Using the Add to Workflow Action
What is the Add to Workflow Action?
The Add to Workflow action is an automation feature within your CRM that allows you to automatically enroll a contact into a separate, existing workflow. This is a powerful tool for managing complex customer journeys by seamlessly transitioning contacts from one automated process to another. For instance, after a contact completes a purchase, you can automatically add them to a post-purchase follow-up sequence.
An optional setting, Pass Input Trigger Parameters, enables you to transfer the original trigger data from the first workflow into the new one. This allows for personalized automation based on the initial event that started the process.
Key Benefits
- Automated Transitions: Move contacts between workflows automatically, eliminating manual steps.
- Data Continuity: Maintain context by passing key information from the initial trigger to the next workflow.
- Efficiency: Save time by creating interconnected automation sequences that require no manual intervention.
- Improved Engagement: Ensure contacts receive timely and relevant communications at every stage of their journey.
How to Configure the Add to Workflow Action
Follow these steps to add this action to an automation workflow.
Step 1: Access the Workflow Builder
Navigate to the Automation section and select Workflows. Click the + Create Workflow button and choose the Start from Scratch option to open the workflow builder.
Step 2: Add the Action
Inside the workflow builder, click the + button to add a new step. From the list of actions, select Add to Workflow.
Step 3: Configure the Action Settings
- Name the Action: Give the action a clear, descriptive name for easy identification later.
- Select Target Workflow: Choose the existing workflow you want the contact to be added to from the dropdown menu.
- Pass Input Trigger Parameters (Optional): Enable this checkbox if you want the data from the original workflow's trigger (e.g., form submission details, appointment time) to be available in the new workflow.
Click the Save Action button to confirm your settings.
Step 4: Test and Activate
Before publishing, run a test to ensure the contact is correctly added to the target workflow and that any data is passed as expected. Remember to save your draft if you leave the builder. Once you are satisfied, use the toggle to publish the workflow.
Common Use Cases
- Post-Purchase Onboarding: After a sale is recorded, automatically add the customer to an onboarding workflow that sends welcome emails and setup instructions.
- Lead Qualification: When a contact submits a high-intent form, add them to a rapid-response workflow for immediate follow-up by a sales agent.
- Service Follow-up: After a support ticket is closed, add the client to a feedback survey workflow to gather insights on their experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a contact to more than one workflow with this action?
No, a single Add to Workflow action enrolls a contact into one specific workflow. To add a contact to multiple workflows, you can use multiple Add to Workflow actions sequentially within your automation.
What does the "Pass Input Trigger Parameters" option do?
When enabled, this setting transfers the data from the event that originally triggered the first workflow (like a form submission or appointment booking) into the workflow you are adding the contact to. This allows you to use that original data for personalization in the new workflow's actions.
What specific data is passed when I enable that option?
The data passed depends on the trigger type of the original workflow. For example, an appointment trigger would pass details like the contact's name, appointment time, and calendar. A form submission trigger would pass all the field values from the form. You can use these data points in actions like sending emails within the new workflow.
Do I need to set a trigger for the workflow I'm adding contacts to?
No. When a contact is added to a workflow via this action, they are automatically enrolled starting from the first action in that workflow. You do not need to configure a separate trigger for the target workflow.
Can I pass data from a custom API call made later in the workflow?
No. The Pass Input Trigger Parameters option only transfers the data from the original trigger event. It does not pass along any data that is generated or modified by actions that occur later in the workflow sequence.