How do I update the values in a profile variable?

Use a Profile action to create a profile variable for new members and use a Set Value action to update existing members to the current variable value.

Example

You want to import profile data you collected in another survey authoring tool. The profile data is a few years old and you want to verify the member’s information is up to date when they participate in the survey.

Details

Create the profile variable
Before you import the member data, we recommend creating the profile variable in the Community app first. By default, the application imports new profile variables as Single Choice questions. When you create the profile variable first, the application will map the answers values to the question type when you import the data. If the data is unique to each member, such as a phone or account number, we recommend creating an Identity variable which can store text and numeric values. 

To create a profile variable:

1. In the Community app, click Community > Profile Variables.
2. Click +Profile Variable.
3. Type the Variable Name.
4. From the Type list, select a question type or click Identity to create an identity variable.
5. Click Save.

Import the member data
Prepare a CSV file for the members you want import to your community. Follow the CSV file requirements to avoid error messages. Make sure your CSV file contains a column for the profile variable you created. These are the values participants will see when prompted to update their phone number. 

1. Click Community > Member Groups.
2. On the Member Groups toolbar, click Import.
3. Navigate to the CSV file you created, and click Upload.

Create your survey
When you create your survey, ask members if the profile data you have on file for them is up to date. For example, you can show members the phone number they entered in another survey and ask them it is correct.

1. In your survey, create a single choice question and pipe the value for the profile variable into the question text. For example, you can show members the phone number they entered in another survey and ask them it is correct.
2. Add a Survey Logic action to your survey. Create a condition that will show the contained elements to participants who answer No, the value is not correct.
3. Now add a Profile action to the survey logic. When prompted to Select an existing profile, select a profile variable from the list (for example, phone).

Tip: We recommend using a profile action to prompt members to fill in missing profile data, and update their profile on a regular basis.

When you distribute your survey, participants are shown the phone number you have in your records.



If the phone number is wrong, the member can use the profile action to update it.

More Information

Please click the WebHelp links below for more information:

• Create a profile variable
• Create a Profile action
• Survey logic
• System variables