Klaviyo API

Klaviyo API

By Abhishek Kumar
5 min read
Discover Klaviyo's developer documentation for APIs, SDKs, authentication methods, and more. Integrate Klaviyo API.

Table of Contents

A business can use the robust features offered by the Klaviyo API to optimize its data integration and marketing automation efforts. The Klaviyo API is built on RESTful architecture and uses JSON for transferring the data—offering you a straight and secure way to communicate between clients and servers. 

If you want to learn more about Klaviyo API documentation and how it works, then this article will give you a detailed rundown. 

In this article, we will explore deeper insights on Klaviyo API, its authentication methods, endpoints, SDKs, and alternatives so that it is easier for you to begin your integrations with a scalable solution for marketing automation. 

We will also discuss error handling methods, security measures, rate limitations within the API, and the best practices to follow for a seamless integration experience. 

Authentication 

Klaviyo API utilizes three methods of authentication to secure your requests. These methods are essential for accessing the API in a secure way.

  • Private Key Authentication: API/endpoints— ensuring you generate and use the private key for your requests. 
  • Public Key Authentication: In this authentication, you need a public API key, which will be your 6-character company or site ID. This is the most straightforward method and is specific to client-facing endpoints. 
  • OAuth Authentication: This method is highly recommended for tech companies integrating their apps with Klaviyo. It can be used for more complex integrations and gives better security as compared to private keys. 

Endpoints 

The Klaviyo API gives you a variety of key endpoints within the Klaviyo app— offering you to perform several different tasks in your account. Some of these endpoints include: 

  • Profiles Endpoint: Allows you to manage profiles and their parameters. 
  • Events Endpoint: Allows you to track and access events such as email opens and purchases. 
  • Lists & Segments Endpoint: You can manage your contact lists and segments through targeted marketing within this endpoint. 
  • Campaigns Endpoint: You can create, update, and send email campaigns with the help of this Campaign endpoint. 
  • Metrics Endpoint: Allows you to easily access performance data and metrics like open rates and click-through rates. 

Request and Response 

With RESTful infrastructure along with JSON format, the Klaviyo API ensures data security during its transmission for requests and responses. 

To request, you can use standard HTTPS methods such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE to communicate with different endpoints. 

In case of unsuccessful requests, JSON responses provide the requested data and error messages— giving you a structured experience to handle API interactions. 

Error Handling 

Like many other common APIs, Klaviyo also uses specific error methods for its API to manage and debug the integrations. 

Typically, the API follows these practices. 

Error Codes: The API returns HTTPS status codes to indicate the success or failure of an API request. 

  • 400 Bad Request: Indicates missing or incorrect syntax in your requests.
  • 401 Unauthorized: Due to invalid API keys or missing credentials.
  • 403 Forbidden: Indicates denied access to the request due to insufficient permission. 
  • 404 Not Found: The requested endpoint or resource simply does not exist. 

Error Messages: The Klaviyo also provides you with error messages with these error codes to let you know what went wrong, making it easier to troubleshoot quickly.

Rate Limiting 

Klaviyo limits you from accessing requests by enforcing certain restrictions on its API. This ensures fairness and stability while using the platform. 

Klaviyo’s rate limits vary by endpoint, and each endpoint is categorized into different rate limit tiers:

  • XS: Allows you up to 1 request per second (burst) and 15 requests per minute (steady).
  • S: Allows you up to 3 requests per second (burst) and 60 requests per minute (steady).
  • M: Allows you up to 10 requests per second (burst) and 150 requests per minute (steady).
  • L: Allows you up to 75 requests per second (burst) and 700 requests per minute (steady).
  • XL: Allows you up to 350 requests per second (burst) and 3,500 requests per minute (steady).

For more detailed rate limits for each endpoint, you can refer to Klaviyo’s API reference. 

Pagination 

Cursor-based pagination is used by Klaviyo API to manage the number of records returned in a single response when dealing with large and complex databases. 

By incorporating parameters like page, count, and sort in your requests, you can easily navigate through data without overloading your integration. 

Versioning 

Each endpoint URL contains a version number (e.g., /v2/), which indicates suitability as the API evolves—allowing you to manage changes and the stability of the API. 

You can always refer to the latest version documentation of Klaviyo API to keep your integrations up-to-date. 

Security 

Key security measures that Klaviyo empowers within its API include: 

  • Regular rotation of API keys and limiting access to only important endpoints. 
  • Using HTTPS for all requests to protect data during transmission. 
  • Monitor rate limits to avoid temporary blocks and potential security reviews from Klaviyo. 

SDKs and Libraries 

Klaviyo offers SDKs and Libraries to simplify integrations along with multiple programming languages. You can use these SDKs to significantly reduce the complexity of API requests and to make your integrations simple and easier. 

  • Python SDK: Ideal for data analytics, automation, and server-side applications. 
  • JavaScript SDK: For client-side tracking and integrating web applications. 
  • PHP SDK: For backend integrations, including server-to-server interactions. 

Technologies 

The API from Klaviyo makes use of modern technology to ensure scalability and reliable performance.

  • RESTful Architecture: Klaviyo's API employs REST (Representational State Transfer), which makes it simple for clients and servers to communicate via common HTTP techniques.
  • JSON Format: JSON is the standard format for all data exchanges in web APIs. It is straightforward and easy to understand.
  • HTTPS Protocol: The HTTPS protocol ensures encrypted communication and data integrity throughout data transmission between your application and Klaviyo's servers.

Alternatives 

There are so many alternatives to Klaviyo that exist in the market right now— offering unique features, pricing models, and levels of complexity. Here are some key options to consider: 

  • Mailchimp: Known for its user-friendly interface and robust email marketing features, Mailchimp provides API functions that allow you to integrate seamlessly with other platforms. It is a great choice for those seeking straightforward email automation and customer segmentation.
  • HubSpot: HubSpot’s Marketing Hub provides APIs that cater to broader CRM needs beyond email marketing. With extensive documentation and support, it is ideal for all-in-one business solutions with deeper analytics— giving you strong customer management features within your integrations. 
  • SendGrid: SendGrid generally focuses on email managing and marketing, offering APIs that ensure reliable and scalable email solutions. It is suitable for you if your main goal is to prioritize email performance and analytics.
  • ActiveCampaign: This platform provides marketing automation, sales automation, and CRM features. ActiveCampaign’s API is suitable for those users who are in search of a flexible and customizable alternative that deeply integrates with customer journeys.

Best Practices 

To ensure effectiveness in your integration with Klaviyo API, you should focus on these best practices to avoid disruptions. 

  • Make sure to regularly update and review your security protocols.
  • Try to avoid reductant requests and optimize your queries for more efficiency. 
  • Stay updated with API documentation to track and update your integrations accordingly.
  • Implement caching for frequently requested data to minimize API calls.

To Conclude 

You can easily look for useful data insights and optimize your marketing operations by integrating with the Klaviyo API. 

Although Klaviyo gives you a large feature set, there are a number of benefits to exploring alternatives like Cobalt. Cobalt differentiates itself with its improved security standards, cheap integration solutions, and easy-to-manage integrations with a single API. 

By selecting Cobalt, you can take your integration experience to a whole new level—reducing complex tasks and focusing on your main products. 

See how Cobalt's unified API can change your integration strategy and learn about its unique advantages. To find out more and get going right now, go to the Cobalt website!

Last Update: September 04, 2024