I would first start with getting your device integrated with SmartThings, either using the built in integrations from the ST app or using integrations. Once all your devices show up in your list of things in the ST app, now you can start working on creating Automations and Scenes (groups). So once Ring sensors or your Alexa Echo shows up in SmartThings, now you can controls them.
The Automations tool in SmartThings is quite flexible and can create basic automations very easily. You can have it control your devices (which is why it’s important to get your devices into SmartThings first). If you’re looking for customized notifications for your devices like @rontalley was you here’s one SmartApp which allows you to do that: [RELEASE] Door Chimes and Notifications for Doorbells and Sensors
For Blink specifically, the only way to currently integrate is to use the IFTTT integration. You can find step by step instructions here on how to integrate your Blink devices. Once they’re integrated and show, like above, now you can create Automations and SmartApps to use those devices: [RELEASE] Blink Camera IFTTT Integration
Same with August and all your other devices. If you’re using an August Pro with zwave you can check out this device handler which will integrate the built in door sensor as a separate device in SmartThings so you can use them with apps and automations: [RELEASE] Universal Enhanced Z-Wave Lock Device Handler
If you’re using the August WiFi version you would need to integrate it directly using the ST app native C2C integration (New ST app -> + -> Devices -> Search for August)