Update stage

```mediawiki Navigation: Main_Page > CRM > Update stage

How do I automatically move a deal from one stage to another?

The Update stage feature in ActiveCampaign is a powerful automation action that allows users to streamline their sales processes within the CRM pipeline. By implementing this feature, users can automatically move a deal from its current stage to a new stage within the same pipeline or transfer it to a different pipeline entirely. This functionality is significant as it enhances workflow efficiency and ensures that deals are tracked and managed effectively through various phases of the sales process.

How to access this feature

To access the Update stage feature, you will need to navigate to your automation within ActiveCampaign. Ensure you have a Plus, Professional, or Enterprise plan, as the Update stage action is included as part of the Pipelines & Sales Engagement add-ons.

Step-by-step instructions

Follow the steps below to configure the Update stage action in your automation:

1. From your automation, locate the point where you would like to place the Update stage action. 2. Click the node (+) to add a new action. 3. In the modal pop-up, select CRM.

File:Add new action click CRM.png

Adding a new action in CRM

4. Click on Update stage to configure the action.

File:Select update stage.png

Selecting Update stage action

5. In the first dropdown (Select new stage > Pipeline), choose the pipeline that contains the stage you want to move deals to.

File:Select pipeline.png

Selecting a pipeline

6. In the second dropdown (Select new stage > Stage), pick the stage you wish to transition the deals to.

File:Select stage.png

Choosing the new stage

7. In the third dropdown (Affects > Deals), specify which deals for your contact(s) will be affected.

File:Select which deal will be affected for contact.png

Selecting affected deals

8. In the fourth dropdown (Pipeline), select the current pipeline that contains the deal you want to move.

File:Select pipeline for user.png

Choosing the current pipeline

9. Click Save to apply the configuration.

Once a contact in your automation encounters this action, their deal will move to the selected stage if they belong to the specified pipeline. If a contact has no deals or is in a different pipeline than the one selected, they will skip this action.

Configuration options and settings

The Update stage action consists of several dropdown selections that allow users to specify the details of the movement of the deal:

- **Select new stage > Pipeline**: This dropdown lists the pipelines that contain the stages you can move deals to. - **Select new stage > Stage**: This dropdown allows you to select the specific stage within the chosen pipeline. - **Affects > Deals**: Here you can select which deals will be affected by this action, based on the contacts in automation. - **Pipeline**: This option allows you to choose the current pipeline containing the deals you want to update.

Best practices and tips

- Regularly review your pipelines to ensure that they reflect your current sales processes accurately. Keeping stages up-to-date can maximize the effectiveness of automations. - Utilize the Update stage feature to trigger actions that follow a deal's progression, such as sending follow-up emails or notifications to the sales team. - Consider using this feature in combination with other automation actions to create seamless workflows that enhance your CRM capabilities.

Common use cases with examples

1. **Transitioning a Deal After a Follow-Up**: If a contact responds positively to a follow-up email, the deal can be automatically moved to a 'Closing' stage using the Update stage action. 2. **Seasonal Sales Campaigns**: Upon reaching a specific date or event, automatically move all relevant deals to a 'Seasonal Promotions' stage to prepare for targeted marketing tactics. 3. **Client Onboarding**: After a successful sale, move customer deals from a 'Prospect' stage to an 'Onboarding' stage to manage the subsequent onboarding process efficiently.

Troubleshooting

If you experience issues with the Update stage action: - Ensure that the pipeline selected in the action has the correct stages and that the deals exist in that pipeline. - Confirm that the contacts in the automation have active deals; if not, the action will be skipped. - Check for any errors in your automation that might prevent it from executing as expected.

FAQ

What types of plans support the Update stage feature?

The Update stage action is available for Plus, Professional, and Enterprise plans.

Can I move deals across different pipelines?

Yes, you can move a deal from its current stage to another stage within the same pipeline or to a different pipeline.

What happens if a contact has no deal when the automation reaches the Update stage action?

If a contact has no deal, they will skip this action.

How can I ensure deals are correctly moved to the desired stage?

Double-check the configurations in the four dropdowns to ensure they accurately reflect the pipelines and stages involved.

Is there a limit on the number of deals that can be moved at once?

The action is performed on the deals associated with contacts that encounter the action in the automation, so it depends on the number of relevant contacts.

How do I know if the Update stage action worked?

You can monitor your automation’s performance and track deal movements in the CRM dashboard to see if they have moved to the desired stage.

Can this action trigger other actions in the automation?

Yes, moving a deal may trigger subsequent steps in automation, such as sending notifications, reminders, or follow-up communications, depending on your setup. ```