs.

  1. Select Lead Created as the trigger.
  2. Click Next.

This means the automation will run every time a new lead is added.

Note that each complete Sierra automation will require at least one trigger and a maximum of five triggers.

Step 4: Add Your First Action (Apply a Tag)

Actions define what happens after the trigger.

  1. Choose Apply Tag.
  2. Select or create a tag (example: New Lead).
  3. Save the action.

Tags help organize leads and support filtering later.

Note that each complete Sierra automation will require at least one action and a maximum of five actions.

Step 5: Add a Second Action (Create a Task)

You can add multiple actions to one automation.

  1. Click Add Action.
  2. Choose Create Task.
  3. Configure the task:
    • Task name (example: Call New Lead)
    • Due date (example: same day or next day)
    • Assigned user or role
Save the action.

This ensures a follow-up task is created automatically.

Step 6: Review and Activate

Before turning the automation on:

  • Review the trigger
  • Confirm both actions are correct
  • Make sure this automation won’t conflict with existing workflows

When ready, activate the automation.

Your first automation is now live.

What Happens After Activation

Once active:

  • Every new lead will automatically receive the tag
  • A follow-up task will be created without manual effort
  • Your workflow becomes more consistent immediately

You can edit or deactivate the automation at any time.

Best Practices for Your First Automation

  • Start with one trigger and one or two actions

  • Avoid complex conditions at first

  • Use clear names for automations and tasks

  • Test with a real lead after activation

  • Review results after a few days

Simple automations often deliver the biggest wins.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Creating too many automations at once
  • Using complex conditions before understanding the basics
  • Forgetting to activate the automation
  • Overlapping multiple automations with the same trigger

If something doesn’t behave as expected, review the trigger and actions first.

Troubleshooting & Common FAQs

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • My automation didn’t run
    Confirm it is active and that the trigger conditions were met.

  • The task didn’t assign correctly
    Check the user or role selected in the task action.

  • I’m not sure if this automation is working
    Create a test lead and confirm the tag and task appear.

FAQs

  • How many automations should I start with?
    Start with one or two simple automations before expanding.

  • Can I edit an automation later?
    Yes. Automations can be edited, paused, or deleted at any time.

  • Will this automation affect existing leads?
    No. It only runs when the trigger occurs.

  • What should I automate next?
    After your first automation, consider automating follow-up tasks, lead tagging, or internal notifications.