Using programs to update contact data fields and marketing preferences

Learn how to use the Update contact node in an automated program.

Overview

The Update contact node is used to update contact data fields and marketing preferences as a contact passes through an automated program. You might, for example, want to opt contacts in to a marketing preference based on a link they have clicked in an email campaign, or update a data field to show that a contact is currently inside a program.

Use the Update contact node in a program

The following steps assume that you have already created a program and configured the Start node and any other nodes which come before the Update contact node you want to add.

To learn more about creating programs and setting up the start rules, check out the articles Getting started with the program builder and Configuring program start rules.

Step 1: Place the node on the canvas

1. Drag an Update contact node from the Program nodes menu on to the canvas.
   
2. Select the node.
   You see a set of radio buttons to choose from:
   • Have the selected data field updated
   • Be opted in to the selected preferences
   • Be opted out of the selected preferences
   
   

Step 2: Configure the node

To update a contact data field:

1. Select Have the selected data field updated.
2. To choose from your existing data fields, select SELECT DATA FIELD and then select the data field name from the list, or to create a new data field, select + CREATE DATA FIELD.
   

   To learn more about creating data fields, check out the article Create, delete and edit contact data fields.

3. The configuration options you have depend on the type of contact data field you have chosen.
   

   Data field type	Node options
   Text	Enter the text value you want the data field to be updated with in the Set value to field.
   Date	Select either: Set to the date this node is reached. OR Set value to, and enter a date of your choice
   Numeric	Select either: Set value to, and enter a numeric value of your choice. OR Increment value by, and enter a numeric value of your choice to increase the value of the data field by the specified number. OR Decrement value by, and enter a numeric value of your choice to decrease the value of the data field by the specified number.
   Boolean (Yes/No)	Expand the Set value to drop-down menu and select is yes or is no.

4. Select APPLY.

To update a Marketing preference:

1. Select Be opted in to the selected preferences or Be opted out of the selected preferences.
2. Select SELECT PREFERENCE.
3. Select the checkboxes to choose either a preference category or individual preferences.
   
4. Select APPLY.
5. A list of the selected preferences is displayed. To confirm, select APPLY.

Your Update contact node is configured, and any contact passing through the node has their data fields or marketing preferences updated as specified.

You can continue to build out your program with additional nodes, or link the Update contact node to your End node to exit contacts from the program.

See also

• Working with the program builder
• Activate and deactivate automated programs