Setting out to build an extension may seem like a daunting task, but with the help of this guide, you'll be a developer whiz in no time. To give you an idea about how the development process works, we've deconstructed two sample extensions and provided detailed information about how they were developed.

The sample extensions are:

 Zillow extension

Zillow is a leading real estate marketplace that maintains a database of 110 million houses. By integrating Zoho CRM with Zillow, you can make a range of property-related infomation and metrics available for easy viewing. This particular extension integrates with Zillow by using an account specific Zillow ID (zws-id), and provides Zillow property information and competitor details, using the Zillow Property ID (ZPID).

Extension requirements

This extension must be able to obtain the following information:

• The zws-id (an account specific ID) to map the user's Zillow data with Zoho CRM.
• The ZPID (a unique ID provided by Zillow for each property) of the property using its address from Zillow's database.
• Zillow property details, using the zpid, then display it as a related list in the Property Details page in Zoho CRM.
• Details of the top five competitor properties based on the localiton and price, then displaye it in a related list in Zoho CRM.

List of components

To meet these requirements, seven components were used:

To know more about how to add these components to your extension, click here.

How it works

Here's how this extension works, step-by-step:

• When a Zoho CRM user installs this extension, they will be prompted to enter their zws-id for extension configuration.
• Once the configuration is successful, every time a new lead (property) is created, the "getSearchResult" workflow rule will be triggered, fetching the zws-id for that property.
• The custom function associated with the workflow rule is then invoked, and the following actions are performed:
  • The property's address is acquired from the Record Details page.
  • The address is then sent to Zillow, which sends back the property's ZPID from their database, updating the zpid field in the corresponding lead's page.
  • The price quote from the Property Price field is stored in the user's Zillow account.
  • Displays all property details in the Zillow Section related list.
  • Displays details from the top five competitors in the Zillow comps section.

To download this extension to your developer console and know more about learn components, click .

 MailChimp extension

MailChimp is an online marketing device, used to help track your subscribers, manage email campaigns, and track campaign results, making it a vital tool for any salesperson. Integrating MailChimp with Zoho CRM will help your sales team achieve their potential with ease.

Extension requirements

This extension must be able to:

• Obtain campaign details from MailChimp, then store the record in Campaigns module of Zoho CRM.
• Acquire the list of subscribers from MailChimp, then add them to either the Leads or Contacts module of Zoho CRM.
• Track campaign responsed and view the mailing list from Zoho CRM.

List of components

To meet these requirements, nine different components were used:

To know more about how to add these components to your extension, click here.

How it works

Here's how this extension works, step-by-step:

1. When a Zoho CRM user installs this extension, they will be asked to authorize the MailChimp connector by clicking the Authorize button. This will open a pop-up.
2. The user will authorize the connection by providing their MailChimp credentials.
3. Once the connector is authorized, a new webtab named MailChimp and a new field named MailChimp Preview URL in the Campaigns module will be created.
4. The user can synchronize their MailChimp data with Zoho CRM by selecting the appropriate MailChimp sync settings under the MailChimp tab. This sync can be either a one-way (MailChimp to Zoho CRM) or a two-way sync.

To download this extension to your developer console and learn more about these components, click .