How do you integrate MKTO and SFDC using a custom lead object in SFDC?

[Anonymous]

Hi guys,

Our Salesforce license doesn't cover the native lead object and our work processes do not require the object at all, but we still need a lead object to be able to integrate Marketo and SFDC.

The error message I get when trying to connect MTKO and SFDC indicates pretty clearly that it's possible to use a custom object as the lead object, so I've created a new object with the correct naming (I think) and given the Marketo SFDC user the necessary rights to the object.

However, I keep getting the same error message:
"describeSObject failed - INVALID_TYPE: sObject type 'Lead' is not supported. If you are attempting to use a custom object, be sure to append the '__c' after the entity name. Please reference your WSDL or the describe call for the appropriate names."

I haven't created any fields in the object besides the standard for a new custom object.

I've asked support for some documentation on using a custom object as the lead object, but haven't got any response yet.

Do any of you have any experience with using a custom object as the lead object? I would really appreciate some help here. 🙂

Thank you in advance!

[Alex_Stanton1]

Just a hunch, but did you name the custom object "lead"? If so, I would rename it to something that will not confuse Marketo. It has been my experience with fields that the naming itself can create a problem.

[Anonymous]

Hi Alex,

Yes, named it the following:

Singular label: Lead

Plural label: Leads

Object Name: Lead

API Name: Lead__c

[Alex_Stanton1]

I would confirm this with support, but I have the feeling that since the standard object is called "Lead" calling the custom one "Lead" as well will create a problem.

[Anonymous]

Support isn't much help - gets really frustrating. They keep sending me a link with documentation for regular sync no matter how many times I try to explain what I'm trying to do. 🙂

I'll keep at it!

[Alex_Stanton1]

Did you try to change the name of the custom object / build a new one and give it a different name?

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Hi Alex,

Yes, without success. Support just came through though - the super administrator in a Force.com instance apparently has access to the native lead objects, so we're purchasing a second super admin user, which we can setup correctly. Hopefully this'll work.

I also got it to work with Bedrockdata.com - really impressed by their integration engine. I always thought 3rd party integration solution was a hazzle, but this was a breeze.