Constant Contact Integration

Automatically capture email addresses from captive portal WiFi guests and sync them to your Constant Contact lists for email marketing campaigns, newsletters, and promotional communications.

Overview

The Constant Contact integration enables:

• Automatic subscriber collection from captive portal
• List segmentation based on location or access type
• Marketing campaigns to WiFi guests
• GDPR-compliant opt-in collection
• Contact enrichment with WiFi guest data

Prerequisites

• IronWifi account with captive portal configured
• Constant Contact account (constantcontact.com)
• Constant Contact API access (available on all plans)

Constant Contact Setup

Step 1: Create API Token

1. Log in to Constant Contact
2. Click your profile icon > Account Settings
3. Go to Integrations section
4. Navigate to API Keys or My Applications
5. Click Create New Application or Generate API Key
6. Configure application:
   • Application Name: IronWifi Integration
   • Description: WiFi guest capture
   • Redirect URL: https://console.ironwifi.com/oauth/callback
7. Note your credentials:
   • API Key (or Client ID)
   • API Secret (or Client Secret)

Step 2: Generate Access Token

Option A: OAuth 2.0 (Recommended)

1. Use OAuth flow in IronWifi Console
2. Authorize IronWifi to access Constant Contact
3. Access token generated automatically

Option B: API Key (Legacy)

1. Use API key directly
2. Requires username and password authentication
3. Less secure than OAuth

Step 3: Create Contact Lists

1. In Constant Contact, go to Contacts > Lists
2. Click Create List
3. Configure list:
   • Name: WiFi Guests - [Location]
   • Description: Guests from captive portal
   • Status: Active
4. Note the List ID for IronWifi configuration

Step 4: Create Custom Fields (Optional)

Add custom fields to capture WiFi-specific data:

1. Go to Contacts > Manage Custom Fields
2. Create custom fields:
   • WiFi Location (Text)
   • Visit Date (Date)
   • Visit Count (Number)
   • Access Type (Text)
3. Note field names for mapping

IronWifi Configuration

Step 1: Add Constant Contact Integration

1. Log in to IronWifi Console
2. Navigate to Networks > Captive Portals
3. Select your captive portal
4. Go to Integrations tab
5. Click Add Integration > Constant Contact

Step 2: Configure API Connection

OAuth Method:

1. Click Connect to Constant Contact
2. Sign in with your Constant Contact credentials
3. Authorize IronWifi application
4. Connection established automatically

API Key Method:

1. Enter API Key
2. Enter Username and Password
3. Click Test Connection
4. Verify successful authentication

Step 3: Configure List Settings

Target List:

• Primary List: Select default list for new contacts
• List ID: Enter Constant Contact list ID
• Create Contacts: Enable to add new subscribers

Contact Status:

• Confirmed: Email address confirmed (requires double opt-in)
• Unconfirmed: Pending confirmation
• Active: Immediately active (single opt-in)

Step 4: Field Mapping

Map captive portal fields to Constant Contact fields:

IronWifi Field	Constant Contact Field
Email	Email Address (required)
First Name	First Name
Last Name	Last Name
Phone	Phone Number
Company	Company Name
Location	Custom Field: WiFi Location
Visit Date	Custom Field: Visit Date
MAC Address	Custom Field: Device ID (optional)

Step 5: Subscription Settings

Opt-in Configuration:

• Require explicit consent: Enable checkbox on portal
• Double opt-in: Send confirmation email (recommended for GDPR)
• Single opt-in: Add immediately to list
• Pre-checked consent: Not recommended for GDPR compliance

Unsubscribe Handling:

• Honor existing unsubscribe status
• Don't re-subscribe unsubscribed contacts
• Respect suppression lists

Captive Portal Configuration

Email Collection Form

Update your splash page to collect email consent:

<form method="POST" action="{{auth_url}}">
  <div class="form-group">
    <label for="email">Email Address</label>
    <input type="email"
           id="email"
           name="email"
           placeholder="your@email.com"
           required>
  </div>

  <div class="form-group">
    <label for="first_name">First Name</label>
    <input type="text"
           id="first_name"
           name="first_name"
           placeholder="John">
  </div>

  <div class="form-group">
    <label for="last_name">Last Name</label>
    <input type="text"
           id="last_name"
           name="last_name"
           placeholder="Doe">
  </div>

  <div class="consent-section">
    <label class="checkbox">
      <input type="checkbox"
             name="email_consent"
             id="email_consent"
             value="yes">
      <span>Yes, I'd like to receive email updates and special offers</span>
    </label>

    <small class="privacy-text">
      By checking this box, you agree to receive marketing emails
      from us. You can unsubscribe at any time.
      <a href="/privacy-policy" target="_blank">Privacy Policy</a>
    </small>
  </div>

  <button type="submit" class="btn-primary">Connect to WiFi</button>
</form>

Double Opt-In Implementation

For GDPR-compliant double opt-in:

<div class="consent-section">
  <h3>Stay Connected</h3>
  <p>Get exclusive offers and updates delivered to your inbox.</p>

  <label class="checkbox">
    <input type="checkbox" name="subscribe" id="subscribe">
    <span>
      I agree to receive email communications.
      A confirmation email will be sent to verify my subscription.
    </span>
  </label>

  <small>
    You will receive a confirmation email to complete your subscription.
    You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in our emails.
  </small>
</div>

Data Synchronization

What Gets Synced

When a user authenticates and opts in:

• Email address (required)
• First and last name (if collected)
• Phone number (if collected)
• Custom fields (as mapped)
• List membership
• Source tag (WiFi Portal)

Sync Triggers

Data syncs to Constant Contact:

• On successful WiFi authentication
• When user opts in to marketing
• Based on configured sync rules
• Real-time or batched (configurable)

Sync Frequency

Mode	Description	Best For
Real-time	Immediate sync on authentication	High-value locations
Batched	Every 15/30/60 minutes	High-volume locations
Daily	Once per day	Low-traffic locations

Duplicate Handling

Constant Contact automatically handles duplicates:

• Existing contacts are updated
• New emails are added to list
• Unsubscribed contacts remain unsubscribed
• Bounced emails are not re-added

List Management

Segmentation Strategies

1. Location-Based Segmentation

Create separate lists for different locations:

• WiFi Guests - Downtown Store
• WiFi Guests - Airport Location
• WiFi Guests - Hotel Lobby
• WiFi Guests - Conference Center

2. Tag-Based Segmentation

Use tags to segment within a single list:

• location:downtown
• location:airport
• visitor_type:first_time
• visitor_type:repeat

3. Custom Field Segmentation

Filter by custom fields:

• Visit count > 5 (frequent visitors)
• Last visit within 30 days (recent visitors)
• Specific locations
• Access type (guest, employee, etc.)

List Hygiene

Best Practices:

1. Remove inactive subscribers (no opens in 6+ months)
2. Clean bounced email addresses
3. Honor unsubscribe requests immediately
4. Regularly verify email addresses
5. Remove duplicate entries

Automated Cleanup:

• Enable automatic bounce handling
• Set up re-engagement campaigns
• Remove non-engaged subscribers quarterly
• Monitor deliverability metrics

Email Campaigns

Welcome Campaign

Send automated welcome email to new WiFi guests:

Email 1: Immediate Welcome

Subject: Thanks for connecting at [Location]!

Hi [First Name],

Welcome! Thanks for using our WiFi at [Location].

As a thank you, here's a special offer just for you:
[SPECIAL OFFER]

We hope you enjoyed your visit. Stay connected with us
for more exclusive deals and updates!

Best regards,
[Your Company]

P.S. Reply to this email if you have any questions!

Email 2: 3 Days Later

Subject: We'd love your feedback!

Hi [First Name],

We hope you're enjoying your experience with us!

We'd love to hear your feedback:
[FEEDBACK SURVEY LINK]

Plus, check out what's new:
[PRODUCT/SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS]

See you soon!
[Your Company]

Re-engagement Campaign

Target visitors who haven't returned:

Trigger: Last visit > 30 days ago

Subject: We miss you at [Location]!

Hi [First Name],

It's been a while since we've seen you!

Come back and enjoy:
✓ Special returning guest offer
✓ New menu items / products
✓ Exclusive member perks

[RETURN OFFER BUTTON]

This offer expires in 7 days!

Hope to see you soon,
[Your Company]

Location-Specific Campaigns

Send targeted campaigns based on visit location:

Restaurant Example:

• New menu items
• Happy hour specials
• Event announcements
• Seasonal promotions

Retail Example:

• New product arrivals
• Sales and promotions
• VIP shopping events
• Birthday offers

Hotel Example:

• Return stay discounts
• Loyalty program updates
• Package deals
• Seasonal specials

Automation Features

Autoresponders

Set up automated email sequences:

Day 0: Welcome email with offer Day 3: Feedback request Day 7: Product/service highlights Day 14: Special promotion Day 30: Re-engagement offer

Triggered Emails

Create emails triggered by specific actions:

Triggers:

• First-time WiFi connection
• Repeat visit (5+ times)
• VIP location access
• Long session duration (2+ hours)
• Weekend visit
• Evening visit

Example Triggered Email:

Trigger: 5th WiFi visit

Subject: You're now a VIP!

Hi [First Name],

We've noticed you're a regular! Welcome to our VIP program!

As a thank you, enjoy these exclusive benefits:
✓ 20% off all purchases
✓ Early access to sales
✓ Free WiFi (you're already using it!)
✓ Priority customer service

[ACTIVATE VIP STATUS]

Thanks for your loyalty!

Analytics and Reporting

Constant Contact Metrics

Track performance in Constant Contact:

Email Performance:

• Open rate
• Click-through rate
• Bounce rate
• Unsubscribe rate
• Forwards/shares

List Growth:

• New subscribers from WiFi
• List growth rate
• Subscriber sources
• Active vs. inactive contacts

Campaign ROI:

• Revenue generated
• Conversions
• Cost per acquisition
• Return on investment

IronWifi Metrics

Monitor in IronWifi Console:

Collection Metrics:

• Emails collected per day/week/month
• Opt-in rate (% of users who consent)
• Sync success/failure rate
• Duplicate contact rate

Visitor Insights:

• Total unique visitors
• Return visitor rate
• Average session duration
• Peak visit times

Combined Reporting

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

1. WiFi → Email Conversion: % of WiFi users who subscribe
2. Email → Revenue: Sales attributed to email campaigns
3. Subscriber Lifetime Value: Revenue per WiFi subscriber
4. Re-visit Rate: % of email subscribers who return
5. Campaign Engagement: Opens/clicks from WiFi subscribers

Troubleshooting

Contacts Not Syncing

Check:

1. Verify API connection is active
2. Confirm API credentials are correct
3. Check list ID is valid
4. Review opt-in consent settings
5. Check IronWifi sync logs for errors
6. Verify email addresses are valid format

Common Issues:

• Invalid API token (re-authenticate)
• List full or inactive
• Duplicate email handling enabled
• Contact already unsubscribed
• Rate limiting by Constant Contact

Sync Errors

Error: "Invalid Email Address"

• Validate email format on portal form
• Enable client-side validation
• Sanitize input before sending

Error: "Contact Already Exists"

• Enable "Update Existing" setting
• Check duplicate handling configuration
• Verify list membership rules

Error: "List Not Found"

• Verify list ID is correct
• Check list is active
• Ensure list hasn't been deleted

Error: "API Rate Limit Exceeded"

• Switch to batched sync mode
• Increase batch interval
• Contact Constant Contact support for limits

Low Opt-In Rates

Improve opt-in rates:

1. Clear Value Proposition

   • Explain benefits clearly
   • Offer immediate incentive
   • Show example emails

2. Simplified Form

   • Minimize required fields
   • One-click opt-in
   • Mobile-friendly design

3. Trust Signals

   • Privacy policy link
   • Unsubscribe info
   • No spam promise
   • Professional design

4. Timing

   • Ask after successful connection
   • Don't block WiFi access
   • Optional, not required

5. Testing

   • A/B test messaging
   • Try different incentives
   • Test form placement
   • Monitor conversion rates

Deliverability Issues

Improve email deliverability:

1. List Quality

   • Remove inactive subscribers
   • Clean bounced addresses
   • Verify email addresses
   • Use double opt-in

2. Content Best Practices

   • Avoid spam trigger words
   • Include physical address
   • Clear unsubscribe link
   • Professional formatting

3. Authentication

   • Set up SPF record
   • Configure DKIM
   • Enable DMARC
   • Verify sender domain

4. Engagement

   • Send consistently
   • Segment for relevance
   • Monitor open rates
   • Re-engage inactive subscribers

GDPR Compliance

Requirements

Under GDPR, you must:

1. Explicit Consent: Clear opt-in checkbox (not pre-checked)
2. Purpose Statement: Explain why collecting email
3. Data Access: Allow users to request their data
4. Right to Erasure: Process deletion requests
5. Data Portability: Provide data in machine-readable format
6. Breach Notification: Report data breaches within 72 hours

Implementation

Consent Collection:

<div class="gdpr-consent">
  <label class="checkbox">
    <input type="checkbox" name="marketing_consent" id="marketing_consent">
    <span>
      I consent to receiving marketing emails from [Company Name].
      I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.
    </span>
  </label>

  <small>
    We will use your email address to send you promotional offers
    and updates. View our <a href="/privacy">Privacy Policy</a>
    to learn how we protect your data.
  </small>
</div>

Privacy Policy Elements:

• What data is collected
• How data is used
• How long data is stored
• Third parties with access (Constant Contact)
• User rights (access, deletion, portability)
• Contact information for data requests

Constant Contact GDPR Tools

Built-in Features:

• GDPR-compliant signup forms
• Consent tracking
• Data export functionality
• One-click unsubscribe
• Automatic suppression lists

Configuration:

1. Enable GDPR features in Constant Contact
2. Use double opt-in for EU visitors
3. Include required disclosures
4. Honor deletion requests
5. Maintain consent records

Integration Best Practices

1. Start Simple

• Begin with basic email collection
• Add one list to start
• Test with small volume
• Expand gradually

2. Segment Early

• Create location-based lists from day one
• Use tags for additional segmentation
• Plan list structure before scaling
• Avoid over-segmentation initially

3. Test Thoroughly

• Test opt-in flow
• Verify email delivery
• Check field mapping
• Monitor sync success
• Test unsubscribe process

4. Monitor Performance

• Track opt-in rates
• Review sync errors
• Monitor email metrics
• Analyze campaign ROI
• Regular reporting

5. Maintain Compliance

• Keep privacy policy updated
• Honor opt-out requests
• Secure API credentials
• Regular compliance audits
• Document procedures

6. Optimize Continuously

• A/B test messaging
• Improve email content
• Refine segmentation
• Clean lists regularly
• Update automation

Use Cases by Industry

Restaurants & Cafes

Strategy:

• Collect emails during dine-in
• Send weekly specials
• Promote happy hour
• Share new menu items
• Offer birthday rewards

Campaign Ideas:

• "Free Appetizer on Your Next Visit"
• "This Week's Chef Specials"
• "Join Our Loyalty Program"

Retail Stores

Strategy:

• Capture in-store shoppers
• Send product announcements
• Promote sales events
• VIP early access
• Style guides & trends

Campaign Ideas:

• "Exclusive In-Store Discount"
• "New Arrivals Just for You"
• "Flash Sale - 24 Hours Only"

Hotels & Resorts

Strategy:

• Welcome emails on check-in
• Post-stay follow-up
• Return visit offers
• Loyalty program info
• Event calendars

Campaign Ideas:

• "Thanks for Staying With Us"
• "Come Back Soon - 20% Off"
• "Exclusive Member Benefits"

Coffee Shops

Strategy:

• Daily visitor capture
• Loyalty program promotion
• New drink announcements
• Seasonal specials
• Community events

Campaign Ideas:

• "Free Coffee on Your 5th Visit"
• "Try Our New Fall Menu"
• "Meet the Roaster - Saturday Event"

Shopping Malls

Strategy:

• Shopper data capture
• Store directory updates
• Event announcements
• Tenant promotions
• VIP shopping nights

Campaign Ideas:

• "This Weekend at [Mall Name]"
• "Shop Local Saturday"
• "New Stores Now Open"

Cost Considerations

Constant Contact Pricing

Plan	Contacts	Monthly Cost	Features
Email	Up to 500	~$12/mo	Email campaigns, automation
Email	Up to 2,500	~$35/mo	All email features
Email Plus	Up to 10,000	~$80/mo	+Advanced features, surveys

Notes:

• Pricing scales with contact count
• Free trial available
• Annual billing discount
• Nonprofit pricing available

IronWifi Integration

• Integration included in standard plans
• No additional fees for Constant Contact sync
• API calls covered in standard quota
• Volume discounts for high traffic

ROI Calculation

Example:

• WiFi visitors per month: 10,000
• Opt-in rate: 20% = 2,000 new subscribers
• Email campaign conversion: 2% = 40 customers
• Average order value: $50 = $2,000 revenue
• Monthly cost: ~$35 (Constant Contact)
• ROI: 5,614%

Support Resources

Constant Contact Resources

• Constant Contact Help Center
• API Documentation
• Community Forum
• Video Tutorials
• Constant Contact Support: 1-866-876-8464

IronWifi Resources

• Captive Portal Configuration
• Authentication Providers
• GDPR Compliance
• IronWifi Support: support@ironwifi.com

Related Documentation

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• HubSpot Integration
• Salesforce Integration
• SendGrid Integration
• Captive Portal Setup
• Portal Pages