Overview

This article explains how to send a manual batch campaign in Marketo by using a webhook through a triggered campaign request.

This setup is useful when you want to review and control your audience selection in Marketo before sending recipients into a Reachdesk campaign. Since Marketo doesn't allow webhooks to be called directly from a batch campaign flow, we use a "handler" triggered campaign to bridge the gap.

Before You Start

You’ll need to complete these administrative steps before building your campaigns:

1. Identify your Reachdesk UUID: In the Reachdesk platform, go to Campaigns, select your campaign, and click the Integrations section. Copy the Campaign UUID.

2. Create a Custom Field in Marketo: In Marketo Admin, create a new custom field (Field Type: Text) named Reachdesk Campaign UUID.

3. Configure the Reachdesk Webhook: In Marketo Admin > Webhooks, create your webhook using the URL and Template provided.

   • Critical: Ensure the payload template in Marketo references your new custom field, for example: "campaign_uuid": {{lead.Reachdesk Campaign UUID}}.

Part 1: Create the Triggered "Handler" Campaign

This campaign acts as the engine that actually talks to Reachdesk.

Step 1: Define the Trigger

1. Create a new Smart Campaign in Marketo.

2. In the Smart List tab, add the relevant triggers.

Step 2: Add the Webhook to the Flow

1. In the Flow tab, add a Call Webhook step.

2. Select the Reachdesk Webhook you configured in the "Before You Start" section.

3. In the Schedule tab, activate the campaign.

Part 2: Create the Batch Campaign

This is where you'll manage your audience and initiate the send.

Step 3: Build the Smart List

Create your Smart List using your desired Marketo filters. This allows you to review the list of people who will receive the gift before any action is taken.

Step 4: Configure the Flow

In the Flow tab, add the following two steps:

1. Change Data Value:

   • Attribute: Reachdesk Campaign UUID

   • New Value: [Paste your Reachdesk Campaign UUID here]

2. Request Campaign:

   • Campaign: Select the Handler triggered campaign you created in Part 1.

Result

When you run your batch campaign, Marketo will first stamp the correct Reachdesk UUID onto the lead records and then "request" the triggered campaign. The triggered campaign will then fire the webhook to Reachdesk, using the UUID stored in that custom field to ensure the right gift is sent to the right person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I just call the webhook in the batch campaign? 

Marketo’s architecture prevents webhooks from firing in batch flows to protect system performance. Using the "Request Campaign" method is the standard workaround.

Can I use this for multiple Reachdesk campaigns? 

Yes. Since the webhook uses a lead token ({{lead.Reachdesk Campaign UUID}}), you can reuse the same "Handler" campaign for different batch sends. Just make sure your batch campaign’s "Change Data Value" step uses the specific UUID for the campaign you want to trigger.

What if the send fails? 

Check the Webhooks log in Marketo Admin or the Activity Log on an individual lead record. If you see an error, verify that the UUID in the lead record matches the UUID in Reachdesk exactly.