Here at Zapier, we use Slack for basically all our internal communication. So we know how important the platform can be for businesses. If, like us, you're toggling into your Slack app on the daily, it’s worth it to automate the way you use it. That’s where our Send channel message form template comes in.

This template lets you create a user-friendly form where you can customize aspects of a message—like content and delivery preferences—then automate the process of sending that message to specific Slack channels. If you rely on Slack to share announcements or project updates often, using this template can help your team communicate more efficiently.

Zapier products the template uses

• Interfaces — an automated form, page, and app builder for collecting data
• Tables — databases that let you track and automate your data
• Zaps — automated workflows
• Canvas — a diagramming tool that helps you visualize your workflows

How this form template works

This template uses Zapier's powerful suite of products to create a seamless automation experience for sending customized Slack messages.

Here's a breakdown of how it works:

• Form creation: Using Interfaces, you'll create a custom form with fields for your message's necessary details. (Customization options include your message's content, the target channel, and the sender's name.)
• Data storage: When a user submits the form, the data is captured and stored in Tables. This ensures that all message information is securely saved and easily accessible.
• Message delivery: The form submission triggers a Zap, which kicks off the automation process. This Zap sends the message to the specified Slack channel. And it incorporates all the customized details from the form, resulting in a perfectly tailored message delivered to the right audience.
• Workflow orchestration: Canvas gives you a visual representation of the entire workflow to help you understand and optimize your process.

To set up this template:

• Start by creating your custom form in Interfaces. Include all necessary fields to customize your message just how you want it.
• Set up a table to store the form submissions.
• Create a Zap that triggers when a new form submission gets received.
• Use Canvas to design the workflow, connecting the form submission to the Slack message action.
• In your Zap, configure the Slack action in your Zap by mapping the form fields to the appropriate message parameters.
• Test your setup to ensure messages are being sent correctly.
• Activate your Zap and start using your new streamlined Slack messaging system!

Who should use this template

Our template is ideal for a wide range of professionals and teams:

• Team leaders and managers who need to regularly communicate with their teams across various Slack channels
• Project coordinators looking to streamline updates and announcements to relevant stakeholders
• Marketing teams that want to schedule and automate campaign-related messages
• HR departments aiming to improve internal communications and announcements
• Customer support teams that need to share important updates or alerts with the appropriate groups
• Event organizers who need to send timely reminders and information to different teams or departments
• IT departments looking to automate system status updates or maintenance notifications
• Sales teams wanting to share real-time updates on deals or client interactions with the broader team
• Educational institutions seeking to improve communication with students and faculty across various departments
• Remote teams looking to enhance asynchronous communication and keep everyone informed across time zones

Anyone bogged down by routine communication tasks can use this template to clear up their schedule, ensure consistency in their messaging, and improve overall team coordination.

Key benefits this form template

• Time-saving automation: Eliminate manual message composition and sending, freeing up valuable time for more important tasks
• Enhanced customization: Tailor Slack messages with precision, including bot names, icons, and formatting to match your brand and communication style
• Improved targeting: Make sure messages reach the right audience by easily selecting specific channels and mentioning relevant users, directly from the form