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May 13, 2026 1:27 pm

Choosing between standard and custom topics in Agentforce

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Understanding Standard and Custom Topics

Standard topics in Agentforce are pre-built and designed to handle common customer inquiries, such as order tracking or password reset. They are a good starting point for many use cases and can be easily integrated into the Service Agent. On the other hand, custom topics are tailored to an organization’s specific needs and can be used to handle unique or complex customer inquiries.

Why the Choice Matters

The choice between standard and custom topics affects the Service Agent’s ability to understand and respond to customer inquiries. Using the wrong type of topic can lead to incorrect or incomplete responses, which can negatively impact customer satisfaction and loyalty.

The root cause of this issue is the lack of understanding of the differences between standard and custom topics and how they are used in the Service Agent. This lack of understanding can lead to incorrect topic selection, which can have a ripple effect on the overall performance of the Service Agent.

To make the right choice, it is essential to understand the specific requirements of the Service Agent and the types of customer inquiries it will handle. This understanding will help determine whether standard or custom topics are more suitable for the use case.

Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing between Standard and Custom Topics

The following steps can be taken to decide between standard and custom topics:

TopicSelection.js

function selectTopic(inquiry) {
  if (inquiry.type === 'common') {
    return 'standard';
  } else {
    return 'custom';
  }
}

By following these steps and considering the specific requirements of the Service Agent, the right choice can be made between standard and custom topics.

Best Practices and Considerations

When deciding between standard and custom topics, there are several best practices and considerations to keep in mind. These include:

Checklist for Topic Selection

  • Understand the specific requirements of the Service Agent
  • Determine the types of customer inquiries the Service Agent will handle
  • Consider the complexity of the customer inquiries
  • Evaluate the need for customization and flexibility
  • Assess the resources and expertise available for topic development and maintenance

By following these best practices and considerations, the right choice can be made between standard and custom topics, and the Service Agent can be optimized for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are standard topics in Agentforce?

Standard topics in Agentforce are pre-built and designed to handle common customer inquiries.

What are custom topics in Agentforce?

Custom topics in Agentforce are tailored to an organization’s specific needs and can be used to handle unique or complex customer inquiries.

How do I determine which type of topic to use?

The type of topic to use depends on the specific requirements of the Service Agent and the types of customer inquiries it will handle.

Can I use a combination of standard and custom topics?

Yes, it is possible to use a combination of standard and custom topics in the Service Agent.

Genetrix Technology · Salesforce Marketing Cloud Partner

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