Editing Create site messages (section)

== Create site messages for your contacts ==

=== Introduction ===
Site messages are a powerful feature of ActiveCampaign that allows you to create and send personalized notifications that appear directly on your website. These messages play a crucial role in engaging your contacts at the right moment throughout their journey. By leveraging site messages, businesses can deliver timely information, promotions, or announcements directly to users, enhancing their overall experience.

This article provides detailed instructions on how to create site messages for your contacts, discusses configuration options, and highlights best practices for optimal engagement.

=== How to Access This Feature ===
To access the site messaging feature, ensure you have an ActiveCampaign account with the necessary plan. This feature is available on the Plus, Pro, and Enterprise plans. Additionally, you must have the '''Site Tracking''' feature enabled and whitelist your website on the Website > Tracking page in your ActiveCampaign account. 

For more information on Site Tracking, you can refer to our articles on [https://help.activecampaign.com/hc/en-us/articles/221542267 Overview of Site Tracking] and [https://help.activecampaign.com/hc/en-us/articles/221493708 Set up Site Tracking].

=== Step-by-Step Instructions ===
Creating a site message involves several straightforward steps:

# Click '''Automations''' on the left menu.
# Locate the automation where you want to implement the site message and click '''Edit''', or create a new automation.
# Click the node (+) at the position in the automation where you wish to add the site message.
# Select the '''Sending''' tab and choose '''Send a site message''' from the "Add an action" modal window.
# A new modal window will open, which requires you to complete the following:
   * **Message name** - You can select an existing message name from the dropdown or create a new one. Ensure to use a clear and descriptive name for future references, as this name will not be visible to contacts.
   * **Display on** - Choose where the site message will be displayed. Options include:
     * '''Any page on my website'''
     * '''Specific pages''' - Click '''Edit''', choose your domain, and specify the subdomains or pages using the asterisk (*) as a wildcard. You can add more pages by clicking the '''Add a new page''' button and finish by clicking '''Done'''.
   * **Location** - Define how and where the site message appears. Click the '''Edit''' button, then choose the desired effect and location from the dropdowns. Click '''Done''' when finished.
   * **Design message** - Click '''Design message''', which redirects you to a designer page for your initial and detailed messages.
     * *Initial message*:
       - Select a layout, theme, and icon style, customize background and foreground colors, and define the message’s effect and position.
       - Click '''Message text''' to create your message, utilize '''Data attribute''' for personalization, and add emojis using the '''Emoji''' function.
       - Click '''Save''' when you're done.
     * *Detailed message*:
       - Click on the '''Detailed Message''' option.
       - Enter a '''Message Title''' and use '''Message text''' to customize your detailed message with personalization tags and emojis.
       - Utilize the '''Button text''' feature to define what the button says or remove it entirely by clicking the '''X'''.
       - You may add images or additional buttons as required.
       - Set the style as either '''Pinned''' or '''Floating''' via the right pane dropdown.
       - Click the '''Save''' button upon completion.

=== Configuration Options and Settings ===
While creating site messages, you will encounter the following important configuration options:
* **Message name**: Clearly describe your message for easy identification.
* **Display on**: Set where the message will appear on your website.
* **Location**: Determine how the message is presented to the user.
* **Initial message settings**: Customize layout, colors, and effects.
* **Detailed message settings**: Define titles, body text, button text, and style.

Note that any adjustment made to the position of one site message will affect all others.

=== Best Practices and Tips ===
- **Keep messages concise and relevant**: Ensure the content of your site messages is direct and valuable to the contacts.
- **Utilize personalization**: Incorporating personalization tags enables you to address contacts by name and cater to their specific interests.
- **Test different placements**: Experiment with where your site messages are displayed to determine which configurations yield the highest engagement.
- **Monitor performance**: Keep track of how many contacts see and interact with your messages to adjust future messages accordingly.

=== Common Use Cases ===
Site messages can be used for various purposes, including:
- Announcing special promotions or discounts.
- Providing important updates regarding product launches or service availability.
- Encouraging users to sign up for newsletters or webinars.
- Offering customer support resources during critical times.

=== Troubleshooting ===
If you encounter issues with site messages, consider the following:
- Ensure that the '''Site Tracking''' feature is correctly set up and your website is whitelisted.
- Confirm that the automation is active, and that contacts are being directed to the site message.
- Remember, if a site message has already been sent to a contact, it cannot be retracted. However, editing the site message allows contacts to receive the updated version.

=== FAQ ===
* '''What are site messages?'''
  Site messages are personalized notifications displayed on your website, triggered by an automation action.

* '''Who can see site messages?'''
  Only contacts who encounter the site message in the automation will see them; they are not displayed to anonymous users.

* '''Can I customize the appearance of site messages?'''
  Yes, both the initial and detailed messages can be customized in terms of layout, colors, and content.

* '''Can I send multiple site messages to a contact?'''
  Yes, multiple messages can be sent and will appear stacked until the contact dismisses them.

* '''What happens if I edit a site message after sending it?'''
  If you edit an already sent message, contacts will receive the updated version.

By following this guide, users can effectively leverage the site messages feature to enhance communication with their audience and improve overall engagement.
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