Contact update step

```mediawiki Navigation: Main_Page > WhatsApp > Messaging Flows > Contact update step

Introduction

The Contact update step in ActiveCampaign is a powerful feature that allows users to update and save information directly to contact records. This functionality is essential for keeping contact data accurate and up-to-date, ultimately enabling more personalized and effective communications. By utilizing this feature, businesses can enhance their messaging strategies, ensuring that they are connecting with their audience in a relevant and engaging manner.

This step is particularly useful for updating fields such as:

• First name
• Last name
• Email address
• Custom contact fields

Having the ability to change a contact's details dynamically during interactions facilitates improved targeting and segmentation, enhancing customer engagement.

How to access the feature

To access the Contact update step, follow these steps: 1. Navigate to the WhatsApp section on the left menu. 2. Click on Messaging Flows.

From this point, you can either create a new Messaging Flow or edit an existing one where you want to incorporate the Contact update step.

Step-by-step instructions

Here is a detailed guide on how to implement the Contact update step in your Messaging Flows:

1. **Access Messaging Flows**:

  * Click on WhatsApp in the left menu.
  * Select Messaging Flows.

2. **Edit or Create a New Flow**:

  * If you want to edit an existing flow:
    * Choose the flow you wish to update.
    * Click on Update.
    * In the flow builder, click a node (+) where you want to insert the step, triggering a modal window to appear.
  * If creating a new flow:
    * This automatically opens a modal window in the Flow builder.

3. **Add the Contact Update Step**:

  * In the modal, locate and click on the Contact Update option.
  * After selecting it, click the Add button.

4. **Configure the Step**:

  * In the new modal that appears:
    * Click the pencil icon to give your step a name. Choosing a unique, short name is recommended for clarity.
    * Under the Default tab, select the field you wish to update.
    * You can now either type a value directly into the field or click the lightning bolt icon to select a variable.
    * For custom fields, switch to the Custom tab and click the Add property button. From here, select the custom field that you want to update via the first dropdown menu.

Depending on the selected field type (whether text or selection fields), you will either directly input a value, select a value from a predefined list, or choose an option using the dropdown provided.

Configuration options and settings

When setting up the Contact update step, users can adjust several important parameters:

• **Field Types**:

  * Text fields (text input, date, and date & time): Directly enter the required data or utilize a variable.
  * Selection fields (dropdown menus, checkboxes, and radio buttons): Options must be chosen from the predefined list of available variables.

• **Variables**: To dynamically insert data, such as email addresses collected from a previous interaction, utilize the lightning bolt icon to select the appropriate variable.

Best practices and tips

1. **Use Unique Step Names**: To maintain clarity in your flow, ensure each Contact update step has a unique, descriptive name. 2. **Segment Your Audience**: Update contact details with the information that enhances segmentation to target specific groups more effectively. 3. **Test Changes**: Regularly review updates made to contact records to ensure that they are accurately reflecting user expectations and improve over time. 4. **Integrate with Other Steps**: Use the Contact update step in conjunction with other steps such as Question steps to facilitate seamless data entry and updates within your flows.

Common use cases with examples

- **Personalizing Customer Interactions**: If a customer updates their email during a flow, utilize the Contact update step to ensure that all future communications are sent to the new address. - **Data Clean-up**: During customer feedback surveys, contacts could update their first and last names to correct any inaccuracies, providing a more personalized experience in future campaigns.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues while using the Contact update step, consider the following:

• **Field Not Updating**: Ensure that the field is correctly configured and the appropriate variable is being used. Verify that the field type matches the data being entered.
• **Modal Window Issues**: If the modal window does not appear when attempting to add a Contact update step, try refreshing the page or clear your browser's cache to resolve any temporary glitches.

FAQ

Q1: What happens if I use a variable incorrectly in my Contact update step? A1: If the variable is configured improperly, the contact record may not update as intended, causing data discrepancies.

Q2: Can I update multiple fields in one Contact update step? A2: Yes, you can configure multiple fields in the same step; however, ensure that each configuration is set up correctly.

Q3: Is there a limit to the number of Contact update steps I can add to my flow? A3: There is no documented limit; however, for clarity and maintenance purposes, it is best practice to keep the flow manageable.

Q4: How can I see the updated information in contact records? A4: After running the flow containing the Contact update step, navigate to the contact's record to view the changes made.

Q5: What kind of custom fields can be updated with this step? A5: Any predefined custom contact fields created within your ActiveCampaign account can be updated via the Contact update step.

Q6: Can I add conditions for when a Contact update step is executed? A6: While the Contact update step does not have built-in conditional logic, it can be part of a more complex flow where conditions are applied before reaching this step.

Q7: Is the Contact update step available on all plans? A7: This feature is available through the WhatsApp Messaging add-on and can be included in Plus, Pro, or Enterprise plans.

By understanding and effectively implementing the Contact update step, users can significantly enhance their communication strategies and maintain accurate contact data across their ActiveCampaign setup. ```