Custom account field overview

``` Navigation: Main_Page > Contacts > Fields > Custom account field overview

Custom Account Field Overview

Introduction

The Custom Account Field feature in ActiveCampaign is designed to enhance how businesses collect, store, and utilize detailed information about their accounts. This feature allows users to create customized fields tailored to their specific needs, enabling better data management and improved communication strategies. By capturing additional information such as "Customer since," "Internal ID," or "Blog URL," businesses can enrich their customer profiles, leading to more personalized interactions and informed decision-making.

Understanding how to effectively use custom account fields is essential for maximizing the capabilities of ActiveCampaign, particularly for businesses focused on building strong relationships with their clients.

How to Access This Feature

To access the Custom Account Field feature, navigate through the following menu options: 1. Click on Contacts in the left menu. 2. Select the Fields option. 3. Choose the Accounts tab to view and manage account fields.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This section provides detailed instructions on creating, editing, and managing custom account fields.

Creating a Field Group

Each account field must belong to a field group, which serves as a container for organizing similar fields. Follow these steps to create a field group: 1. Click Contacts > Fields on the left menu. 2. Select the Accounts tab. 3. Click Add Group. 4. In the modal window that appears, type the name of your new group into the field provided. 5. Click the Create button.

The new field group will now appear at the bottom of the Manage Fields page.

Creating a Custom Account Field

You can create custom account fields from either the Manage Fields page or directly from an account record. Here’s how to do it from both locations:

From the Manage Fields Page

1. Click Contacts > Fields on the left menu. 2. Select the Accounts tab. 3. Click the Add Field button. 4. In the Add Field modal, enter the desired field name. 5. Select the desired Group from the dropdown. 6. Choose a Field Type from the dropdown list and provide answer options if necessary (for dropdown, list box, radio buttons, or checkbox field types). 7. Click the Add button.

From an Account Record

1. Click Contacts > Accounts on the left menu. 2. Open any account record. 3. Click the Manage Fields option. 4. Click the Add Field button. 5. Follow steps 4 to 7 from the previous section.

Updating a Custom Account Field Value

To update the values of custom account fields, do the following: 1. Click Contacts > Accounts on the left menu. 2. Select the account record you wish to update. 3. Hover over the field to update and click the edit (pencil) icon. 4. Enter the new value into the field. 5. Repeat as necessary for other fields. 6. Click the Save Changes button to apply your updates.

Editing or Deleting a Custom Account Field

You have the option to edit or delete custom fields as needed.

To Edit a Custom Field

1. Click Contacts > Fields on the left menu. 2. Select the Accounts tab. 3. Hover over the field you wish to edit and select Edit. 4. Modify the desired options in the modal window. 5. Click Save to confirm changes.

To Delete a Custom Field

1. Click Contacts > Fields on the left menu. 2. Select the Accounts tab. 3. Hover over the field you wish to delete and click the delete (trash) icon. 4. Confirm your decision in the modal window that appears by clicking the checkboxes and then the Delete button.

Configuration Options and Settings

When working with custom account fields, various field types can be utilized, providing flexibility for data entry. The following types can be created: - Text input: For short data entries such as phone numbers. - Text area: For longer text entries including descriptions or notes. - Number: For numerical values with two decimal places. - Money: To specify monetary values with a selectable currency. - Date: For storing specific dates. - Dropdown menu: For selecting one option from a predefined set. - List box: For selecting multiple options. - Radio button: For selecting one option visually from a list. - Check box(es): For multiple true/false selections. - Hidden field: For storing internal data without visibility to contacts.

Best Practices and Tips

- Always create custom fields that serve a clear purpose to avoid clutter. - Utilize Group functionality to keep fields organized based on business needs. - Regularly review custom fields to ensure they remain relevant to current business objectives. - Use Personalization tags effectively to enhance engagement in communications. - Regularly back up critical data before making bulk updates or deletions.

Common Use Cases with Examples

- **Collecting Sales Data**: Use custom fields to track details like "Annual Revenue" or "Number of Employees" for targeted marketing efforts. - **Client Onboarding**: Create fields to capture essential onboarding information like "Contract Start Date" or "Onboarding Completed," ensuring streamlined client transitions. - **Marketing Segmentation**: Utilize custom fields in the segment builder to tailor marketing campaigns based on specific criteria like industry sector or geographic location.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with custom account fields, consider the following: - Ensure you have the necessary permissions to create or edit fields; only admins can perform these actions. - Verify that you’re not attempting to delete standard account fields, which cannot be moved or deleted. - If a custom field update fails, ensure all required fields are correctly filled out before saving.

Related Features

For further capabilities, consider exploring: - Contacts - Fields - Personalization Tags

FAQ

1. **What is a custom account field?**

  A custom account field is a user-created input slot for additional information relevant to a business's accounts.

2. **How many custom fields can I create?**

  You can create an unlimited number of custom fields in ActiveCampaign.

3. **Can I access custom fields in automation?**

  Yes, custom account fields can be used in automation workflows to customize messaging based on client data.

4. **What happens to data in a deleted field?**

  Deleting a custom field erases all data stored in that field permanently.

5. **How do I use personalization tags with custom fields?**

  Personalization tags for custom fields start with "ACCT_" and can be inserted into emails to display specific account information.

6. **Are there different types of custom fields?**

  Yes, custom fields support various types, including text, numbers, dates, dropdowns, and more.

7. **Can I delete a standard account field?**

  No, standard account fields are fixed and cannot be deleted or moved to custom field groups.

```