Editing PayPal integration (section)

= Use the ActiveCampaign PayPal Integration =

== Introduction ==
The '''ActiveCampaign PayPal integration''' allows you to connect your PayPal account with ActiveCampaign, enabling seamless synchronization of order events and subscriptions (recurring payments). This integration is crucial for businesses that rely on PayPal for transactions and want to automate their marketing workflows based on those events. By syncing customer data directly to ActiveCampaign when orders are approved in PayPal, you can trigger automated workflows and manage customer interactions more effectively.

This feature is available for Plus, Pro, and Enterprise plan types. Integrating your PayPal account with ActiveCampaign not only streamlines your data management but also provides insights into customer behavior and purchasing patterns, which can enhance your marketing strategies.

== How to Access this Feature ==
To access the PayPal integration feature, you must first log in to your ActiveCampaign account and navigate to the '''Apps''' section. Within the Apps area, you can search for and select PayPal to begin the integration process.

== Step-by-Step Instructions ==
Follow the steps below to connect your PayPal account to ActiveCampaign:

1. Click '''Apps''' in your ActiveCampaign account.
2. Search for '''PayPal'''.
3. Click the PayPal option to open it.
4. Click the '''Add an Account''' button.

   A modal titled '''Create Contacts From PayPal Orders''' will appear.
   
5. Paste your PayPal '''Client ID''' and '''Secret''' into the fields provided. These credentials are found in your PayPal account's Developer Dashboard.
6. Click the '''Connect''' button.
   
7. Open a separate tab or window and log into your PayPal account.
8. In PayPal, navigate to '''My Apps and Credentials'''.
9. Click '''Live''', then select '''ActiveCampaign'''. 
10. Scroll down and click '''Log in with PayPal settings''' under Live App Settings.
11. Return to your ActiveCampaign account. In the next modal:
    - Click the '''Choose Resource''' dropdown and select the resource you want to use, such as '''Checkout Order Approved''' or '''Billing Subscription Events'''.
    - Click the '''Continue''' button.

12. In the final screen of the modal, map fields from PayPal to existing fields in ActiveCampaign:
    - To map additional fields, click the '''Add field mapping''' option.
    - To remove a field mapping, click the trash icon next to the option you want to discard.
    - To sync customer phone numbers, ensure that phone number collection is enabled in PayPal by going to '''Account Settings > Website payments > Website preferences > Update > Contact telephone number''', and choose the '''On (optional field)''' option.
    
13. Click '''Finish''' when you have completed the field mapping.

Your PayPal account is now connected to your ActiveCampaign account, and customer information will automatically sync every time a checkout order is approved.

If you intend to also sync subscriptions after having already configured the PayPal integration with the "Checkout Order" resource, follow these steps:

1. From your ActiveCampaign account, go to '''Connected Apps''' on the left menu and select '''PayPal'''.
2. Click '''Add a new resource''' and repeat the integration setup steps, selecting '''Billing Subscription Events''' as your resource.

== Configuration Options and Settings ==
The integration offers several configuration options to customize your data synchronization:

* **Client ID**: The unique identifier for your PayPal account.
* **Secret**: The secret key associated with your PayPal application.
* **Resource Selection**: Choose between '''Checkout Order Approved''' and '''Billing Subscription Events''' to determine which events trigger data synchronization.
* **Field Mapping**: Map fields from PayPal to existing fields in ActiveCampaign, allowing you to align customer data correctly.

Once integrated, any contact synced will receive specific tags related to the PayPal events, such as:

* paypal-integration
* paypal-integration-EVENT_NAME (where EVENT_NAME corresponds to the event that triggered the sync)

Automation triggers become available based on your integration setup, including:

* PayPal Event Received
* Recurring Payment Updated (for Billing Subscription)
* Recurring Payment Created (for Billing Subscription)

== Best Practices and Tips ==
To maximize the effectiveness of your PayPal integration with ActiveCampaign, consider the following tips:

* Always ensure that field mapping is accurate to avoid data inconsistencies.
* Regularly review and update your mapping to adapt to changes in your business needs.
* Use personalization tags related to PayPal events in your automated campaigns to enhance customer engagement.
* Monitor the performance of campaigns triggered by PayPal events to assess their impact on your sales and customer interactions.

== Common Use Cases with Examples ==
1. **E-commerce Sales**: Automatically adding customers to your marketing automation workflows when they make a purchase using PayPal.
2. **Subscription Services**: Managing renewals and updates for subscription services while keeping customers informed via email workflows based on payment events.
3. **Event Registrations**: Trigger further communications and follow-ups for attendees who register for events using PayPal.

== Troubleshooting ==
If you encounter issues with the PayPal integration, consider these troubleshooting steps:

* Verify that your PayPal Client ID and Secret are correctly entered in the ActiveCampaign settings.
* Ensure that the necessary permissions for data transfer are enabled within your PayPal account.
* Check the field mappings to ensure that they align with your ActiveCampaign fields.
* Consult the integration logs to identify any errors or failed sync attempts.

== FAQ ==
=== What plans are required to use the PayPal integration? ===
The PayPal integration is available for Plus, Pro, and Enterprise plans.

=== Can I connect multiple PayPal accounts to ActiveCampaign? ===
Yes, you can connect more than one PayPal account to your ActiveCampaign account.

=== What data does this integration sync to ActiveCampaign? ===
The integration syncs customer data related to approved orders and subscription events.

=== Will this integration create new fields in ActiveCampaign? ===
No, the integration will only allow you to map PayPal fields to existing fields in ActiveCampaign.

=== How can I disconnect my PayPal account from ActiveCampaign? ===
You can disconnect your PayPal account from ActiveCampaign via the Connected Apps section, and you must also revoke access from within your PayPal account.

=== Is it possible to perform a historical sync of past recurring payments? ===
No, the integration does not support historical syncing of recurring payments.

=== What should I do if the data is not syncing properly? ===
Double-check your Client ID and Secret, verify field mappings, and ensure that the required permissions are set in your PayPal account.

For more information regarding personalization, automation triggers, and further configuration, explore the relevant sections in the ActiveCampaign documentation.
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