What Is Automation Builder?

Automation Builder is a powerful in your ClickSend Dashboard that helps you create SMS and MMS automations, without writing a single line of code.

You can build custom “if this, then that” workflows (called recipes) to connect your favourite tools — like Gmail, Slack, Salesforce, or Google Sheets — and automate actions across your business.

Examples of automations

There are 1,000’s of automations you can create with Automation Builder. To get you started, some popular automations include:

Send an SMS or MMS when someone fills out a form or registers for an event.
Follow up with leads via personalised SMS.
Log messages or images into Google Sheets or your CRM.
Send auto-replies and smart notifications to customers.
Alert your team with SMS or Slack messages when high-priority tasks arrive.

Key terms to know

Once you understand the key terms it will be easier to build automations via Automations Builder.

Recipe	An automation rule made up of a trigger and one or more actions.
Trigger	The event that starts a recipe (e.g. form submitted, message received).
Action	What the recipe does after the trigger (e.g. send SMS, update CRM).
App	A tool you want to connect (e.g. Slack, Mailchimp, Shopify).
Connection	An authenticated app you’ve connected to your account.
Project	Set up projects to manage and group your recipes.
Task	A single action performed by a recipe.
Job	A job is a full execution of a recipe.

Now you know the key terms, you can start building. Learn how to choose the right starting point for different recipes.

Managing access in Automation Builder
Your level of access to Automation Builder depends on the permissions that are set on your ClickSend account.

1. If you manage your ClickSend account, you will have full access to Automation Builder. This means you can read, write, create and delete recipes. You can create and manage projects.

2. If you access ClickSend via a subaccount, your access to Automation Builder will depend on your ClickSend account permissions.

Subaccount permissions	Automation Builder access
You have access to Shared Contacts and Access Reporting.	You can read, write and delete recipes. Can view all projects, but not create new ones.
Access to both or neither.	You can read and write recipes. You can only view projects that are assigned to you.

HOT TIP
Need to update your access? You may be able to update your permissions via Account Settings in the Dashboard or contact the person who manages your ClickSend account.

Using Incognito mode

Automation Builder doesn't work in Chrome's incognito mode. Use a regular Chrome window for best results, or try Safari, Firefox, or Edge if you prefer incognito.

Enable third-party cookies
Automation Builder doesn’t work if third-party cookies are blocked. You might get stuck on a loading screen that never finishes. Don’t forget to enable them before accessing the builder.

If you need help, follow the step-by-step instructions below based on your browser:

For Google Chrome,

At the top right, click More > Settings.

Go to Privacy and security > Third-party cookies.

Choose Allow third-party cookies.

For Mozilla Firefox,

Click the menu (☰) in the top-right corner > Settings.

Go to Privacy & Security.

Under Enhanced Tracking Protection, select Custom.

Uncheck Cookies, or make sure it does not block cross-site (third-party) cookies.

For Safari,

Click Safari in the top menu > Settings (or Preferences).

Go to the Privacy tab.

Uncheck Prevent cross-site tracking.