Action - Update Contact Field

This article provides an overview of the "Update Contact Field" and "Clear Field Data" actions within workflows. The "Update Contact Field" action enables the modification of a contact field by inputting a new value, which can be either static or dynamic. On the other hand, the "Clear Field Data" action is used to remove the existing value from a custom contact field. Presently, both actions are applicable solely to Contact Custom Fields.

What is the Update Contact Field Action in Workflows?

The update contact field action in workflows allows you to update the value of a specific field for a contact. With this action, you can specify a new value for the field, and the contact's existing field value will be replaced with the new value. However, with the new feature, you can also clear the field, i.e., empty the input field or reset it to the default value.

Please Note:

It's important to note that the clear field data feature currently supports only the Contact Custom Fields. 

You can use this action to update or clear multiple fields with static or custom values anywhere in the workflow. The fields can be dynamically updated in workflows wherever they are being used.

The Update Contact Field Action in Workflows is a feature that allows you to modify the value of a specific field for a contact. This action gives you the flexibility to either set a new value for the field, replacing the existing one, or to clear the field, which means to empty or reset it to its default setting. However, it's important to note that the capability to clear field data is currently limited to Contact Custom Fields only.

This action can be used to update or clear multiple fields with either static or custom values at any point in the workflow. The fields can be dynamically changed in workflows as needed.

Practical Uses of This Action:

The "Update Contact Field" and "Clear Field Data" actions have several practical applications, such as:

- Lead Management: Update the lead source field for contacts based on referral sources to better understand lead origins. Use the "Clear Field Data" action to remove outdated information from leads.

- Personalization: Enhance email marketing campaigns by updating contact fields like names to increase engagement. Clear incorrect or outdated information from contact fields as needed.

- Sales Pipeline Management: Update the stage of a contact in the sales pipeline to effectively monitor progress. Remove contacts from the pipeline who are no longer relevant.

- Custom Integrations: Update custom contact fields based on data from other integrations, such as form submissions or Google Sheets data. Reset custom fields based on specific triggers or conditions.

Using the Action:

- Update Field Data: To update a field, select the field to modify and specify the new value, which can be static or custom.

- Clear Field Data: To clear a field, select the field to reset and apply a filter for the specific field to be cleared. This action will remove any existing value and set the field to empty.

It's crucial to use the "Clear Field Data" feature cautiously, as it can lead to the loss of important data. Always ensure you have a data backup before clearing any contact field.

How to use this action?

Select Update/Clear Field Data

Update Field Data

Updates the selected field with the provided value. 

The "Update Contact Field" action in workflows allows you to update the value of a specific field for a contact. This feature is useful when updating a contact field with a new value, such as a phone number, email address, or custom field.

To use the "Update Contact Field" action, you must add it to your workflow, select the contact field you want to update and specify the new value you want to set for the field. You can update the field with a static value, a fixed value that you specify in the workflow, or a custom value, which is a value dynamically generated based on other data in your workflow.

For example, if you have a custom field called "Lead Source," you can use the "Update Contact Field" action to update the value of this field for a specific contact. You might want to update the field with a static value like "Website," indicating that the lead came from your website. Alternatively, you might want to update the field with a custom value that is dynamically generated based on the referral source of the lead.

Once the "Update Contact Field" action is executed in the workflow, the contact's existing field value will be replaced with the new value specified in the action. It's important to note that you can use this action to update multiple fields with static or custom values anywhere in the workflow.

Clear Field Data

Resets the selected field to the default value (clears the data). 

Clearing contact fields is a feature that allows you to remove the existing value of a contact field, effectively resetting it to an empty value. This feature is useful when removing a previously entered value from a contact field. When you use the clear field data feature, the contact field value is set to NULL or empty.

Please Note:

It's important to note that the clear field data feature currently supports only the Contact Custom FieldsThis means you can use only clear custom fields you've created for your contacts, not standard fields like first name, last name, or email.

To clear a contact field in a workflow, add the "Update Contact Field" action, select the contact field you want to clear and add a filter for which field you want to clear. Once the workflow is executed, the contact field will be cleared of its previous value and set to an empty value.

It's important to use this feature with care, as clearing a contact field may result in the loss of valuable data. Therefore, it's recommended to use this feature only when necessary and ensure that you have a data backup before clearing any contact field.