Collecting data on a form but only using if it doesn't already exist on the lead

[Megan_Koelemay]

We have a Marketo form with first name, last name and email address fields.  Is it possible for the form to accept a first and last name but only use that data if it doesn't already exist on the lead? 

We have a business use case where we want to be able to send the name for associating with new leads, but would like to avoid changing the name of a lead if the same email address is used for multiple people.  

[Kaitlyn_Simko · Accepted solution]

I would recommend appending data to a temp field first (let's call this TempField) vs adding it to "real" field (RealField).  That way in a smart campaign you can query if RealField is/is not empty then append Temp Field.

[Megan_Koelemay]

 Thanks @Kaitlyn_Simko! That's just what we need.  

[SanfordWhiteman]

Yes, Block Field Updates from Form Fills (you don't need a temp field).

[Megan_Koelemay]

That's a global setting, correct?  Or can you apply it to specific forms only?  

[SanfordWhiteman]

That’s correct. If you needed to apply the concept only to selected forms, you’d need proxy fields as Kaitlyn suggests.

[Megan_Koelemay]

Thanks @SanfordWhiteman!  Looks like we'll need to use the proxy fields in this instance.