Custom fields are a means for storing and representing contact data. Custom fields tell the contacts’ full stories, whereas the Default Merge Fields tell the CliffNotes versions and may leave detail to be desired. Let’s use the below image of a contact record to explain.
Introduction
While users typically use the default merge fields to further segment their contact lists, users employ custom fields to get even more granular than the default merge fields allow. Custom fields store data that is permanent and unique to each contact. For instance, the user in the above example wanted to know the following:
Referred By
If Sold Lead Value
Internal Notes
Conversation Recap Notes
Send Recap Email?
Follow Up In
Indeed, the data you collect via custom fields is diverse and personal. You’re limited only by what you want to know and what data your users, prospects, customers, vendors, etc. are willing to submit.
Of course, whenever contact data is in play, so is segmentation. In fact, custom fields are one of the main segmentation tools available to you.
The rest of this guide further defines custom fields, and custom field types, and touches on how to add and use custom fields.
Custom Field Types
Custom Fields store data that is permanent and unique to each contact. Custom Field Types control how the request for that data is presented, and offer several options to ensure you can collect that data in the most useful structure.
Contacts Settings - Custom Field Types - Text
If you want a short written answer from people, this is what you need.
PRO-TIP: You can make this Custom Field type required on Forms and Surveys.
Contacts Settings - Custom Field Types - Large Text
This is ideal if you want people to write you long answers. Answers can be as long as people want!
PRO-TIP: You can make this Custom Field type required on Forms and Surveys.
Contacts Settings - Custom Field Types - Numerical
This only accepts numbers as an answer. When you want to know how many of something someone wants, use this to make sure they give you a numerical answer.
PRO-TIP: You can make this Custom Field type required on Forms and Surveys.
Contacts Settings - Custom Field Types - Phone
Whenever you’re collecting contact details, this question is what you need for phone numbers. It lets respondents choose their country code, and each country is configured so they can only enter a correctly formatted number.
PRO-TIP: You can make this Custom Field type required on Forms and Surveys.
Contacts Settings - Custom Field Types - Monetary
This only accepts positive currency amounts as an answer. When you want to know the value of something, use this to ensure they give you an answer that translates to currency.
PRO-TIP: You can make this Custom Field type required on Forms and Surveys.
Contacts Settings - Custom Field Types - Checkbox
Use this when you want to offer one or more checkboxes. This does allow multiple selections.
PRO-TIP: You can make this Custom Field type required on Forms and Surveys.
Contacts Settings - Custom Field Types - Single Options
Use this when you want to offer a range of answers to a question and DO NOT allow multiple selections.
PRO-TIP: You can make this Custom Field type required on Forms and Surveys
Contacts Settings - Custom Field Types - Multiple Options
Use this when you want to offer a range of answers to a question and DO allow multiple selections.
Contacts Settings - Custom Field Types - Radio
This custom field type functions similarly to the “Single Options” type. The difference between them is the visual representation. Users can select only one option when presented with Single Options and radio buttons.
Contacts Settings - Custom Field Types - Date
This field lets you capture a date (YYYY-DD-MM format).
Contacts Settings - Custom Field Types - Textbox List
Use this when you want to have a list of set labels, with room to enter values next to each label.
Contacts Settings - Custom Field Types - File Upload
Let people upload files (PDF, DOC/DOCX, JPG/JPEG, PNG, GIF). Great for job applications or anything where users, prospects, customers, vendors, etc. need to upload a file or picture (even from their phones).
Contacts Settings - Custom Field Types - Signature
Use this when you want to collect signatures with a form or a survey. When the signer is signing a form or a survey, they can also "clear" and resign if they don't get it right the first time.
