Avoiding Pitfalls and Ensuring Accuracy while Extracting Using Bulk APIs
Bulk APIs are the way to go when dealing with large-scale data extraction. Unlike regular APIs, which are suitable for low-volume data, Bulk APIs allow for high-performance import and export operations—critical for retrieving historical data, performing large-scale reporting, and migrating datasets.
Key Considerations for Bulk Data Exports
Use Timestamp Watermarks (startAt & endAt): Always apply the correct startAt and endAt timestamps in your API calls. This prevents you from extracting duplicate data, which could unnecessarily deplete your data limits.
Plan for the First Download: The initial data pull will likely be the largest, potentially consuming your entire Bulk API quota for the day. However, subsequent updates—if managed correctly—should fit within your daily limit.
Incremental Data Extraction: After the first download, focus on retrieving only new or updated records to optimize performance and avoid redundant data pulls.
The Unique Challenge of Web Activity Data
Unlike other data types, web activity data in Marketo is not static—you can’t simply extract it once per day and assume completeness.
Why?
Web activity logs are backdated when a user's Munchkin session transitions from anonymous to known. This means if you only extract web activity once per day, you will miss some data.
How to Fix This?
A proper web activity export always checks back several days to reconcile backdated events. Some best practices include:
Running a rolling extraction window that looks back a set number of days to capture retroactive updates.
Performing a monthly reconciliation using a Smart List to ensure all activity data aligns with what’s in Marketo.
If you don’t do this, data extracted won’t match what’s in Marketo, leading to inaccurate analysis and reporting.
TL;DR;
Bulk APIs are powerful, but using them correctly is crucial to avoid missing data and wasting resources. While timestamp watermarks help prevent duplication, understanding the nuances of web activity tracking ensures your data extraction strategy is truly comprehensive. Always account for backdated web activities—otherwise, you risk incomplete datasets and misleading insights.
Happy Marketo’ing! 💜
Very helpful share Sire 👏✨ Thanks a lot.