Create a "Buying Timeframe" field

Anonymous
Not applicable

Create a "Buying Timeframe" field

I want to create field that asks the user to specify when they intend to buy with the options being: Now, 1-3 months, 3-6 months or 6 months or more.

I was wondering what a suitable data type would be for this and if there was a way to use it as a filter to follow them up in the future specified timeframe. For example, If "3-6 months" Then, check "Buying Timeframe" is (Today - 3 months). I am thinking the Stored Value of "3-6 months" needs to be (Today's date + 3 months) so I can use filters like "in the past" or "in timeframe." Is this doable? Any suggestions?

Additionally, it will be used to personalise the confirmation page/email with a relevant response. This is pretty easy and can set as part of the form creation. For example,
If "Now" Then, display "...someone will contact you shortly...
If "3-6 months" Then, display "...while you're waiting... check out our..."

Cheers,
Ersel
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5 REPLIES 5
Josh_Hill13
Level 10 - Champion Alumni

Re: Create a "Buying Timeframe" field

Use Type String if just in Marketo. Your FORM or Upload lists will have to match the picklist values you outlined above.

You cannot use Date Operators on a String field, only a Date field.

So this depends a bit - if you create the field in SFDC first (recommended), then the Type is Picklist and you insert the values. Marketo will pick this up automatically.
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Create a "Buying Timeframe" field

Thanks Josh, I'll think we'll go with the String type option as we are not using SFDC.

Just a thought... What if we created a Date type, displayed the options as a string in a dropdownlist but stored the values as dates? Is this possible?

Display Value: Now | Stored Value: [current date/time]
Display Value: 1-3 months | Stored Value: [current date/time + 1 month]
Display Value: 3-6 months | Stored Value: [current date/time + 3 months]
Display Value: 6 months or more | Stored Value: [current date/time + 6 months]

In the Advanced Editor for Values of a Select Type field, it mentions:
Cut/Past a list of values. Use | to define server values. I wonder what "server values" are?
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Create a "Buying Timeframe" field

Ersel, there was a session on the Summit about workflows in SFDC that hit on just this. I know it's outside of Marketo, but it might work for you. When the sessions become available, take a look. It's called "Robust Business Logic for Marketo."

 

Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Create a "Buying Timeframe" field

Sorry, just saw that you aren't using SFDC...
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Create a "Buying Timeframe" field

Just an update, I ended up creating a few fields related Buying Timeframe for anyone interested...

Initially, I capture the user input from a web form (E.g. within 6 months = 6, within 3 months = 3, Now = -1) and I set the following fields:
- Buying Timeframe Initial (type Score, user input from web form)
- Buying Timeframe Initial Date (type Datetime, {{system.datetime}})

In the same program, I added a Wait 1 month and update the fields below to initialise the monthly countdown:
Buying Timeframe Updated (Buying Timeframe Initial - 1)
Buying Timeframe Updated Date ({{system.datetime}})

In another program, I monitor changed to Buying Timeframe Updated and Wait 1 month to continue the monthly countdown. This program basically loops every month to set:
Buying Timeframe Updated (Buying Timeframe Updated - 1)
Buying Timeframe Updated Date ({{system.datetime}})