Every action page has settings that can be activated when a visitor takes an action on your site. These automated settings include tools that will tag people, assign a point person, add people to paths, etc., which can make you and your team's lives easier! Setting them up will allow you to search more efficiently for people, quickly view information about them, and communicate to them in a more meaningful way.
To customize action settings, first create a new action page (Website > + New Page) or edit an existing action page (Website > hover over the page and click the edit button next to the page you wish to edit).
Action settings live under [Page name] > [Page Type] Settings. Note, each type of action page's settings will look a little different, but the key components outlined throughout the rest of this document will always be there.
Set up auto-tags
You should automatically add tags to any person who takes an action on your website. Why? Tags are virtual sticky notes added to a profile to describe a characteristic or action the person has taken. They make it easier to find specific groups of people, as well as provide for targeted and personalized communication. This may seem a little vague now, but we promise it will be insanely helpful in the future.
For example, you can track attendance for an event by adding the tag “RSVP-Blood Drive-Event date” to anyone who RSVPs on your event page.
Under [Page Type] Settings, type your tag(s) into the box labelled "Tag [XX] with." In this example, I am assigning all of the people who RSVP'd to my blood drive with the tag "RSVP-blood drive-Feb 19." Make sure to separate multiple tags with commas. Click Save settings.
Once this tag is set up and people have signed up online, you will be able to see this tag on their profile.
You can also filter for the tag and find all of the people with it.
Assign a point person
Assigning a point person when a visitor takes an action on your website is key. A point person is responsible for that visitor’s relationship with your organization.
For example, your volunteer coordinator would be an excellent point person for people who sign up on your volunteer page. Any control panel user can be listed as a point person.
Under [Page Type] Settings, select one of your control panel users from the dropdown menu labelled "Point person." Click Save settings. Note that if a visitor already has a point person, they will not be assigned a new one when they take a website action.
Now, once the point person is set and people have signed up online, you will see people's profiles with the name of the point person on them.
Just as you saw above for tags, you can filter by point person to see all of the people assigned to that person.
Add a supporter to a path
It's a good idea to add a supporter to a path. A path is a step-by-step workflow that describes how people taking action contribute toward achieving a larger goal. Paths allow you to build and track relationships with your supporters.
Under [Page Type] Settings, check “Add to path” and add the appropriate information: path (e.g. "Become a donor"), path assigned to (overall point person), step (a specific step on a path), step point person (if different from the overall path point person), and step due date (optional). Click Save settings.
Once someone takes the action and is added to a path, the path will display on their profile and you can view how far along on that path they are.
You also can filter to find people on specific paths, completed paths, abandoned paths, etc.
Where does a person go next?
You can select what page a supporter lands on after they take an action on your website. This will create action chains for supporters to take multiple actions in a row. This is important because this maximizes a person's engagement with your site.
For example, when someone joins your nation, you can have them land on your events page to help encourage attendance. You could also have someone that signs a petition land on your donatation page.
Under [Page Type] Settings, enter the slug of the page you want to have your supporters land on in the text box under "After signing up, what page should they land on next?" In this case, once a user submits their sign up information, they will be redirected to my events page. Click Save settings.
Taking the time to set these things up now will maximize your efficiency later when searching for people, quickly viewing information about them, and communicating to them in a more meaningful way.
Related HOWTOs
Create and edit webpages
Setting up action pages for success: automating tags, paths, and more
How to use tags
Create a path
Manually move people along paths
Set up memberships
Need more direction? We also offer demos and virtual/in-person training sessions!