To automate the data from your Webflow site, the first instinct is usually to turn to automation tools like Zapier or Integromat. It's true that with these no-code tools, you can quickly create complex workflows by connecting a suite of no-code tools to your Webflow site. However, these tools come with a cost and require you to pass through a third-party platform to manage your data flows.
Connecting Webflow and Airtable without Zapier
The goal here is not to replace Zapier with another third-party no-code interface. Therefore, we won't be replacing Zapier with Integromat or Automate.io. Instead, we will use an extension or application specifically developed for Airtable, called Nobull.
Nobull is a free application that you can add to Airtable. Developed by Fiwsweet, this no-code tool allows you to connect each of your Airtable tables to a Webflow CMS. Easy to use, Nobull operates on a matching principle for data fields. By adding this application from one of your Airtable bases, you will be able to match each column with fields from your Webflow CMS.
Step 1: Add Nobull to Airtable
To add Nobull to Airtable, start by opening the Airtable base you wish to connect. In the top right corner of your Airtable base, you will find an "APPS" button. Click on it to open the Airtable apps. A new window will appear on the right side of your screen; click on "Add an app". You are now in the Airtable app marketplace where you can find Nobull using the search bar. Click "Add" to include the application in your base.
Step 2: Connect Your Webflow API Key
To connect Webflow, you will need to create a new API key and then connect it to the Nobull application. This will allow Nobull to access the data from your Webflow CMS.
Step 3: Connect Airtable and Webflow with Nobull
Once Nobull has been added to Airtable and linked to your Webflow account, it's time to set up the tool. Here are the steps to configure the connection between Webflow and Airtable:
- Select the Webflow project: Airtable will be connected to the CMS of this project.
- Choose your Webflow CMS collection: Select the collection you want to link items to Airtable.
- Match the 3 required fields : Each Webflow CMS item must have an Item ID, a Name, and a Slug. Associate each of these fields with fields from your Airtable table.
- Add additional fields : You can match other fields from your Webflow CMS with Airtable.
- Choose the direction to send the data: You can either instruct Nobull to send data from Webflow to Airtable or vice versa from Airtable to Webflow.
- Select the trigger: Nobull currently offers three triggers to initiate automation: manual, hourly, or daily. Please note that no data transfer between Webflow and Airtable can occur when Airtable is closed. This is an area for improvement in future updates.
Once configured, click "Save and Publish" to launch your automation. That's it, your Webflow site is now connected to Airtable without Zapier 🤖
