Understanding REST APIs for Beginners

For those of you who may be unfamiliar with what API is this guide will define REST API and make an example of how they are useful to connect sales tools with other systems

<b>What is a REST API?</b>
REST (Representational State Transfer) API is the common guidelines that enable applications to interact with one another on an internet-based platform. Imagine it is a waiter in a restaurant serving orders from customers Ñ applicationsÑ to the kitchenÑ the server Ñ and bringing to the customers the requested dishes Ñ data.

<b>How REST APIs Work:</b>
<b>Endpoints:</b> Applications send requests to unique delicately routed pathways within REST APIs known as endpoints that return information on demand. 
For example,https:While //api.salesapp.com/customers could get a list of customers.

<b>HTTP Methods:</b> REST APIs rely on common HTTP operation like:

<b>GET:</b> Retrieve data.
<b>POST:</b> Send new data.
<b>PUT:</b> Update existing data.
<b>DELETE:</b> Remove data.
<b>JSON Format:</b> For data representation most REST APIs utilize JSON which is light, human-readable and extensible.

<strong>Coding Example 1: Fetching Customer Data</strong>
Let’s say your sales team uses a CRM, and you want to retrieve a list of all customers using a REST API.

Here’s an example in Python using the requests library:

![Screenshot (39).png](https://qiita-image-store.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/0/3750113/123053db-05d1-cdd7-8c55-31becbf48772.png)

<b>Why Are REST APIs Important in Sales?</b>
Sales teams rely on various tools like CRMs, email marketing software, and
<a href="https://knockio.com/">canvassing software</a>. Without integration, these tools work in isolation, leading to inefficiencies. REST APIs enable:

<b>Data Synchronization:</b> Automatically update customer details across systems.
<b>Automation:</b> Create workflows that save time, like triggering follow-up emails when a lead status changes.
<b>Enhanced Insights:</b> Consolidate data from multiple sources for better analytics and decision-making.

<b>Coding Example 2: Adding a New Lead</b>
Here’s how you might use a REST API to add a new lead to your CRM from canvassing software:

![Screenshot (40).png](https://qiita-image-store.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/0/3750113/946cb0c5-409d-6f9e-db8c-999137addfd9.png)

<b>How APIs Enhance Sales Tools Integration:</b>
<b>Automating Workflows:</b> For instance, when the lead status updates to closed-won a REST API can force the CRM to create a follow-up task.

<b>Real-Time Updates:</b> Sales contacts ultimately mean a great deal to the sales department, therefore making sure that your systems are up to date is essential, so that your sales team members have access to the most recent information.

<b>Data Consolidation:</b> Incorporated into an organization, REST APIs enable you to retrieve data from different systems and display it in a single location, giving you a complete picture of the customer experience.

<b>Coding Example 3: Updating a Lead’s Status</b>
Here’s an example of updating a lead’s status using a PUT request:

![Screenshot (41).png](https://qiita-image-store.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/0/3750113/f54a08b7-2bc9-4f19-31dc-48d1c6a388d1.png)

<b>Statistics Supporting API Integration</b>
-According to the survey carried out by MuleSoft, 90% of IT managers and directors support the statement that API integration is necessary for DX.
-Business using integrated tools features indicate a 20% enhanced sales efficiency (HubSpot).
-Organizations that stringByAppending automated work flows find that their data is 10% to 15% more accurate (Forrester).

<b>Closing Thoughts:</b>
REST APIs are one of the most basic foundations of modern technological integration. To the sales team in particular, APIs bring the capability to change the existing synergy between the applications used, such as canvassing software, CRMs, and marketing platforms. By automating tasks, ensuring data accuracy, and providing real-time insights, APIs enable sales teams to focus on what truly matters: marketing, sales and partnering, as well as the final stages of sales such as sales closing.

This is true whether you design and work directly with APIs, or you are simply an end user who needs to effectively power up sales. Utilize these examples to begin the process of analyzing how and where your sales tools can be utilized and harmonized currently!