How to Use Notion: API Examples and Popular Integrations [2023]

Notion API gives users the ability to automate their workflow by integrating Notion to desktop applications like Google Suite, Slack, Dropbox and many more. Before jumping into some of our favorite integrations and examples of using Notion's API, let's start with the basics.

What is an API?

An API is a tool used to sync and update information from one app to another - almost like a door. Common productivity tools lack the functionality to directly connect with each other, but API's sync information across platforms.

Why is Notion's API such a big deal?

Notion users had been begging Notion for an API for years. Why though?Lets say you're running all your weekly planning out of Notion, but you use Google Calendar.

It can be a bummer to switch between tabs and windows to see everything you need (or even worse, having to update a separate calendar in Notion.

Not anymore! With Notion's API, you can sync Notion content directly into your Google Calendar. Say goodbye to hitting copy and paste!

What are the different ways to integrate Notion into the tools I'm using?

Now that we understand APIs and why Notion's is such a big deal, let's talk about how to set up your integrations.

There are two main ways to set up integrations with Notion.

1. Code it yourself

You can create a customized automation from scratch using a coding language like Python. If you do, you'll have to be mindful of their rate limit, which is 3 requests per second.

2. Use a no-code tool

You can also build integrations yourself using a no-code assistant like Zapier of Automate.io. Here are some examples of how you can use Zapier to connect Notion to a bunch of different tools - including Google Tasks, Slack, and Microsoft Outlook.

How to find your Notion token and set up a no-code integration with Zapier

try an internal integration on your personal workpace to start off.

Here’s how to integrate with Zapier:

1. Start in Notion and navigate to the left side bar and click the Settings and members tab, then the Integrations tab

2. At the bottom of your screen click, Develop your own integrations

3. The My Integrations page will open in your browser, once there click +New Integration 

4. Next, insert a Name specific to your integration and choose the Associated workspace connected to the integration. When working with an API Translator we like to name our integrations “Zapier → [insert workspace name]

5. ”Upload an image for your integration under Logo 

6. To see your new integration,  toggle back to the Settings and members tab in your workspace

7. Click My integrations to see your new integration

8. To retrieve your integration token, click the three dots next to your internal integration. This token is essential to link workspaces with outside platforms and for all API automations created by your team in this teamspace.

9. Now head to Zapier’s website, here you will be promoted to authenticate the two apps you want to connect. We picked a Slack notification for each time we add a page to our "Meeting Notes" document.

10. Choose a Trigger on Notion like “Create a New DataBase” which will launch a specified reaction in Slack.

11. This specified reaction will be chosen as an Action in Slack like “Send Channel Message”

12. While building your new automation, Zapier will ask for an API Key. Insert the unique token we created in Notion, as this will identify the workspace for Zapier. 

13. Then you will publish your Zap to complete your new automation.

14. Once your Zap is published, ever-time you create a new Database in Notion a Slack message will be sent!

What are examples of the most popular Notion integrations?

When organizing your new year, get creative with your API integrations. As you sync information across platforms, watch your workflow transform for 2023.

Here are a few of our favorite integrations that ensure more efficiency and organization in the new year. 

Gmail 
Do you run your own business? Or receive so many emails that it feels like you do? Either way, when integrating Notion with Gmail you can set up an automatic response systems to keep track of your demanding inbox. Or create and send emails through Notion, keeping you in one workspace! 

HubSpot CRM 
Sync databases between HubSpot and Notion to keep track of customer updates. Parallel new databases from one platform to another with ease and avoid the risk of incongruent information.

LinkedIn 
‍An active LinkedIn presence keeps your community informed on exciting business updates and news! With Notion’s API technology, an update in Notion databases can trigger LinkedIn status updates, building a strong social media presence without the effort!

Craving more Notion content? Check out more from our Notion Blog