Using the Update Email Field and Update SMS Field blocks

Using the Update Email Field and Update SMS Field blocks

Delivra’s automation platform isn’t just about sending messages, it’s also a powerful tool for managing and updating contact data. Two essential tools for this are the Update Email Field and Update SMS Field steps. While they serve slightly different audiences (email contacts vs. SMS contacts), both operate in much the same way, allowing you to dynamically update contact profiles as they progress through your automation.

These steps expand the functionality of automations beyond communication, turning them into data management tools that can streamline workflows and enhance segmentation.

What Are Update Email Field and Update SMS Field Steps?

The Update Email Field and Update SMS Field steps are designed to modify data stored in a contact’s profile when they reach a particular point in an automation. These updates can include:

  • Changing field values: Mark contacts as having reached specific milestones or taken specific actions.
  • Adding timestamps: Record the exact date and time a contact passes through the step.
  • Setting calculated dates: Add a date based on a specified timeframe, such as “30 days from now” or “1 week before an event.”

These tools are especially valuable for managing contacts, enabling you to track their progress, flag key actions, or prepare them for future communications.

Benefits of Using Update Steps

These steps are incredibly versatile and offer several benefits:

  • Improved Segmentation: By marking contacts as they reach certain points in your automation, you can create highly targeted segments for future campaigns.
  • Streamlined Workflows: Automatically managing data reduces the need for manual updates, saving time and minimizing errors.
  • Better Contact Management: Use timestamps or calculated dates to track when a contact completed a key step or when they should be reached out to again.
  • Enhanced Reporting: Updated fields provide valuable insights into automation performance and contact behavior.

Practical Examples

Here are some scenarios where the Update steps shine:

  1. Progress Tracking: Update a “Journey Status” field to reflect a contact’s progress through an onboarding series (e.g., “Started”, “In Progress”, “Completed”).
  2. Follow-Up Scheduling: Automatically set a “Next Contact Date” for 14 days after a contact completes a step, ensuring timely follow-ups.
  3. Behavior Tagging: Mark contacts who clicked a particular link or completed a specific action, making them easier to identify in future segments.
  4. Event Management: Use the current date to record when a contact signed up for an event or entered a specific automation.

Best Practices for Update Steps

To get the most out of these tools, keep these tips in mind:

  • Plan Your Fields: Ensure the fields you want to update are set up in your contact database before building your automation.
  • Avoid Overwriting Key Data: Double-check that updates won’t overwrite important information you might need later.
  • Combine with Other Steps: Use these steps alongside other Condition blocks to create dynamic workflows that respond to your contacts’ actions.
  • Test Before Launch: Preview your automation to confirm that updates are applied correctly and won’t lead to unintended data changes.

By integrating Update Email Field and Update SMS Field steps into your automations, you transform them into robust tools for both communication and contact management. Whether you’re tracking progress, managing follow-ups, or improving segmentation, these steps help you stay organized and make the most of your data.


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