How to Access SFTP in Salesforce Marketing Cloud

1. Log in to Salesforce Marketing Cloud.
2. Navigate to Setup (top-right corner).
3. Under Data Management, select SFTP Accounts.
4. Locate your account’s SFTP Host, Username, and Port details.
5. Use any SFTP client (like FileZilla or WinSCP) to connect using those credentials.

Example connection details:

Host: yoursubdomain.exacttarget.com 

Port: 22 Username: MID123456 Password: ********     

Folder Structure in SFMC SFTP

When you connect to your SFMC SFTP, you’ll typically see the following folders:

• Import: Place incoming files here for data imports into SFMC.
• Export: Exported data files will be saved here.
• Reports: Contains generated reports from SFMC.
• Safehouse: A temporary internal storage area accessible within SFMC but not externally.

How to Use SFTP with Automation Studio

SFTP is a key component in Automation Studio workflows. You can:

• Use the File Import Activity to load data from SFTP into a Data Extension.
• Use the File Transfer Activity to decrypt, unzip, or move files within SFTP folders.
• Combine these with other activities like SQL Query or Send Email for complete automation workflows.

For example, a common automation setup:

1. Place a CSV file in the Import folder.
2. Use a File Transfer Activity to move and decrypt the file.
3. Run a File Import Activity to load data into a Data Extension.
4. Trigger an Email Send based on that data.

Best Practices for SFTP in SFMC

• Always use Port 22 for secure SFTP connections.
• Use PGP encryption for sensitive data files.
• Set up automated cleanup tasks to avoid SFTP storage limits.
• Do not share credentials publicly or with untrusted users.
• Monitor SFTP file activity to ensure no unauthorized uploads or downloads.

Common Use Cases of SFTP in SFMC

• Data Import: Upload CSV files from your CRM or external systems into SFMC Data Extensions.
• Data Export: Export tracking data or audience segments to your data warehouse.
• File Automation: Set up automated daily imports/exports using Automation Studio.
• Third-Party Integration: Connect SFMC with external analytics or personalization tools via SFTP.