In short
- Native lead conversion mapping only connects fields of matching types, and it does not move every related record.
- A custom button runs a Deluge function that creates the deal on the layout you choose.
- Copy the lead created date into an Original Created Date/Time field, because the system Created Time cannot be set.
- Copy custom fields like Approved to SMS, notes and attachments, and point related SMS records at the new deal.
- Hide the native Convert button for everyone except admins, so every conversion goes through the same function.
Why a custom Zoho CRM convert lead to deal button
Lead conversion is the handoff from intake to the team that closes the deal. Anything lost at that step has to be found or typed again.
- Fields with no matching field type on the Deal cannot be mapped in the conversion mapping screen.
- The deal lands on the default layout, not the one your team works in.
- The new deal gets a new Created Time, so reports lose the date the lead first came in.
- Custom module records, like SMS messages linked to the lead, stay on the lead.
A custom button fixes all four in one place.
2. Write the Deluge conversion function
Read the lead
Get the full lead record, with every field you need to carry over.
Check before you convert
Stop with a clear message if a required field is empty, so the user fixes it on the lead first.
Create the contact and account
Use the contact and account you already have when they match, so conversion does not create duplicates.
Create the deal on the right layout
Set the Layout on the new deal to the layout your team uses, and fill the stage, owner and name the way you want them.
Copy the original created date
Write the lead Created Time into an Original Created Date/Time field on the deal and contact. Reports use that field for the first-touch date.
Mark the lead converted
Link the lead to the new records and set its status, so it leaves the open lead views.
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3. Copy every field and related record
This is the part the conversion mapping screen cannot do.
- Approved to SMS: copy the opt-in to the contact, so the Send SMS widget keeps working after conversion.
- Insurance details and card images: copy the fields and the files, so the team working the deal has them.
- Notes: copy the lead notes to the deal, so the history is in one place.
- Fields that conversion mapping cannot connect, like ones with a different field type on each side: convert the value in the function and write it.
Then update the related SMS records. Each one has a lookup to the lead; point it at the new deal and contact, so the full text conversation shows on the deal.
4. Test the conversion end to end
- Convert a test lead with every field filled and every related record type attached.
- Check the deal layout, the original created date, each copied field and each SMS record.
- Convert a lead whose contact already exists, and check that no duplicate is made.
- Send a text from the new deal to confirm the opt-in came across.
Want a conversion button built for your Zoho CRM? Book a free call and we will list the fields and records your team needs on the deal.
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