Why Automation Matters Now More Than Ever
Marketing today is high-speed, high-volume, and high-stakes.
Whether building personalized experiences, managing multiple platforms, or generating insightsfrom scattered data sources, marketing teams are under constant pressure to do more with less.
That's where AI-powered automation steps in. These tools don't just reduce manual tasks but also empower marketers to scale intelligently and focus on what really moves the needle: strategy, creativity, and impact.
But with so many tools available, how do you find the right fit?
Understanding the Options: Zapier, Make, and N8N
Zapier, Make, and N8N are three standout platforms designed to streamline marketing workflows through automation. Each one is built with a different kind of user and use case in mind:
- Zapier: Best for quick wins and minimal setup
- Make: Ideal for building complex, scalable workflows
- N8N: Great for teams needing full control over data and infrastructure
Here’s a look at how they stack up.
Zapier: Built for Simplicity and Speed
Perfect for lean teams who want to move fast without technical overhead.
✅ Connects with over 6,000 apps, including Google Workspace, HubSpot, and Slack
✅ No-code interface designed for non-technical users
✅ Pre-built "Zaps" help automate common tasks quickly
✅ Runs in the background, set it and forget it
Quick take: Zapier is a smart choice for marketing teams looking to automate lead nurturing, keep CRM records current, coordinate campaign tasks, and ensure their tools stay in sync without writing a single line of code.
Make: Custom Workflows Without the Code
Designed for teams with more advanced needs—but still easy to manage.
✅ Build multi-step workflows with conditional logic
✅ Visual editor makes it easy to map out automation
✅ Supports custom functions, API calls, and error handling
✅ Balances power with accessibility
Quick take: Make is built for marketing teams that need to design more advanced automation, like syncing multi-step customer journeys, triggering logic-based campaign flows, and connecting content operations across platforms, all with visual precision and without writing complex code.
N8N: Control, Security, and Flexibility
An open-source solution for businesses with unique processes or strict data standards.
✅ Self-hosted and fully customizable
✅ Connect to any API and define logic with JavaScript
✅ Supports advanced workflow scripting
✅ Backed by a vibrant open-source community
Quick take: N8N is ideal for marketing teams that need full control over their automation. It offers custom workflows, advanced API integrations, and secure, self-hosted solutions for teams with strict data or compliance requirements.
Inclind Insight: From the Front Lines of Automation
"Choosing an automation tool isn't just a tech decision; it's a strategic one. When workflows run smoothly, marketers can focus on impact instead of firefighting. The best tools fade into the background and let the team shine."
- Shaun Tyndall, Inclind Founder & Director
Choosing the Right Tool for Your Needs
Ultimately, the best automation tool is the one that fits your workflow, your goals, and your team's technical comfort level. Here’s how to think about your options:
- If speed and simplicity are your top priorities, Zapier is a wise choice. It's built for marketers who want to automate everyday tasks quickly and without coding, and isideal for small- to medium-sized teams that want to get up and running fast.
- If your workflows involve more complexity, like conditional logic, branching paths, or syncing multiple platforms, Make offers the flexibility and visual control to keep your automation organized and scalable. It's perfect for teams that need more depth without diving into code.
- If data privacy, customization, or infrastructure control are non-negotiables, N8N gives you full ownership. Its open-source, self-hosted model is designed for teams with in-house technical capabilities and needs to build automation tailored to highly specific use cases.
Each of these platforms serves a unique purpose, but they are all built to help marketing teams reclaim time, reduce friction, and drive smarter outcomes.
Turn Automation Into Advantage
Whether you're just starting out or ready to scale your automation game, the right platform can:
- Eliminate repetitive work
- Improve data accuracy
- Enhance campaign execution
- Empower your team to work smarter, not harder.
Need Help Choosing the Right Tool?
We're here to support your journey at every step. Inclind offers free AI strategy consultations to help marketing teams select and implement the best-fit automation solutions. Whether choosing the right automation tools to augment your marketing team's output or thinking through workflows that make the most sense for your content goals, two teams' minds are often better than one. Let's chat!