Custom Data Points

Custom Data Points allow Engage Engine users to tailor their data collection to specific needs beyond the predefined Standard Data Points. These data points provide flexibility, enabling clients to capture unique user information that aligns with their business goals and engagement strategies.

Creating Custom Data Points

Users can create custom data points across the platform in various locations, including the Activation Builder, Data Point Management in Account Settings, and anywhere data points can be added or assigned to a flow or a user. The following steps outline the process:

When creating a custom data point, users must provide a unique name for the data point and select a type and input value type.

In the Data Point Dropdown: Click on Create Custom Data Point within the data collection section.
Define the Data Point:
- Name: Assign a unique name to the data point.
- Category: Select the appropriate category (e.g., User Data, Preferences, Engagement).
- Input Type: Choose the format of data collection (e.g., free text, dropdown, checkbox, date selector). See table below for detailed description of input types.
Configurable Options: Custom data points come with configurable settings similar to standard data points, allowing users to adjust input types, validation, and display preferences.
Save & Implement: Once created, the custom data point is added to the available data points and can be used in activations or forms.

Input Value Types

Each custom data point requires an Input Value Type, which determines how users will provide their responses. Different input types offer unique customization options, ensuring data accuracy and consistency. The table below outlines the available input value types and their characteristics:

Input Value Type	Input Appearance in Activations	Additional Input Settings	Validation
Texts
First name/Last name	Free short text	-	a. Accepts alphabetic characters in any language b. Accepts dashes (-) c. Can’t contain spaces, numbers or symbols. d. Character length Limit: 30.
Full name	Free short text	-	a. Accepts alphabetic characters in any language b. Accepts Spaces c. Accepts dashes (-) d. Can’t contain numbers or symbols. e. Character length Limit: 100.
Email	Free short text	-	a. Must be a valid email address syntax (example@example.com) b. Domain name must be valid. MX records are legit and not a disposable email.
Country	Countries dropdown list	Select default country
Phone number	Country selection dropdown + Number input	Select default country	Validating phone numbers format based on country (.i.e: starts with, number of digits)
Zip Code	Free short text	Text Options: Alphanumerical Alphabetical only
Custom text	Input appearance Free short text Free long text Dropdown Checkbox	Set character limit Text Options: Alphanumerical Alphabetical only
Numbers
Age	Free text (integers only) Dropdown	Minimum and maximum range Age restriction: Ability to add age restrictions for activations and setup Restriction message shown to user.
Custom numbers	Number Input Dropdown	Number Input: number format: Whole number or decimal Dropdown Custom items or Successive order
Date and Time
Date of birth	Day, month and year text input	Date formate (DD/MM/YYY or MM/DD/YYY) Input text formats Years range. Age restriction: Ability to add age restrictions for activations and setup Restriction message shown to user.
Custom date	Day, month and year text input	Similar to Date of Birth
True/False
Terms of service	Checkbox	Checkbox text Checked by default
Custom true/false	Checkbox	Checkbox text Checked by default

Best Practices for Custom Data Points

To ensure effective use of custom data points:

Align Data Points with Business Goals: Create only necessary data points that provide actionable insights.
Use Consistent Naming Conventions: Ensure easy recognition and categorization.
Limit Open-Ended Fields: Where possible, use dropdowns or predefined selections for structured data.
Regularly Review & Clean Data: Merge duplicate data points and remove unnecessary entries.