Editing New Automation Settings (section)

= New Automation Settings =

== Introduction ==
The '''New Automation Settings''' feature in ActiveCampaign is designed to enhance the management of automation rules within your account. This feature allows you to have greater control over how contacts enter, navigate through, and exit automations. By optimizing these aspects, users can streamline workflows and ensure communications are targeted and effective. With clearer conditions for entry and exit, teamwork improves as automation purposes and configurations become increasingly transparent.

== How to Access This Feature ==
To access the '''New Automation Settings''', you need to navigate within your ActiveCampaign dashboard. Follow these steps:

1. Log into your ActiveCampaign account.
2. Click on the '''Automations''' tab located in the main navigation menu.
3. Select the specific automation you want to manage.
4. Look for the settings option within the automation editor to find the new updated settings.

== Step-by-Step Instructions ==
Following the access steps above, here’s how to configure your '''New Automation Settings''' effectively:

1. **Access the Automation:** From the '''Automations''' tab, select the appropriate automation.
2. **Open Automation Settings:** Click on the settings gear icon (⚙️) within the automation editor.
3. **Fill in Automation Description:**
   - Use the '''Automation Description''' field to add notes around the purpose of the automation, target audience, and any relevant details. This fosters better collaboration among team members.
4. **Set Entry Rules:**
   - Determine how many times a contact can enter the automation. Choose from one of three options:
     - **Enter any number of times** (default)
     - **Enter only once, across all triggers**
     - **Enter only if they have exited the automation**
5. **Define Exit Criteria:**
   - Set conditions for automatically removing contacts from the automation when they unsubscribe from an email.
6. **Manage List Associations:**
   - Note that the list association dropdown has been relocated from the manage messages modal to this more accessible settings tab, allowing for quicker updates.

== Configuration Options and Settings ==
The following configuration options are available within the '''New Automation Settings''':

- '''Automation Descriptions''': Add value by documenting the purpose of each automation.
- '''Entry Rules''': Manage contact entries with the following options:
  - **Enter any number of times** (the default setting)
  - **Enter only once, across all triggers**
  - **Enter only if they have exited the automation**
- '''Exit Criteria''': Automate the removal of unsubscribed contacts from your automation.

== Best Practices and Tips ==
To make the most of the '''New Automation Settings''', consider the following best practices:

- **Use Descriptions Effectively**: Always document automation descriptions comprehensively to enhance team understanding.
- **Tailor Entry Rules**: Careful selection of entry rules ensures contacts are not spammed while increasing engagement rates.
- **Monitor Automation Performance**: Regularly review automation workflows to adjust entry and exit criteria as needed based on performance metrics.
- **Collaborate with Your Team**: Make discussions around automation pertinent; ensure that all members are on the same page regarding objectives and entry/exit conditions.

== Common Use Cases with Examples ==
There are various scenarios where the '''New Automation Settings''' can be beneficial:

- **Onboarding New Customers**: Using the settings to control how often new customers enter onboarding workflows ensures that they are not overwhelmed.
- **Re-engagement Campaigns**: Set entry rules to allow contacts to only enter a re-engagement automation if they have previously disengaged, thus targeting them effectively.
- **Event Campaigns**: For events, you can manage entry to ensure that contacts are invited only once, increasing the exclusivity of your communications.

== Troubleshooting ==
While using the '''New Automation Settings''', issues may arise. Here are common problems and their solutions:

- **Contacts not entering the automation**: Ensure that your entry rules are properly set. Review the conditions to confirm they align with how you want contacts to behave.
- **Automation does not remove unsubscribed contacts**: Double-check your exit criteria settings to make sure they are enabled and correctly configured.

== Related Features ==
For further understanding and enhance your automation capabilities, you can explore:

- [[Automations]]
- How to manage unsubscribes in automations? [https://help.activecampaign.com/hc/en-us/articles/12225946427420-How-to-manage-unsubscribes-and-list-associations-in-automations]

== FAQ ==
'''Q1: What are the benefits of using the new entry and exit criteria?'''
A: These criteria provide better control over how contacts engage with automations, ensuring a streamlined process that targets users effectively.

'''Q2: Can I change the entry rules after an automation has started?'''
A: Yes, you can modify entry rules at any time as long as the automation is still active.

'''Q3: What happens if a contact is removed from an automation?'''
A: If a contact is removed based on exit criteria, they will no longer receive the communications or actions defined in that automation.

'''Q4: Is this feature available on all ActiveCampaign plans?'''
A: Yes, the '''New Automation Settings''' are accessible to all user plans, including Starter, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise.

'''Q5: Are there limits to how many times a contact can enter an automation?'''
A: Yes, you can configure limits using the entry rules settings, including allowing multiple entries or restricting to one-time access based on your preferences.

'''Q6: How can I effectively communicate the purpose of each automation to my team?'''
A: Utilize the '''Automation Description''' feature to clearly outline the intent and objective of each automation, enhancing team collaboration and understanding.

'''Q7: Where can I learn more about managing automations effectively?'''
A: You can explore further resources about automations via the ActiveCampaign help center or visit specific articles linked in this documentation.
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