Data sources for personalized message content
How to choose the data source a message needs, from data graphs and events to activations, Apex classes, content variables, Salesforce records, offers and recommenders, plus channel limits and what happens when a source changes.
Given a scenario, determine the appropriate data source to add personalized customer data to messaging content.
~6 min read · 18 practice questions ·
What the exam expects
- Match a requirement to a data source by where the data lives and how it reaches the message.
- Apply each source's limits, exclusions and channel availability.
- Explain what blocks replacing a source or data graph, and how to change one safely.
- Recognize built-in values such as the preference center URL.
- Know where Apex fits: basic data providers for high-throughput transactional sending, not extensive Apex development.
Key terms. Data source: an object or element whose fields are available to merge fields, expressions, repeaters and dynamic content. Default data graph: the profile data graph set up for marketing content. Lookup data graph: non-profile Data 360 data filtered by a primary key. Content variable: a placeholder that Flow fills at run time. Apex class data source: an Apex-defined structure that a flow passes to content.
Key facts
- Detail
- 1
- Detail
- 1, and never alongside an event
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- 1
- Detail
- 2 on the live page; no nesting
- Detail
- Up to 5
- Detail
- Advanced with Personalization Decision Credits
- Detail
- Data graph, event, recommender
- Detail
- Variations or a recommender source
- Detail
- Default only, absent from the panel
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- Use the same graph for both; real-time is recommended for page response performance
- Detail
{!$link.PreferenceCenterUrl}
- When several providers are listed, how can you recognize the default graph?
- Where can a content editor view, add and manage providers?
- Why can't a WhatsApp message use an Apex class data source?
- Which built-in value prints the sender's physical address?
The questions are free to read. Answers with their sources and self-grading are included with the pack.
Keep reading with the Marketing Cloud Next Consultant pack
- Core concepts
- Exam traps
- Worked scenario
The pack includes:
- All 24 lessons of the Marketing Cloud Next Consultant guide, with reading progress
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