> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.blings.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.blings.io/app/integrations-crm-guides/general-integration-concepts.md).

# General Integration Concepts

## Embed Options: Video Link vs Visual Placeholder

| Method                               | Where to add in your CRM | How-to                                                                                                             |
| ------------------------------------ | ------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Video Link (URL)**                 | Button/Image link field  | Copy the PURL from Blings and paste it into the link/URL setting of your email component.                          |
| **Visual Placeholder (HTML banner)** | HTML/Code content block  | In Blings, click **Copy HTML**. In your CRM’s email editor, drag in an HTML (or Code) block and paste the snippet. |

## Test Your CRM Integration

<details>

<summary>Test your CRM integration</summary>

* Send to at least two contacts with/without first name.
* Click-through opens video with correct data.
* Analytics event logs viewer’s email/ID.
* Mobile and desktop rendering verified.

</details>

## Link-Tracking & UTM Best Practices

Use UTM parameters to measure video link performance:

```markdown
https://app.blings.io/xyz/embed?name={{ contact.firstname }}&utm_source=hubspot&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=onboarding
```

* Set **utm\_source** to the CRM or tool.
* Set **utm\_medium** to email, push, etc.
* Set **utm\_campaign** to match your internal campaign name.
* Track results in Google Analytics or your BI tool.

## Merge‑Tag Quick‑Reference Table

| Platform       | First‑Name Syntax         | Notes                               |
| -------------- | ------------------------- | ----------------------------------- |
| HubSpot        | `{{ contact.firstname }}` | Supports default values             |
| SFMC           | `%%FirstName%%`           | Works in Email Studio & CloudPages  |
| Klaviyo        | `{{ first_name }}`        | Filters: `default:''`, `url_encode` |
| Braze          | `{{${first_name}}}`       | Liquid subset                       |
| Iterable       | `{{recipient.firstName}}` | Case‑sensitive                      |
| ActiveCampaign | `%FIRSTNAME%`             | Use Personalize → First Name        |
| Mailchimp      | \`\*                      | FNAME                               |
| Marketo        | `{{lead.First Name}}`     | Add `:default=` filter              |
| Zoho           | `${Contacts.First Name}`  | Type `#` to insert                  |
| Pipedrive      | `{{Person First Name}}`   | Insert field button                 |

{% hint style="info" %}
Use URL‑safe encoding on text variables that may contain spaces; most CRMs offer a `url_encode` filter or equivalent.
{% endhint %}