Automate Random Selection with Make.com: A No-Code Guide

Have you ever stared at a list, wondering how to randomly choose an item without the hassle of overthinking? Whether it's for giveaways, raffle entries, hashtags, product selection, picking random coupon codes, or similar tasks, automating random choices can simplify your life. 

In this guide, we explore how Make.com’s no-code automation can randomly select an item from a list with ease.

So, if you're working with Google Sheets, Airtable, or any other list-generating platform, this tutorial is perfect for you.

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Why Automate Random Selections?

Imagine running a giveaway where you need to select a random winner from a Google Sheet full of participants. Instead of manually choosing, Make allows you to automate this process, saving time and reducing the possibility of human error. Automating random selection can be helpful in various scenarios:

• Lotteries or Raffles: Randomly pick winners from a pool.
• Product Selection: Choose a product to feature or sell.
• Task Allocation: Randomly assign tasks to team members.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Automating Random Selection with Make.com

Scenario example: We are using Google Sheets for a database with a list of applicants for a lottery, and we want to pick one of the names in the list randomly to “win.

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1. Set Up the Google Sheets Module

Start by using the Google Sheets module in Make.com to search rows from your sheet. This step retrieves the list you're working with—be it names, items, or tasks.

Steps:

• Select the Google Sheets module and use the Search Rows action.
• Enter the Sheet ID and choose the sheet you're working with.
• Remove any row limits to return all entries.
• (Optional) Filter previous winners using a "status" column.

Adding a status column helps you track which items have already been selected, ensuring that no duplicate picks are made, which is particularly useful for lotteries or giveaways.

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2. Aggregate the Results

Next, use the Array Aggregator module to combine the data you’ve retrieved into a single array. This step allows you to work with all the rows in one go.

Tip: Select key data points like names, emails, or IDs for aggregation. This step ensures that the information from your list is properly grouped.

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3. Shuffle the Array

Now for the magic—use the Shuffle Function to randomize the array. This function reorders items, providing a randomized list that you can pick from.

Tip: If you’re not familiar with the Shuffle function or other array functions, we have a Make Functions Cheat Sheet that you can download for reference. It explains all the functions in detail, along with examples of how to use them. Once you understand these functions, the automation possibilities with Make expand significantly.

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4. Pick Your Winner

After shuffling the array, you can simply pick the first item from the randomized list. Since the array has been shuffled, selecting the first item guarantees a random choice every time. 

You could also choose the last item, but it doesn’t matter—it’s randomized!

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5. Update the Status

Finally, use the Update Row module to mark the selected item as “won” in your Google Sheet. 

You can also add additional information like a timestamp or details of the prize awarded (if applicable). This step prevents the same item from being picked again in future runs.

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Bonus Tip: Renaming Your Modules

As a best practice, always rename your modules for clarity. This might seem like a small detail, but it can save you time later when you’re revisiting or tweaking your automation setup. 

For instance:

• Rename your modules to something like “Search All Participants” or “Shuffle and Pick First” so you can easily identify what each one does.
• Also, rename your scenario (e.g., "Automatically Pick a Random Item from a List") for easy reference.

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Key Takeaways

Automating random selection using Make.com is a powerful way to streamline tasks like lotteries or giveaways or raffle entries. By using the Google Sheets module and applying functions like Array Aggregator and Shuffle, you can automate the randomization process easily. Make.com allows you to streamline decision-making and ensure fairness in the selections, all without any coding knowledge. 

Remember to rename your modules for better clarity and organization, especially if you're revisiting your scenario later. 

Automation doesn’t just reduce manual work—it also increases accuracy and consistency.

If you’re interested in downloading the blueprint for this scenario, just leave your email and click the download button 😉

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