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Workflow Action: Update Contact Field

Keep your contact database accurate and up-to-date with Stack's Update Contact Field action. This guide will walk you through what this action does, its benefits, and how to set it up. We'll also explore real-world use cases and answer some frequently asked questions.

Table of Contents​

What is the Update Contact Field Action?​

The Update Contact Field action allows you to automatically modify specific fields in a contact's record. This ensures that updates to contact details—such as address changes, email updates, or Do Not Disturb (DND) status—are instantly reflected in your system. By using this action, you can maintain current and accurate contact data that aligns with customer interactions.

Key Benefits​

  • Accurate Contact Data: Keep your contact database always up-to-date, minimizing outdated or incorrect information.
  • Enhanced Personalization: Utilize updated contact details to deliver more personalized and targeted communication.
  • Improved Workflow Efficiency: Automatically update contact records without manual intervention, saving time and effort.
  • Streamlined Customer Experience: Ensure relevant, timely communication by maintaining accurate contact information.

Configuring the Update Contact Field Action​

  1. Navigate to the Automation section of your CRM and click on the Workflows menu.
  2. Open the workflow editor and select the workflow where you want to add the Update Contact Field action, or start a new workflow by clicking + Create Workflow and selecting + Start from scratch.
  3. Click the + icon and choose Update Contact Field from the list of available actions.
  4. Name your action descriptively (e.g., "Update Contact Address") for easy identification within the workflow.
  5. Choose the action type: either clear existing information or update it. For example, you might clear old information and replace it with new data.
  6. Click Add field to include additional filters.
  7. Select the fields you wish to update, such as City, Country, Phone, or Custom Fields.
  8. Save the action and test it using a sample contact to ensure it updates the fields as expected.
  9. To activate the workflow, toggle it to Publish.

Use Cases​

1. Updating Contact Location After a Customer Moves​

Scenario: A customer moves to a new city and updates their address via a form or support interaction.

Solution: Automatically update the City and Country fields in the contact’s record.

Steps:

  • Trigger: Customer updates their address through a form.
  • Action: Use the Update Contact Field action to change the City to "Paris" and the Country to "France."
  • Outcome: The CRM reflects the updated location, and customer communications are tailored to their new location.

2. Updating Do Not Disturb (DND) Status​

Scenario: A customer opts out of marketing communications.

Solution: Update the DND field in the contact’s record to "Yes" to exclude them from future marketing emails.

Steps:

  • Trigger: Customer clicks "unsubscribe" in an email.
  • Action: Use the Update Contact Field action to set DND = Yes.
  • Outcome: The contact no longer receives marketing messages, ensuring compliance with email preferences.

3. Updating Contact Source for New Leads​

Scenario: A lead is captured from a new marketing campaign, and you want to track its source.

Solution: Update the Contact Source field to "Spring Sale Campaign" to track the lead source.

Steps:

  • Trigger: A lead submits a form for the Spring Sale.
  • Action: Use the Update Contact Field action to set Contact Source = Spring Sale Campaign.
  • Outcome: The system tracks where new leads are coming from, allowing for better reporting and campaign analysis.

FAQs​

  1. Can I update multiple fields at once with a single action? Yes, you can select and update multiple fields simultaneously within the same action, saving time and reducing complexity.

  2. What happens if I try to update a field that doesn’t exist for a contact? If the field doesn’t exist, the update may fail or be ignored. Ensure the field is properly created in the contact’s record or CRM system.

  3. How do I know if the Update Contact Field action worked? Test the workflow using a sample contact and check if the changes are reflected in the contact’s record. Some platforms also provide activity logs for tracking updates.

  4. Can I undo an update if it was done incorrectly? No, once a field is updated, it cannot be automatically reverted. To correct it, you must update the field again with the correct information.