Automating repetitive tasks is key to boosting team productivity. That‘s where Slack bots come in handy. This comprehensive guide will teach you how to easily create bots on Slack for more efficient workflows.
What Are Slack Bots and Why Are They Valuable?
A Slack bot is an application that interacts with users automatically within Slack channels and direct messages. Bots can simplify tedious tasks like answering frequently asked questions, managing to-do lists, scheduling meetings, and more.
According to recent surveys, over 52% of companies are already using or planning to use chatbots. Why? Because implementing bots can offer major efficiency gains like:
✅ 24/7 availability to assist users or customers
✅ Automating repetitive administrative duties
✅ Reducing workloads for human employees
Bottom line, bots let your team focus time on more meaningful work.
For example bot uses:
- Customer Support – Answer common support questions instantly
- Task Management – Create task lists, reminders and assign work
- Employee Polling – Survey team members to collect quick feedback
- Meeting Scheduling – Simplify the process of finding time to meet
- Birthday Wishes – Send automatic birthday messages in channels
How to Set Up a Slack Bot in 2 Methods
There are two primary ways to deploy a bot on Slack – build a basic bot or install a third-party app.
Method 1: Build a Basic Bot
Here is how to create auto-response bots on Slack without any coding:
Step 1) Log In and Navigate to Account Settings
First, sign in to your Slack workspace online or via the mobile app. Click your profile icon, choose "Account Settings" and navigate to the "Configure Apps" section.
Step 2) Select Slackbot Response
Within "Configure Apps," click on the Slackbot option. This is where you‘ll build command-based bots.
Step 3) Set Up Bot Trigger & Response
Click "Add New Response" and fill out the fields:
- Trigger Word(s) – The phrase or keyword that triggers the bot (e.g. !support)
- Response – The bot auto-reply message
- Delete Original – Toggles removing the bot trigger message
Finally, click save to activate your bot.
You‘ve now created a basic auto-response bot directly within Slack!
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|Functionality|Limited to preset auto-replies triggered by keywords|
|Coding Needed?| No coding required |
|Cost | Free to build within standard Slack plans |
|Use Cases | FAQs, Meeting Reminders, Task Lists |
Method 2: Install Third-Party App Bots
You can also install bots created by third-party developers and tailored for specific functions.
Here is how to add app-based bots:
Step 1) Click "Browse Apps" Within Your Slack Workspace
This launches the Slack app directory showcasing hundreds of bots – both free and paid.
Step 2) Search for The Desired Bot App
Search for a bot by name or use case (e.g. "Polling", "Support", etc.). Select one to view details.
Step 3) Click "Add to Slack" to Install
If opting to install, authorize the bot and select what Slack channels you want it added to. And you‘re done!
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|Functionality|Custom apps for nearly any purpose|
|Coding Needed?| No, leverage third-party developers |
|Cost | Many free options, some paid additions |
|Use Cases | HR Polling, Meeting Scheduling, Surveys |
This method allows practically any bot integration powered by other tools and services.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
Deploying Slack bots is an easy, cost-efficient way to eliminate repetitive manual work. This allows your organization to deliver better customer and employee experiences.
With this comprehensive, two-pronged guide, you can start building automated Slack bots in just minutes following the simple steps outlined above.
If you have any other questions on bot capabilities, use cases, or implementation best practices, feel free to reach out in the comments below!
