Custom objects overview

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Custom Objects Overview

ActiveCampaign offers the powerful feature of Custom Objects to help businesses manage and model their unique data effectively. This capability allows users to capture additional information related to Contacts, Deals, and Accounts, serving as a flexible schema that accommodates specific needs beyond the limitations of standard objects. This article explores how to utilize custom objects, their functionality, and best practices for implementation.

What is a Custom Object?

A custom object is a template that defines a set of related fields, functioning as a category bucket to store relevant data. It enhances the capabilities of standard objects in ActiveCampaign, providing a way to model data that corresponds uniquely to your business requirements. Custom objects integrate seamlessly with standard Contact, Deal, and Account objects, appearing within the respective records as they sync to your account.

Custom objects can display up to five different object fields organized in a custom object box. If more than five fields exist for a record, an overflow menu will allow you to view additional fields. Each record shows values only if the corresponding contact, deal, or account is associated with that custom object; otherwise, the fields will remain blank.

How to Access Custom Objects

To access custom objects, users must have an appropriate ActiveCampaign plan. The availability of this feature varies based on the specific plan type:

- All ActiveCampaign plans have access to custom objects from supported third-party applications and integrations on the Standard Contact Object. - If you have the Pipelines or Sales Engagement add-on, access extends to custom objects from supported third-party integrations on the Standard Deal Object. - For users on an Enterprise plan with the appropriate add-ons, custom objects from supported third-party integrations can also be created for the Standard Accounts Object. - Enterprise users can create custom objects via the API or from the Manage Data page in their ActiveCampaign account.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create and manage custom objects within your account:

1. **Access the Manage Data Page**:

  - Navigate to the Manage Data page in your ActiveCampaign account to begin creating custom objects without needing the API.

2. **Creating Custom Objects**:

  - Custom objects can be imported through supported third-party applications or integrations. For instance, you can check Salesforce Opportunity objects or Zendesk Support objects for integration documentation.
  

3. **Using the API**:

  - For advanced users, a custom object schema can be defined and implemented through the Custom Objects API.
  - Refer to the documentation on how to create a Custom Object schema for guidance.

Configuration Options and Settings

While working with custom objects, be aware of key configuration options:

- **Custom Object Fields**: Each custom object can have its own set of fields defined as necessary for your data model. - **Tabs for Multiple Objects**: Up to five custom objects can be viewed through tabs. If there are more than five, use the overflow menu to access additional tabs. - **Automation Triggers**: Custom objects support automation triggers like "object created" and "object updated," enabling a robust interaction with your automation sequences.

Best Practices and Tips

To maximize the utility of custom objects in ActiveCampaign, consider the following best practices:

- **Data Modeling**: Clearly define your custom objects and their fields to ensure they align with your business needs before creation. - **Automation Integration**: Leverage automation triggers associated with custom objects to enhance user engagement strategies. Custom objects can be used to personalize email messaging effectively. - **Regular Audits**: Periodically review and update custom object data for accuracy and relevance as your business evolves and grows.

Common Use Cases with Examples

Custom objects can empower various use cases within ActiveCampaign. Here are some practical examples:

- **Contact Custom Objects**: For businesses that require tracking specific behaviors or information related to customers, a custom object could encapsulate enrollment progress in a loyalty program. - **Deal Custom Objects**: For sales teams, using custom objects can help track detailed information related to sales opportunities, such as specific negotiation stages or competitor information. - **Account Custom Objects**: Marketing departments could utilize custom objects for accounts to track account history with metrics such as customer satisfaction scores or support tickets.

Troubleshooting

While using custom objects, you may encounter certain challenges:

- **Empty Custom Object Records**: If you find that field values are blank, ensure the Contact, Deal, or Account is correctly associated with the custom object. - **Syncing Issues**: Problems with syncing can arise from incorrectly configured integrations. Verify that the sources are set correctly and supported by ActiveCampaign. - **Viewing More Fields**: If you cannot view all your custom object fields, double-check if you have reached the maximum limit and utilize the overflow menu to access more information.

Related Features

- Automation: Custom objects can be used within various automation triggers and actions to enhance your workflows. - APIs: For more technical users, the Custom Objects API provides extensive capabilities for creating and managing custom objects programmatically.

FAQ

Q: How many custom objects can I create? A: You can create multiple custom objects, but the number may depend on your account plan and integration capabilities.

Q: Can I edit existing custom object fields? A: No, once fields are synced to your account, you cannot edit them directly from ActiveCampaign.

Q: What happens if the custom object is not associated with a Contact? A: The corresponding fields will remain empty and the "Details" button will not be displayed.

Q: Are there limits on the number of fields per custom object? A: You can display up to five fields at a time per custom object tab.

Q: Can I use custom objects for email personalization? A: Yes, custom objects can be used in email automation to personalize messages based on the data stored.

Q: How do I remove a custom object? A: Custom objects cannot be removed or hidden if they have been created; blank records will always be displayed.

Q: Is there a limit to the size of data stored in custom objects? A: Specific data limits depend on your ActiveCampaign plan, and it's wise to check with customer support for your exact requirements.

By understanding and implementing Custom Objects, users can tailor their ActiveCampaign experience to fit the specific data needs of their business, enhancing both customer engagement and operational efficiency. ```