Add or remove contacts

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How do I manually add or remove a contact(s) from an automation?

Introduction

The ability to manually add or remove contacts from an automation in ActiveCampaign offers users flexibility in managing their marketing workflows. This feature is essential because while contacts typically enter automations based on predefined triggering conditions, there are situations where a user may want to manually intervene. Whether it's adding a specific contact to a running automation or removing them before they reach the end of a workflow, this functionality ensures marketers have the right tools to optimize their campaigns effectively.

How to Access This Feature

To utilize the feature for adding or removing contacts in your automations, you need to navigate through the ActiveCampaign interface. This can be done via the **Automations** or the **Contacts** sections from the main menu on the left side of your ActiveCampaign dashboard.

Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Manually Start an Automation for a Single Contact

There are two methods to manually add a contact to an automation:

From the Automation:

1. Click **Automations** on the left menu. 2. Locate the relevant automation and click the automation name to open it. 3. Ensure the automation is **Active**; contacts cannot be added to an **Inactive** automation. 4. Click **Add contacts to this automation** at the top of the Automation Canvas, next to the trigger. 5. Choose **Add specific contacts**. 6. (Optional) Use the **Search** bar to filter contacts. 7. Check the box next to the contact(s) you wish to add. 8. Click **Add contact(s)**. The contact(s) will be added immediately, and this action cannot be undone.

From the Contacts Overview:

1. Click **Contacts** on the left menu. 2. Find the contact you want to add and open their profile. 3. Scroll down to the **Automations** section of the contact's record. 4. Click the **+ Add** button. 5. A modal window will appear showing active automations. Select the desired automation and click **Okay**. 6. The contact will be added immediately, and this action cannot be undone.

How to Manually End an Automation for a Single Contact

To stop executing an automation for a contact:

1. Click **Contacts** on the left menu. 2. Locate the desired contact and open their profile. 3. Scroll down to the **Automations** section of the contact's record. 4. Click on the automation you wish to end for the contact. 5. Click the **End** button.

The contact will be removed from the automation, and this action cannot be undone.

How to Manually Start an Automation for a Group of Contacts

Similar to adding a single contact, you can add a group of contacts to an automation:

From the Automation:

1. Click **Automations** on the left menu. 2. Open the desired automation and ensure it is set to **Active**. 3. Click **Add contacts to this automation** at the top of the Automation Canvas. 4. Click **Use a segment of contacts**. 5. The segment builder will appear. Create conditions to identify the contacts to add and click **Next**. 6. Optionally, you can adjust the following settings, which are enabled by default:

  * Do not add contacts who have ever entered this automation
  * Do not add contacts who are currently in this automation

7. Click **Add contact(s)**. The selected contacts will be added immediately, and this action cannot be undone.

From the Contacts Overview:

1. Click **Contacts** on the left menu. 2. Click into the search field and select **Advanced Search**. 3. The segment builder will appear. Set the conditions to find the desired group and click **Search**. 4. When contacts appear, verify the group is correct, then click **Edit All** to open the Bulk Editor. 5. In the modal, select **Add to an Automation** and choose the automation from the dropdown. 6. Click the **Add** button, then click the **Apply** button to process the contacts.

How to Bulk Remove a Group of Contacts From an Automation

1. Click **Contacts** on the left menu. 2. In the search field, select **Advanced Search**. 3. Create the conditions to find the desired contacts and click **Search**. 4. After confirming the correct contacts, click **Edit All** to display the Bulk Editor. 5. Choose **Remove from an Automation** and select the automation you wish to end from the dropdown. 6. Click the **Remove** button, then click **Apply** to process the contacts.

Configuration Options and Settings

While adding or removing contacts from automations, take note of the following important options: - **Active Automation**: Only active automations can have contacts added; inactive automations prevent additions. - **Do Not Add Conditions**: Users can opt out of adding contacts who have previously entered or who are currently in the automation.

Best Practices and Tips

- Always verify the contacts you are adding or removing to ensure that your automation workflow remains effective and accurately targeted. - Regularly update your segments and conditions within the segment builder to keep your contact list relevant and engaged. - Use manual addition and removal sparingly to encourage organic engagement through automation triggers.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues while adding or removing contacts, consider the following: - Ensure that the automation is set to **Active**; you will not be able to add contacts otherwise. - Double-check that you have the appropriate permissions to modify automations and contact records. - If contacts are not appearing as expected during an advanced search, re-evaluate your search criteria for accuracy.

FAQ

Q1: Can I undo adding a contact to an automation?

No, once a contact is added to an automation, this action cannot be undone.

Q2: What happens when I end an automation for a contact?

When you end an automation for a contact, they receive a "Completed" status and will not continue through the remaining actions.

Q3: Is it possible to add multiple contacts at once?

Yes, you can add multiple contacts at once either through the automation interface or by using the bulk editor functionality from the Contacts Overview.

Q4: What if my automation is inactive?

If your automation is inactive, you will not be able to add any contacts. Activate the automation to proceed.

Q5: Are there restrictions on who can be added to an automation?

You have the option to exclude contacts who have previously or are currently in the automation during the addition process.

Q6: Can I add a contact directly from their profile?

Yes, you can add a contact directly from their profile by accessing the **Automations** section.

Q7: How do I know if I've added a contact successfully?

Added contacts will appear in the **Automations** section of their profile, and you will receive a confirmation in the UI upon completing the action.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively manage contact entries in your automations and ensure that you maintain a focused marketing strategy. ```