Customer data is used to create segmentation, reports, and personalized customer content. The import of customer data is typically broken into two parts - uploading historical data and syncing ongoing data. The historical upload is generally done via files and the ongoing sync via APIs; however, both approaches can be used for either data type.

Helpful links:

• Customer fields reference: This will direct you to the Objects & Fields section of your account, where you can review your existing default and custom customer fields.
• Creating custom fields: An article outlining the creation and review of custom customer fields.

Upload historical data

For historical information, we want to upload all emails and the metadata associated with them. We want to include those who have subscribed and unsubscribed in your previous system. Providing additional information is helpful, but the customer's email and email status are the most important. More information on creating and importing a customer list can be found in this article.

The example below shows a correctly formatted customer import. It's also worth reiterating that custom fields must use the Field Name (example_field) and not the Display Name (Example Field). Additionally, we recommend that the file names for these imports begin with zaius_customers.

Sync ongoing data

To capture ongoing customer data, you will want to track when a customer subscribes on a form, orders, logs in, registers for an account, etc. Essentially we recommend tracking any instance where a customer can identify themselves. This identification may be through identifiable information explicitly provided in the submission, such as an email, or it may be associated with their tracking information and the associated customer ID. 

In either case, Zaius will review the identifiable information when this data syncs to your account. If an email or customer ID is provided that is not already in your account, a new customer profile will be created. Meanwhile, if the email or customer ID already exists the appropriate fields and events will be updated on the existing customer profile instead. 

HTTP API

Send customer data through the Customers API. 

JavaScript

Send customer data using the JS method shown here:

zaius.entity("customer", {
    email: "johnny.zaius@zaius.com",
    first_name: "Johnny",
    last_name: "Zaius",
    phone: "617-545-5001" 
  } 
);