Correct way to mark someone inactive through the API?

[Mike_Sprague]

We are maintaining our lead database by syncing data between our data warehouse and Marketo using the API. What is the correct way to mark a lead as inactive and stop any emails from going to them. I don't want to delete the lead because it has history on it that we need for historical reporting.

For example, a person is deceased. I don't want email to go to them. Do I just set Person Record Status (personRecordStatus) to "inactive"?

[SanfordWhiteman · Accepted solution]

There's no single answer for this that's going to apply to all instances.

You have to talk to your Marketo admin and ask what they use as a suppression list/field. While you could use the system fields Unsubscribed or Blacklisted those do not sound like they semantically fit your situation of a deceased person -- use your company's own rules.

[Mike_Sprague]

I see. So, from a licensing perspective Marketo will continue to count these users as an active lead? I just have to have the admin make sure they use the right selection criteria for the smart list to exclude them?

[SanfordWhiteman]

So, from a licensing perspective Marketo will continue to count these users as an active lead?

Yes.

 I just have to have the admin make sure they use the right selection criteria for the smart list to exclude them?

And yes.

[Mike_Sprague]

Thank you!

[SanfordWhiteman]

Could you mark my answer as Correct, while you're here? Thanks.