Pipeline

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How to Create and Edit a Pipeline in ActiveCampaign

Introduction

A pipeline is a defined set of stages that outlines a sales process within ActiveCampaign. This feature is crucial for sales teams, enabling them to streamline their efforts and efficiently track the progress of deals. Users can create an unlimited number of pipelines, making it easy to cater to different sales processes. For instance, you might create one pipeline for selling advertisements, another for subscription services, and yet another for following up with existing customers to encourage upselling.

How to Access This Feature

To access the Pipeline feature in ActiveCampaign, follow these steps: 1. Log in to your ActiveCampaign account. 2. From the left menu, click on Deals. 3. Once on the Deals page, locate the pipeline dropdown menu at the top.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating a New Pipeline

To set up a new pipeline, follow these steps:

1. Click on Deals in the left menu.
2. Click on the pipeline dropdown and then click the Add a pipeline button.
3. The Add a Pipeline modal will open. Fill in the necessary information:

  * Pipeline Name: Enter the name of your new pipeline.
  * Default Currency: Select the default currency from the dropdown menu. This currency will be used by default for all deals added to this pipeline.
  * Group Access: Choose the group(s) that will have access to this pipeline. You can select multiple groups by holding the Shift key while clicking on group names.
  * Assignment Method: Select an appropriate deal assignment method from the dropdown, such as:
    - Round robin
    - Round robin deal value
    - Manually assign

1. If you selected Round robin or Round robin deal value, the modal will expand to allow you to select users from the chosen group(s). By default, this option is set to All users in groups with access. To change this, click the dropdown to select users for deal distribution.
2. Finally, click the Add button to create your pipeline.

Your new pipeline will now load and display three default stages: To Contact, In Contact, and Follow Up.

Editing a Pipeline

To modify an existing pipeline, you can edit the following properties:

• Pipeline Name
• Default Currency
• Group Access
• Deal Assignment Method
• Users assigned to deals (for Round robin and Round robin deal value)

Follow these steps to edit a pipeline:

1. Navigate to the Deals page.
2. Click on the pipeline dropdown and select the pipeline you wish to edit.
3. Click the gear icon next to the pipeline name, then select Options from the dropdown menu.
4. The Pipeline Options modal will open. Make any desired changes and click the Save button.

Your edits to the pipeline are now complete.

Configuration Options and Settings

When creating or editing a pipeline, be mindful of the following configuration options:

• Pipeline Name: The title of your pipeline that represents a specific sales process.
• Default Currency: The currency you wish to use for all transactions associated with this pipeline.
• Group Access: Controls which predefined groups can access the pipeline. Only selected groups will have visibility and interaction capabilities.
• Deal Assignment Method: Set how deals will be assigned to users. Options include:

  - Round robin: Deals are distributed evenly among users.
  - Round robin deal value: Deals are assigned based on the total value of the deals.
  - Manually assign: You determine which user each deal is assigned to.

Best Practices and Tips

To make the most out of the Pipeline feature, consider the following best practices:

• Ensure your pipeline names are descriptive and recognizable to easily identify them.
• Set the appropriate Default Currency based on your target markets to avoid confusion.
• Regularly review and update your Group Access settings to ensure the right teams have access to relevant pipelines.
• Automate deal assignments where possible using the Round robin method to evenly distribute leads, ensuring fair workloads among team members.
• Use the three default stages effectively to enhance follow-up processes, and feel free to customize these stages according to your sales processes.

Common Use Cases with Examples

Here are some typical situations where utilizing pipelines will be beneficial:

1. **Sales Process for Advertising**: Create a pipeline dedicated to advertising sales that includes stages from initial contact to closing the deal. 2. **Subscription Management**: Use a pipeline tailored to managing subscription services, tracking customer interactions and renewals. 3. **Customer Upsells**: Implement a pipeline focused on upselling to existing customers, allowing for a structured approach to follow-ups and offers.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with pipelines in ActiveCampaign, consider the following:

• Ensure you have the necessary permissions set in your Group Access options to avoid access restrictions.
• Check that your Default Currency settings are specified correctly if you experience transaction reporting issues.
• If deals are not being assigned as expected, verify your Assignment Method selections and adjust any user selections appropriately.

Related Features

This feature is closely tied to other components within the ActiveCampaign platform:

• Deals: The core section for managing deals in ActiveCampaign.
• User Groups: To manage which users have access to pipelines.
• Sales Engagement: To enhance customer interactions within your sales process.

FAQ

1. What is a pipeline in ActiveCampaign?

A pipeline is a defined set of stages in the sales process that allows users to manage and track deals effectively.

2. How many pipelines can I create?

You can create an unlimited number of pipelines in ActiveCampaign.

3. Can I edit an existing pipeline?

Yes, you can edit the pipeline name, default currency, group access, and deal assignment methods.

4. What does the deal assignment method do?

The deal assignment method determines how deals are allocated to users within your team, either automatically or manually.

5. How do I access the Pipeline feature?

Access the Pipeline feature through the Deals section of your ActiveCampaign account.

6. What happens if I don’t select any group for group access?

If no groups are selected, that pipeline will not be accessible to any user in your account.

7. Can I use different currencies in different pipelines?

Each pipeline can have its own Default Currency, allowing you to tailor it based on your market or customer base.

By following these guidelines, users can effectively create and manage their sales pipelines, ensuring a streamlined approach to sales processes within ActiveCampaign.