Data Append Services

What is a Data Append?

A data append is the process of adding missing information to existing records within a database.

This involves matching records from an external data source to the corresponding entries in your database to fill in gaps such as email addresses, phone numbers, or demographic details.

Why is a Data Append Necessary?

Data appends are necessary because they supplement existing records with details like contact information, purchasing behaviors, and demographic data, which make customer profiles more up-to-date and complete.

This enriched customer profiling allows businesses to segment their audience more accurately, leading to more effective marketing.

Additionally, data appends reduce manual data entry tasks, which ultimately saves you time and money.

How do Data Appends Work?

Data appends work by uploading your records, which matches and merges them with entries from a third-party database. You can then selectively choose the supplementary data fields you need, such as contact details, demographics, or behavioral data. This appended data is then added to your original records.

However, data appending is just one component of a larger marketing strategy.

Before appending, you must carefully plan which data points are required and how they will be leveraged to help with your marketing efforts.

How Often Should You Update Your Database?

The frequency of database updates depends on your industry and how quickly your customer data changes. As a general rule, you should update your database at least quarterly to maintain accuracy.

For industries with high customer turnover or frequent address changes, monthly updates may be more appropriate to ensure your data remains current and actionable.

What’s the Difference Between a Regular Append and a Reverse Append?

A regular append adds missing information (like email or phone) to existing customer records when you already have basic information like name and address.

A reverse append works in the opposite direction — it identifies the name and postal address of a customer when you only have their email address or phone number. This is particularly useful for digital-first businesses looking to expand into direct mail marketing.