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How to Create a Listbuilding API Key – Secure & Easy Integration

Setting up an API key in KlickTipp is quick and straightforward. API keys are essential for connecting third-party providers to your KlickTipp account. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to create one step-by-step so you can start integrating with ease.

The Listbuilding API is a simplified, purpose-built subset of the KlickTipp API. It is designed for easy contact subscription scenarios and does not expose the full Management API feature set.


Subscription of Contacts

Each Listbuilding API Key is permanently linked to exactly one tag. This tag defines the entire behavior of the subscription.

All API actions always apply to the contact in relation to this tag:

  • contacts are added or updated with this tag
  • the tag can be removed
  • or the contact can be unsubscribed entirely
ActionDescription
SigninCreates or updates a contact and associates the tag linked to the API key.
SignoutRemoves the tag of a contact associated with the API key.
SignoffUnsubscribes a contact via the API key and prevents further communication.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Creating an API Key in KlickTipp

  1. Go to List Building → New List Building.
  2. Select the Entry via API Key button.
  3. Assign a name to your list building.
  4. Choose an opt-in process.
  5. (Optional) Add a manual tag under Additional Tagging.
  6. Copy the generated API key to your clipboard.
  7. Click Save.

From this point on, the API key fully defines:

  • the opt-in process
  • the assigned tag
  • the subscription behavior

Now your API key is ready! Use it to integrate with your preferred third-party provider and start connecting seamlessly.

Subscribe a Contact via API Key

Once the API key is created, you can immediately use it to send API requests to KlickTipp via the Signin function of the Listbuilding API.

View full API reference

Example Request

curl -X POST \
  https://api.klicktipp.com/subscriber/signin \
  -H 'Content-Type: application/json' \
  -d '{
    "apikey": "{{API_KEY}}",
    "email": "alex.example@klicktipp.example",
    "fields": {
      "fieldFirstName": "Alex",
      "fieldLastName": "Example",
    }
  }'

Data field types and Inputs

When submitting contact data via the Listbuilding API, values must match the field type and key defined in the account. The Listbuidling API does not provide endpoints to retrieve field data.

Data field typeInput
LineText in one line
ParagraphText with paragraphs
E-mailOnly e-mail addresses, @ sign required
NumberWhole numbers without decimal point, sign, or other content
Decimal numberNumbers with decimal places
URLWeb address must begin with http:// or https://
TimeDisplayed as HH:MM (Unix timestamp required via API)
DateDisplayed as DD.MM.YYYY (Unix timestamp required via API)
Date & timeDisplayed as DD.MM.YYYY HH:MM:SS (Unix timestamp required via API)
HTMLAny HTML code

Error Handling

The Listbuilding API uses the same error codes as the Management API, limited to subscription-related scenarios.

HTTP StatusError CodeDescription
4064The email address is unsubscribed. You cannot re-subscribe an email address if the contact has unsubscribed.
4065Invalid email address.
4066There was an error sending the confirmation email.
4067Email address not found.
4068Invalid value in custom field. The provided value is not valid for the field type.
4069The SMS number is already assigned to another contact. If you subscribe an email address and add a phone number, it must be unique.
40610Update of contact failed.
40611Invalid phone number.
40612Internal error.
40630The email address is blocked and cannot be used for subscription.
40631SmartTags are only assigned by the system.
40632You must specify either an email address or an SMS number.
406401Contact not found.
406402Opt-in process not found.
406403Tag not found.
406507You tried to add an email address to a contact that is already assigned to another contact.
406defaultSomething went wrong. Please try again later. Error: ${error}

When to use the Management API instead?

Use the Management API if you need:

  • dynamic tag selection
  • opt-in process selection
  • contact search or updates without tagging
  • advanced automation control

Summary

The Listbuilding API is designed for simple and reliable contact subscription flows.

It provides a lightweight integration approach that requires no complex authentication, no metadata lookups, and no dynamic configuration. A single Listbuilding API Key fully defines the subscription behavior, including the opt-in process and the associated tag.

This makes the Listbuilding API ideal for forms, landing pages, and external tools that need a fast and secure way to add or update contacts in KlickTipp without implementing the full Management API.

Remember that API access requires a Premium plan or higher. If you’re not on the appropriate plan, you’ll need to upgrade to unlock this feature.