Editing Stages

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'''Navigation:''' [[Main_Page]] > [[Deals]] > [[Pipelines]] > Stages

== How to create and edit a stage in ActiveCampaign ==

Stages are a fundamental component of the ActiveCampaign CRM's sales process, allowing users to clearly define the steps involved in their pipeline. Understanding how to create and edit a stage is critical for effectively managing deals, as it directly impacts tracking progress and ensuring that the sales process aligns with your business's unique requirements.

This guide will walk you through the process of creating and modifying stages in your pipelines within ActiveCampaign.

== Introduction ==

In ActiveCampaign, stages represent the various steps included within your pipeline or sales process. As deals progress, they move through these stages, which are displayed as columns. When you create a new pipeline, ActiveCampaign provides three default stages: '''To Contact''', '''In Contact''', and '''Follow Up'''. However, you have the flexibility to add more stages as needed. 

This feature plays a crucial role in streamlining sales operations, enabling sales teams to visualize and manage their deals effectively.

== How to Access This Feature ==

To access the stages feature in ActiveCampaign, follow these steps:

1. Click on '''Deals''' in the left menu of your ActiveCampaign dashboard.
2. From the pipeline dropdown menu, select the pipeline you want to work with.

Once you've accessed the relevant pipeline, you can begin creating or editing stages as described in the subsequent sections.

== Step-by-Step Instructions ==

=== How to Add a Stage to Your Pipeline ===

Adding a stage is a straightforward process. Follow these detailed steps:

# Click '''Deals''' on the left menu.
# From the pipeline dropdown, select the pipeline to which you want to add a new stage.
# Click the '''Add Stage''' button.
# An '''Add a Stage''' modal will open:
   * Enter the name of the stage in the provided field.
   * Click a header color to visually represent the stage.
# Click the '''Add''' button when you are finished.

The newly added stage will appear at the far right of your pipeline. You can easily drag it to a different position within your pipeline.

=== How to Edit a Stage ===

To edit an existing stage in your pipeline, follow these steps:

# Click '''Deals''' on the left menu.
# Select the pipeline containing the stage you wish to edit from the dropdown.
# Click the gear icon located in the stage header.
# Choose the '''Edit this stage''' option.
# The '''Stage Options''' modal will open, allowing you to modify the following properties:
   * **Name**: Change the stage name by typing a new one into the field provided.
   * **Header Color**: Select a different header color to visually differentiate the stage.
   * **Width**: Adjust the width of the stage in the pipeline view.
   * **Deal Sorting**: Opt for how deals should be sorted, selecting from options such as:
     * **Contact Name**
     * **Account**
     * **Deal Title**
     * **Next Action Needed** (selected by default)
     * **Win Probability calculation**
     * **Deal Age**
     * **Deal Score**
     * **Contact Score**
   * **Card Appearance**: Determine how deal cards will be displayed within the pipeline. You can choose to show or hide up to four of the following items on the deal card:
     * **Next Action**
     * **Win Probability**
     * **Deal Title**
     * **Deal Value**
     * **Contact and Organization**
     * **Contact**
     * **Organization**
# Click '''Save''' when you are done with the changes.

== Configuration Options and Settings ==

When adding or editing a stage in ActiveCampaign, several configurations can be adjusted:

* '''Stage Name''': The title used to identify the stage within your pipeline.
* '''Header Color''': Customizes the appearance of the stage within the interface.
* '''Card Width''': Determines how wide each stage appears in the pipeline for better visualization.
* '''Deal Sorting''': Sort deals by the various parameters to enhance pipeline management.
* '''Card Appearance''': Control the information displayed on deal cards, aiding in quick assessments of deal status.

== Best Practices and Tips ==

When working with stages in ActiveCampaign, consider the following best practices:

* **Tailor Stages to Your Workflow**: Customize your stages based on your specific sales process. This ensures that they represent real sales activities.
* **Regularly Review Stages**: As your sales process evolves, revisit your stage setup to ensure it remains aligned with your business goals.
* **Use Header Colors**: Utilize different header colors for various types of stages; this can help your team quickly understand the current state of deals at a glance.
* **Sort Deals Effectively**: Regularly adjust the sorting criteria to best reflect the priorities of your sales efforts.

== Common Use Cases with Examples ==

1. **Recruitment Pipeline**: Use stages like '''Application Received''', '''Interview Scheduled''', '''Job Offer Extended''', and '''Hired'''.
2. **Event Planning**: Create stages like '''Initial Contact''', '''Planning Phase''', '''On-site Preparations''', and '''Event Completed''' to reflect the workflow of planning an event.
3. **Real Estate Transactions**: Implement stages such as '''Prospecting''', '''Under Contract''', '''Closed''', and '''Follow Up''' for managing real estate deals.

== Troubleshooting Section ==

If you encounter issues while creating or editing stages:

* Ensure that you are using a compatible plan as the stages feature is available for Plus, Professional, or Enterprise plans.
* Verify that you are selecting the correct pipeline from the dropdown menu.
* If changes to a stage do not save, check for any required fields that may not have been completed.

== Related Features Section ==

For additional functionality related to stages, consider checking out:

* [[Deals]]: Manage the general deal process in ActiveCampaign.
* [[Pipelines]]: Understand how to organize your sales workflow through effective pipeline management.

== FAQ Section ==

=== 1. Can I add unlimited stages in ActiveCampaign? ===
Yes, there is no limit to the number of stages you can create in your pipeline.

=== 2. How do I change the order of stages? ===
You can drag and drop stages to rearrange their order within the pipeline view.

=== 3. What is the purpose of the header color? ===
Header color helps differentiate stages visually, making it easier to identify stages at a glance.

=== 4. Can I hide certain information from deal cards? ===
Yes, you can choose to hide any of the displayed items from the deal card appearance.

=== 5. What should I do if my changes are not saving? ===
Double-check that all required fields are filled out before attempting to save your changes again.

=== 6. Are stages customizable on different pipelines? ===
Yes, each pipeline can have its own unique set of stages tailored to the specific sales process.

=== 7. How can I ensure my sales pipeline reflects my business needs? ===
Regularly review and adjust stages based on feedback and changes in your sales strategy to ensure they remain relevant.

This comprehensive guide provides important insights into how to effectively create and edit stages within ActiveCampaign. Follow these instructions to enhance your pipeline and improve your sales tracking.
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