Triggers and actions: Using the Update Subscription node

The Update Subscription node lets you automatically change a subscriber’s status or update their custom fields as part of an automation. This is useful for a variety of scenarios — like tracking subscribers from specific sources, adjusting custom fields based on behavior, or updating status based on engagement.

How to use the Update Subscription node in an automation

1. From your account dashboard, go to Audience > Automations, then either create a new automation or open an existing workflow.
   
   
2. On the workflow canvas, locate the Actions panel on the left. If it's collapsed, click the arrow icon to expand it. Select Update Subscription from the action options, then drag and drop it beneath a trigger or another step in the workflow.
   
   Alternatively, you can also click on any + icon in the workflow and select Update Subscription from the dropdown menu.
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. After placing the node, click the Configure step icon in the top-right corner of the Update Subscription node.
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. In the left panel that opens, configure the node settings:
   
   
   

Update Subscription node settings

• Keep or transition subscription status to: Select whether the subscriber should remain Active or be changed to Inactive.
  
  
• Keep or update custom fields to: Click on Add Custom Field to choose from your existing custom fields. You can include multiple custom fields or just one.
  • Use the dropdown on the left to select the field, then enter any field-specific details on the right.
• Create a new custom field: You can also click Manage Custom Fields to create a new custom field to use. 
  
  
• Apply the following subscriber tags: Click into the Select tags field to apply a tag to subscribers when they pass through this step.
  • You can also click Manage Subscriber Tags to create a new subscriber tag to use.
• Add conditions (optional): Under Step Conditions, click Add Conditions to set criteria that must be met for this node to apply.
  
  
  
• When done adding conditions, click Back to return to the main panel.

5. Review your selections, then click Save in the bottom-right corner of the panel.
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Once saved, the Update Subscription node will be visible in your workflow. To activate it, click the Configure step icon in the top-right corner of the node to reopen the panel.
   
   
   
   
   
   
7. At the top of the left panel, toggle on Activate so it turns pink.
   
   
   
   
   
   
8. A confirmation message will appear. Click Confirm to proceed. This means subscribers will begin flowing through this step once the automation is live.
   
   
   
   
   
   
9. After confirming, the node will appear in color on the workflow canvas, indicating it’s active. To finalize, click Save again. Or click the Delete icon if you want to remove the node.
   
   
   
   
   
   
10. Once activated, the node will change to color in your workflow, and the full automation will be live once the initial trigger is activated.