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Sync Your Favorite Apps Using API Nation

Save time and keep your data consistent by connecting Sierra Interactive to tools like Google Contacts, Mailchimp, and KW Command without writing any code.

Connecting your different software tools can feel complicated, but it doesn't have to be. API Nation acts as a bridge, allowing Sierra to automatically share information with the other apps you rely on every day. This guide will walk you through setting up these connections to streamline your workflow and give you more time to focus on what matters: closing deals.

Table of Contents

  1. Why This Feature Matters

  2. How to Set Up Your First Integration 

  3. Best Practices for a Smooth Workflow

  4. Frequently Asked Questions

Why This Feature Matters

As a real estate professional, you're constantly juggling information between your CRM, email marketing platform, and contact manager. This manual work not only consumes valuable time but also introduces the risk of inconsistent or outdated data. API Nation solves this by automating the data transfer process.

By connecting Sierra to your other tools, you can:

  • Eliminate Double Data Entry: Stop wasting time manually copying contacts from your CRM to your email list or phone.
  • Maintain a Single Source of Truth: Ensure your lead and client information is accurate and consistent across all your platforms.
  • Optimize Your Marketing: Automatically add new leads to targeted email campaigns in platforms like Mailchimp or Constant Contact.
  • Avoid Costly Custom Solutions: Use a reliable, pre-built service instead of hiring a developer to create and maintain custom integrations.

Real-world Examples:

  • New Lead to Newsletter: A new lead captured on your Sierra website is automatically added to your "New Buyer" audience in Mailchimp.
  • Sync Contacts to Your Phone: All your Sierra contacts are synced to your Google or iCloud Contacts, so you always have the latest phone number for every client.
  • Update Your KW Command: New contacts and activities in Sierra are automatically pushed to your KW Command dashboard, keeping your brokerage records up-to-date.

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How to Set Up Your First Integration

Getting started is simple and happens entirely on the API Nation website. Here’s how to create your first automated workflow.

To get started, follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to API Nation: First, open your web browser and go to API Nation.
  2. Find Sierra Interactive: Use the search bar on their homepage to look for "Sierra Interactive." This will show you all the apps that can connect with your Sierra account. 
  3. Choose Your App: Select the application you want to connect with Sierra, such as Google Contacts, Mailchimp, or KW Command. Click on it to see the available sync options.
  4. Authorize Your Accounts: You will be prompted to connect and authorize both your Sierra account and the other application. This gives API Nation permission to move data between them securely.
  5. Configure the Sync: Choose how you want your data to flow. You can set up a one-way sync (e.g., from Sierra to Google Contacts) or a two-way sync that shares data in both directions. For your first sync, we recommend a one-way flow. 
  6. Map Your Data Fields: Review the field mappings to ensure information goes to the right place. For example, you’ll want to confirm that the "Email" field in Sierra matches the "Email" field in your other app.
  7. Activate the Integration: Once you've confirmed the settings, activate the integration. You will need to select a subscription plan, if not already an API Nation subscriber. Your data will then sync automatically based on the rules you set!

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Best Practices for a Smooth Workflow

To make the most of your integrations, keep these tips in mind:

  • Start Simple: Begin with just one critical integration, like syncing your contacts to Google Contacts. Once you're comfortable with the process, you can add more workflows.
  • Clean Your Data First: Before you sync, take a moment to clean up your contacts in Sierra. Merging duplicates and correcting errors beforehand ensures that your other apps receive accurate information.
  • Protect Your Data Integrity: Use a one-way sync (from Sierra to your other app) first. This prevents an external app from accidentally overwriting the clean data in your CRM. You can switch to a two-way sync later if needed.
  • Monitor Your Usage: Keep an eye on your record usage in your API Nation account to ensure you stay within your plan’s limits. A "record" is any single data transfer, like one contact being added or updated.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you run into any trouble, here are a few quick fixes:

  • Data Isn't Syncing: The most common issue is a lost connection. Go to your API Nation dashboard and try re-authenticating the app that isn’t syncing.
  • You See Duplicate Records: This often happens with two-way syncs. Check your mapping settings carefully or consider switching to a one-way sync from Sierra to the other app to establish a clear primary data source.
  • You're Hitting Record Limits: If your business is growing quickly, you may need more record transfers. You can easily upgrade your plan directly within your API Nation account.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to a few common questions:

  • Do I need to contact Sierra Support to set this up?
    • No, the entire setup and management process is handled directly on API Nation’s platform.
  • What counts as a ‘record’ for billing?
    • A record is any single data point that is created, updated, or deleted during a sync. For example, syncing one new contact to Mailchimp counts as one record.
  • How much does API Nation cost?
    • Pricing is managed by API Nation. Their plans typically start at around $19 per month for 1,000 records and scale up based on your needs. Pricing is subject to change.

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