This guide shows you how to configure additional data sources to enhance your customer journey mapping. You'll learn how to connect external reports, set up proper time zone handling, create field mappings, and configure attributes to be included in the buyer’s journey. With a secondary data source configured, additional touchpoints are automatically added to the timeline in Profile 360, giving you a more complete view of interactions.
When to Use This / Prerequisites
When to Use This / Prerequisites
Use Contact Journey secondary sources when you need to:
Import data from external marketing and analytics platforms
Combine first-party website tracking with third-party website tracking data
Synchronize website tracking data with imported data
Prerequisites:
Access to the Contact Journey workspace settings
Appropriate permissions to configure secondary sources
Access to the external platforms you want to connect (Google Analytics, Shopify, etc.)
Understanding of your data structure and reporting needs
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Accessing Secondary Source Configuration
Step 1: Accessing Secondary Source Configuration
Navigate to Workspace Settings
From your main dashboard, click on "Workspace Settings" in the left sidebar
Select "Contact Journey" from the settings menu
Open the Secondary Source Tab
Click on the "Secondary Source" tab at the top of the page
You'll see the configuration interface for importing external data sources
Step 2: Configuring Your Data Source
Step 2: Configuring Your Data Source
Select Your Report Type
Click the "Select Report Type" dropdown
Choose from available source types
Choose Your Specific Report
After selecting a report type, use the "Select Report" dropdown
This will show available reports within your chosen category
Select the specific report or data source you want to import
You're making great progress! The source configuration is the foundation of your data integration.
Step 3: Setting Up Timezone Handling
Step 3: Setting Up Timezone Handling
Configure Timezone Settings
Click the "Select Timezone" dropdown
Choose the appropriate timezone for your data source
Step 4: Creating Field Mappings
Step 4: Creating Field Mappings
Set Up Data Mapping
In the "Mapping" section, you'll connect external data fields to your Contact Journey fields
Field: Select the field from your Contact Journey system
Column: Map it to the corresponding column from your external source
This step ensures data flows correctly between systems
Step 5: Configuring Attributes
Step 5: Configuring Attributes
Add Your First Attribute
In the "Attributes List" section, click on the "Field" dropdown
Select the type of data field you want to track
Common options include campaign data, user identifiers, and conversion metrics
Set Up Filtering
Use the "Filter" dropdown to specify how data should be processed
Choose appropriate filtering methods based on your data type
This helps ensure you capture only relevant, clean data
Define Values and Names
Value/Transformation: Enter the exact field name from your source data
Name: Create a user-friendly display name for reporting
Use consistent naming conventions that your team will understand
This step brings everything together, your secondary source integration is nearly complete!
Step 6: Adding Multiple Attributes
Step 6: Adding Multiple Attributes
Add Additional Attributes
Click the "+ Add" button to create more attribute mappings
Repeat the configuration process for each data point you want to track
You can add as many attributes as needed for comprehensive tracking
Organize Your Attributes
Use the drag handles (⋮⋮ icon) to reorder attributes logically
Group related attributes together for easier management
Consider the order they'll appear in your reports
Key Concepts / Best Practices
Key Concepts / Best Practices
Understanding Secondary Sources
Secondary sources supplement your primary tracking by importing data from external platforms. This creates a unified view of customer interactions across multiple touchpoints, giving you insights that single-source tracking cannot provide.
Report Type Selection Strategy
Platform Reports: Best for social media advertising data (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter)
Analytics Reports: Ideal for website behavior data (Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics)
Spreadsheet: Perfect for custom data exports and manual data entry
E-commerce Reports: Essential for transaction and product data integration
Timezone Best Practices
Always use a consistent timezone across all data sources when possible
Document timezone choices for future reference
Test timestamp alignment after configuration
Field Mapping Excellence
Map only the fields you actually need to avoid data clutter
Use descriptive names that clearly indicate the data's purpose
Maintain consistent naming conventions across all sources
Document your mapping decisions for team reference
Essential Attributes to Track
Most organizations should include these core secondary source attributes:
Campaign identifiers: To track marketing campaign performance
User demographics: For audience segmentation and personalization
Conversion events: To measure success across platforms
Engagement metrics: To understand interaction quality
Revenue data: For ROI and attribution analysis
Performance and Data Quality Tips
Start with one secondary source and validate data accuracy before adding more
Regularly audit your mappings to ensure data flows correctly
Set up data validation checks to catch import errors early
Monitor data freshness and sync frequency
Keep backup configurations documented