AI agents are everywhere—but most people still don’t know what they actually do or how to build one.
So I built a simple, no-code AI agent that reads my Slack threads and sends me a daily summary email. It took under 30 minutes to set up and now saves me hours every week.
If you’ve been curious about AI agents but haven’t found a clear starting point, this is it. Here’s how it works. 👇
✅ The Complete AI Agent Setup Workflow
To set up your AI agent, we’ll use Zapier, a no-code automation platform that lets you connect your favorite apps and create powerful AI workflows.
🤖 Step 1: Access the AI Agent Feature
On the Zapier dashboard, look at the left-hand menu.
Click on “Agents” (note: this feature is currently in beta).
Select “Create Custom Agent”.
Give your agent a meaningful name—ideally something you can use long-term.
Click Agents to get started
💻 Step 2: Explore the Agent Interface
Once the agent is created, you'll see its interface.
This displays all the behaviors (including those from previous agents, if any).
You can always return to check the agent’s activity and progress.
Zapier: create your own custom agent
▶ Step 3: Create a New Behavior
Click on “Run Behavior” and then “Create Behavior”.
This is where you define what the agent should do and which tools it will use to make the magic happen.
🎮 Step 4: Add a Trigger
Click “Add Trigger” and choose an app to start the workflow.
For this example, select Slack.
Set the trigger to “Reaction Added”—this means when you react to a Slack message, the agent will begin its job.
🛠 Step 5: Define the Behavior
Next, provide clear instructions to the agent.
For example:
“When I react to the Slack thread, please summarize all the important info I need to know and any action items from the thread.”
Giving Instructions to the custom agent
🔥 Step 6: Insert Tools to Enable Action
Now we tell the agent how to complete the task:
Click “Insert Tool” and search for Slack.
Choose “Retrieve Thread Messages” – this lets the agent pull the full thread details.
Click “Insert Tool” again and select Gmail.
Choose “Send Email” as the action.
For the thread timestamp, you can either manually set it or let the agent generate the value automatically.
Enter the desired recipient email address.
Insert the required tools and information
🧪 Step 7: Save and Test
Click “Save” to lock in your workflow.
Then hit “Test Behavior” to see it in action.
If everything is set up correctly, reacting to a Slack thread will trigger your AI agent to send a summary email with key points and action items.
🎉 That’s it!
You’ve just built a fully functional AI agent without writing a single line of code. It’s a simple example, but the principles remain the same:
→ Connect your apps
→ Define behavior
→ Let the agent do the work.
🏆Grab the Challenge & Get Rewarded!
Ready to put your creativity to work? 💪
Create your own unique AI agent using the same steps, whether it’s for automating reports, managing your calendar, organizing your notes, or anything else that makes your life easier.
🎁 Bonus: Get 1 Month Free on Prompt Genie!
Write to us with:
What kind of AI agent you built
How it changed your workflow or life
The best submissions will receive one month of Prompt Genie Pro – absolutely free. 🎉
Let your AI agent do the work, and let your story inspire others! 🌟
👀 ICYMI
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AI Roundup
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Until next time,
Team DigitalSamaritan
