Database Sync Process

SupporterBase stays connected to NationBuilder through a series of sync processes. Some updates happen in real-time using webhooks, while others happen on a schedule or require a manual sync.

Real-time vs scheduled updates

Real-time (via NationBuilder webhooks):

Updates to supporter profiles in NationBuilder (like when someone submits a form or edits their profile details) are automatically detected by SupporterBase.

Not real-time:

NationBuilder does not trigger webhooks when tags are added or removed from a profile. To account for this, SupporterBase runs a full sync twice daily to keep all supporter data aligned.

Manual sync for time-sensitive work

If you need supporters added via tags in NationBuilder to appear in your SupporterBase group immediately (for example, before sending a time-sensitive SMS or email), you can trigger a manual sync.

1. Go to your Supporter Group's main profile panel.
2. Click More Actions > Sync supporters from NationBuilder.

Your supporter group's data will be fully up-to-date within minutes.

Engagement level updates

When a supporter's level of engagement changes in SupporterBase, their profile is updated in NationBuilder to match.

1. The tags from their old engagement level are removed.
2. The tags for their new engagement level are applied.
3. NationBuilder confirms the changes.
4. SupporterBase stores the updated profile data.

This keeps NationBuilder and SupporterBase aligned for reporting and filtering.

Data flow overview

SupporterBase and NationBuilder exchange data in the following ways:

Common sync delays

Further reading