Editing Instant autoresponder (section)

= How do I send an instant autoresponder message when I manually add a contact to my list? =

== Introduction ==
An '''instant autoresponder''' in ActiveCampaign allows you to send an automatic response to your contacts immediately after they are added to your list. This feature is particularly useful for welcoming new contacts or providing them with important information right after their addition. However, by default, instant autoresponders are not triggered when a contact is manually added through the administrative interface. This article will guide you on how to configure and send an instant autoresponder message when manually adding a contact.

== How to Access This Feature ==
To access the feature for sending an instant autoresponder, you'll need to navigate to the '''Contacts''' section of your ActiveCampaign account. From there, you can proceed with adding a new contact and configuring the autoresponder settings.

== Step-by-Step Instructions ==
To send an instant autoresponder message when you manually add a contact to your list, follow these established steps:

# Click '''Contacts''' to navigate to the Contacts Overview page.
# Click '''New Contact.'''
# Add the email address for your contact and all other relevant information to the '''Contact Profile modal pop-up.'''
# Click '''Add Contact.'''
# On the '''Contact Actions''' modal screen, select the list you want to add your contact to.
# Under '''Advanced List Options,'' select '''Send Instant Autoresponders''' and click '''Apply.'''

Following these steps ensures that the instant autoresponder is activated for the newly added contact.

== Configuration Options and Settings ==
There are specific options you can set when adding a new contact and configuring autoresponders:

* '''Send Instant Autoresponders''': This is an advanced option you can choose to initiate automatic messages immediately after the contact is added. Make sure this option is selected to activate the autoresponder feature.

== Best Practices and Tips ==
To effectively utilize the instant autoresponder feature, consider the following best practices:

* Personalize your autoresponder messages to make them more engaging. Use the contact's name or other personalized fields for a better connection.
* Make sure that the content of your autoresponder is relevant and valuable to the new contact. This can include welcome messages, special offers, or useful resources.
* Regularly review and update your autoresponder content to ensure it aligns with your current communication strategy and marketing objectives.
* Test the autoresponder by adding a test contact to ensure that everything is set up correctly and that the message is being delivered as intended.

== Common Use Cases with Examples ==
The instant autoresponder feature can be employed in several scenarios, including:

* **Welcome Messages**: Sending a warm welcome email to new subscribers immediately after they are added to your list.
* **Onboarding Emails**: Providing new customers with instructional content, resources, or links to tutorials as soon as they sign up.
* **Promotional Offers**: Notifying new contacts about special promotions or discounts exclusive to new subscribers.

For example, if you have an online course, you could set up an instant autoresponder that provides a new subscriber with their first lesson as soon as they sign up.

== Troubleshooting ==
If you encounter issues when trying to send an instant autoresponder, consider these troubleshooting steps:

* Ensure that the '''Send Instant Autoresponders''' option is selected when adding the contact.
* Verify that the autoresponder you wish to send is active and configured correctly within your ActiveCampaign account.
* Check if the contact's email was added successfully and confirm that there are no typos in their email address.

== FAQ ==
'''Q1: Can I send multiple autoresponder messages to a newly added contact?'''  
A1: Yes, you can set up a series of autoresponder messages, but ensure that they are correctly configured in your automation settings.

'''Q2: Will the instant autoresponder still be sent if the contact is added to multiple lists?'''  
A2: The autoresponder will trigger based on the specific list selected during the addition of the contact.

'''Q3: Can I customize the autoresponder message?'''  
A3: Yes, you can customize the content of your instant autoresponder to meet your needs and reflect your brand’s voice.

'''Q4: What happens if the contact unsubscribes before the autoresponder is sent?'''  
A4: If a contact unsubscribes before the autoresponder is sent, they will not receive the email.

'''Q5: Is there a limit to how many contacts I can add at once with autoresponders?'''  
A5: Instant autoresponders typically apply to each individual contact added manually; batch additions may not trigger autoresponders.

'''Q6: Is there a way to test my autoresponder setup?'''  
A6: Yes, you can create a test contact to verify that the autoresponder is sent correctly.

'''Q7: Are instant autoresponders available in all ActiveCampaign plans?'''  
A7: Yes, this feature is available for the Starter, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise plans.

By following this guide, you can effectively manage and implement the instant autoresponder feature in ActiveCampaign, enhancing engagement with your contacts right from their initial interaction with your brand.
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