Classic Designer: Difference between revisions

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'''Navigation:''' [[Main_Page]] > [[Content]] > [[Predictive Content]] > Classic Designer
'''Navigation:''' [[Main_Page]] > [[Campaigns]] > [[Email]] > Classic Designer
 
= Classic Designer: Tips for writing Predictive Content variants =


== Introduction ==
== Introduction ==
The '''Classic Designer''' in ActiveCampaign allows users to create engaging and personalized content through the use of Predictive Content. This feature is particularly important as it leverages data-driven insights to deliver tailored messages to contacts, enhancing engagement, and ultimately driving conversions. Understanding how to effectively write Predictive Content variants enables you to maximize this feature's potential and better meet your audience's preferences.
The '''Classic Designer''' in ActiveCampaign is a tool used for creating email campaigns with a traditional drag-and-drop interface. However, users may encounter issues where campaigns sent to Outlook or Gmail contacts arrive with blank or partially missing content. This situation typically stems from the way the Classic Designer generates HTML tables during the email composition process. Understanding these issues is crucial for any user relying on email campaigns to maintain effective communication and marketing strategies.
 
== How to access this feature ==
To access the '''Classic Designer''' and begin utilizing Predictive Content, follow these steps:
 
1. Log in to your ActiveCampaign account.
2. Navigate to the **Email** section in the main menu.
3. Select **Create an Email** and choose the option for the '''Classic Designer'''.
4. In the email editor, you can start adding your Predictive Content blocks.


== Step-by-step instructions ==
== How to Access ==
Here is a detailed guide to help you write effective Predictive Content variants:
To access the '''Classic Designer''', follow these steps:
1. Log into your ActiveCampaign account.
2. Navigate to the '''Campaigns''' section in the main menu.
3. Click on the '''Email''' option to begin creating your campaign.
4. Select the '''Classic Designer''' as your email design tool.


1. **Open your email**: Begin by selecting an email campaign where you wish to include Predictive Content.
== Step-by-Step Instructions ==
2. **Drag a Predictive Content block**: Within the email editor, locate the '''Predictive Content''' block and drag it into your email layout.
To avoid issues with your emails appearing blank or missing content, follow these steps for best practices when using the '''Classic Designer'''.
3. **Add your text**: Place the majority of your content inside this block. This will enhance our ability to learn about your contacts' preferences.
4. **Include a call-to-action**: Every variant should have at least one link or clickable call-to-action within it to encourage engagement.
5. **Write your variants**: Ensure that each variant has differing lengths and tones to identify which formats resonate best with different segments of your audience.
6. **Personalize where possible**: Use tokens like %FIRSTNAME% to make your content feel more personalized.


== Configuration options and settings ==
==== Step 1: Create Your Campaign ====
When creating Predictive Content, consider these '''bold''' configuration options and best practices:
1. Click on the '''Create Campaign''' button.
2. Choose the campaign type (Regular, Automated, etc.).
3. Select the audience for your campaign.


- '''Predictive Content block''': Place as much text as possible in this area for optimal performance.
==== Step 2: Select Classic Designer ====
- '''Call-to-action inclusion''': Always include a link or actionable item within your content blocks.
1. Opt for the '''Classic Designer''' during the email creation process.
- '''Paragraph length''': Maintain a maximum of three sentences per paragraph to enhance readability.
- '''Conversational tone''': Write in a friendly, relatable style, utilizing personalization effectively.
- '''Reading level''': Aim for content that is understandable at an 8th-grade reading level.
- '''Language support''': Currently, this feature supports content written solely in English.


== Best practices and tips ==
==== Step 3: Design Your Email ====
Following established best practices ensures that your Predictive Content performs effectively:
1. Use the drag-and-drop interface to add content blocks.
2. When designing, be mindful of how many nested tables you create, as excessive nesting can lead to issues in email clients like Outlook and Gmail.


- **Experiment with lengths**: Create both short and long variants to gauge which length your audience prefers.
==== Step 4: Save and Preview ====
- **Mix styles**: Use a variety of approaches — from friendly greetings to detailed informational variants — to keep your content fresh and engaging.
1. Click the '''Save''' button to ensure your changes are stored.
- **Test regularly**: Use A/B testing to analyze which variant performs best in terms of engagement and conversion rates.
2. Use the '''Preview''' option to see how your email will appear across different clients.
- **Engagement strategies**: Focus on clarity and create direct calls to action, guiding readers on what to do next.


== Common use cases with examples ==
=== Configuration Options ===
To offer inspiration for crafting Predictive Content, here are some examples tailored to a plant shop's sale campaign:
The '''Classic Designer''' includes several important configuration options that can affect how your content is displayed:
- **HTML Tables**: The Classic Designer creates '''HTML tables''' which can lead to issues if overly nested.
- **Content Blocks**: Utilize various '''content blocks''' (text, images, buttons) to create your email.
- **Preview Options**: Check how the email will render using the '''Preview''' feature to identify any potential issues before sending.


- **Variant 1: Short and to-the-point**
== Best Practices ==
  Hey, %FIRSTNAME%!
To mitigate issues of blank or missing content in emails sent to Outlook or Gmail, follow these best practices:
  We're cleaning house for the Fall and are having a sale! Claim the offer below for 50% off your next online or in-store purchase.
- **Limit Nested Tables**: Reduce the number of nested tables in your email design to streamline the HTML structure.
 
- **Use Email Designer**: If possible, switch to the '''Email Designer''' that was launched in 2022, as it generates less complex HTML.
- **Variant 2: Lengthier**
- **Test Campaigns**: Always preview your email campaign in both Outlook and Gmail prior to sending to ensure correct rendering.
  Hey, %FIRSTNAME%!
- **Keep It Simple**: Use straightforward designs that avoid excessive styling and complex layouts.
  Thanks again for your last purchase. We hope you're loving your new %ECOMMERCE_LAST_PRODUCT_NAME%!
  As you know, summer has come and gone, so it's time for us to clean out our current stock to make room for our Fall and Winter plants.
  Because we love our customers, we are extending our best offer of the year to you. Use the coupon linked below for 50% off your ENTIRE next order! That includes purchases online and at our Dearborn store location.  
  We appreciate your continued support, and we're excited to share our beautiful plant selection with you!
 
- **Variant 3: Sales-forward**
  %FIRSTNAME%,
  We are extending our best offer ever to our best customers. For a limited time, use the coupon linked below for 50% off your ENTIRE next order!
  This offer is valid on ALL regularly priced Summer plants and is only available until stock runs out. Our stock is limited and won't last long! Make sure to visit our website TODAY for 50% off your entire order.
 
- **Variant 4: Informational**
  %FIRSTNAME%,
  Plant 'Em was founded in 2015 with the mission of bringing quality plants and flowers to customers in the Chicagoland area. We're committed to putting customers first and stocking the best products possible. With that in mind, it's time to clear our shelves in preparation for our Fall shipments.  
  Visit us in-person or online and get 50% off of any Summer stock. Our shop is located at 1 North Dearborn and we'd love to see you there!
 
- **Variant 5: No personalization**
  We miss you! Come back to our store or visit us online and use this 50% off coupon for your whole order of any of our Summer plants.


== Troubleshooting ==
== Troubleshooting ==
If you encounter any issues with Predictive Content in the Classic Designer:
If you find that your emails are still arriving blank or with missing content after taking precautions:
 
- **Reassess HTML Complexity**: Examine your email's HTML code for any excessive or complex table structures.
- Ensure that the content is primarily in English, as this is the only supported language for this feature.
- **Switch Design Tools**: Consider using the newer '''Email Designer''' for future campaigns to avoid these issues altogether.
- Double-check the links in your Predictive Content — they should lead to functional destinations.
- **Check Gmail Clipping**: Note that this is a separate issue from Gmail “clipping” messages, which can happen due to email size and does not relate to the Classic Designer.
- Review the construction of your variants to confirm they follow the recommended guidelines for optimal performance.


== FAQ ==
== FAQ ==
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Classic Designer's Predictive Content variants:
=== 1. What causes a blank email when using the Classic Designer? ===
The blank email issue usually arises due to complex HTML structures created by nesting tables within the '''Classic Designer'''.


1. **What is Predictive Content?**
=== 2. How can I prevent my email from showing as blank in Outlook or Gmail? ===
  Predictive Content is a feature that personalizes email messages based on the preferences of your contacts.
To prevent blank emails, limit the use of nested HTML tables, or take advantage of the newer '''Email Designer''' which generates simpler HTML code.


2. **Can I personalize Predictive Content?**
=== 3. Is there a way to check how my email will look in different email clients? ===
  Yes, you can personalize your variants using tokens like %FIRSTNAME% to make the content feel more tailored to each recipient.
Yes, you can use the '''Preview''' option in the Classic Designer to see a simulation of how your email appears in various clients.


3. **What is the optimal length for Predictive Content?**
=== 4. What types of email campaigns can I create with the Classic Designer? ===
  Variants should differ in length, with some being succinct and others more detailed, to find out what your audience prefers.
You can create various types of campaigns like regular or automated emails using the Classic Designer.


4. **Does Predictive Content support languages other than English?**
=== 5. Will switching to the newer Email Designer resolve these issues? ===
  Currently, Predictive Content only supports content written in English.
Yes, using the newer '''Email Designer''' is recommended as it minimizes the complexity of HTML and reduces rendering issues in email clients.


5. **How can I evaluate the effectiveness of my Predictive Content?**
=== 6. Can I still use the Classic Designer if I'm experiencing these issues? ===
  Utilize A/B testing to compare the performance of different content variants.
You can continue using the Classic Designer, but it's advisable to follow best practices to minimize email rendering issues.


6. **Is there a limit to how many variants I can create?**
=== 7. Who should I contact if I need further assistance? ===
  There’s no specified limit, but it is advisable to have a manageable number to effectively monitor their performance.
If you need more help, you can reach out to ActiveCampaign support for guidance.


7. **What should I do if my Predictive Content isn’t performing well?**
== Related Features ==
  Review the content against the guidelines and best practices, experiment with different writing styles, or reassess your calls to action.
For additional insights and features related to email campaigns, you may want to explore:
- [[Automation]]
- [[Contact Lists]]
- [[User Groups]]


By implementing these tips and strategies into your email campaigns, you can effectively utilize the '''Classic Designer''' to enhance your engagement through Predictive Content.
By following these guidelines when using the '''Classic Designer''', you can enhance the reliability of your email campaigns and ensure they are displayed correctly to your recipients across different email clients.
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Revision as of 16:37, 3 November 2025

```mediawiki Navigation: Main_Page > Campaigns > Email > Classic Designer

Introduction

The Classic Designer in ActiveCampaign is a tool used for creating email campaigns with a traditional drag-and-drop interface. However, users may encounter issues where campaigns sent to Outlook or Gmail contacts arrive with blank or partially missing content. This situation typically stems from the way the Classic Designer generates HTML tables during the email composition process. Understanding these issues is crucial for any user relying on email campaigns to maintain effective communication and marketing strategies.

How to Access

To access the Classic Designer, follow these steps: 1. Log into your ActiveCampaign account. 2. Navigate to the Campaigns section in the main menu. 3. Click on the Email option to begin creating your campaign. 4. Select the Classic Designer as your email design tool.

Step-by-Step Instructions

To avoid issues with your emails appearing blank or missing content, follow these steps for best practices when using the Classic Designer.

Step 1: Create Your Campaign

1. Click on the Create Campaign button. 2. Choose the campaign type (Regular, Automated, etc.). 3. Select the audience for your campaign.

Step 2: Select Classic Designer

1. Opt for the Classic Designer during the email creation process.

Step 3: Design Your Email

1. Use the drag-and-drop interface to add content blocks. 2. When designing, be mindful of how many nested tables you create, as excessive nesting can lead to issues in email clients like Outlook and Gmail.

Step 4: Save and Preview

1. Click the Save button to ensure your changes are stored. 2. Use the Preview option to see how your email will appear across different clients.

Configuration Options

The Classic Designer includes several important configuration options that can affect how your content is displayed: - **HTML Tables**: The Classic Designer creates HTML tables which can lead to issues if overly nested. - **Content Blocks**: Utilize various content blocks (text, images, buttons) to create your email. - **Preview Options**: Check how the email will render using the Preview feature to identify any potential issues before sending.

Best Practices

To mitigate issues of blank or missing content in emails sent to Outlook or Gmail, follow these best practices: - **Limit Nested Tables**: Reduce the number of nested tables in your email design to streamline the HTML structure. - **Use Email Designer**: If possible, switch to the Email Designer that was launched in 2022, as it generates less complex HTML. - **Test Campaigns**: Always preview your email campaign in both Outlook and Gmail prior to sending to ensure correct rendering. - **Keep It Simple**: Use straightforward designs that avoid excessive styling and complex layouts.

Troubleshooting

If you find that your emails are still arriving blank or with missing content after taking precautions: - **Reassess HTML Complexity**: Examine your email's HTML code for any excessive or complex table structures. - **Switch Design Tools**: Consider using the newer Email Designer for future campaigns to avoid these issues altogether. - **Check Gmail Clipping**: Note that this is a separate issue from Gmail “clipping” messages, which can happen due to email size and does not relate to the Classic Designer.

FAQ

1. What causes a blank email when using the Classic Designer?

The blank email issue usually arises due to complex HTML structures created by nesting tables within the Classic Designer.

2. How can I prevent my email from showing as blank in Outlook or Gmail?

To prevent blank emails, limit the use of nested HTML tables, or take advantage of the newer Email Designer which generates simpler HTML code.

3. Is there a way to check how my email will look in different email clients?

Yes, you can use the Preview option in the Classic Designer to see a simulation of how your email appears in various clients.

4. What types of email campaigns can I create with the Classic Designer?

You can create various types of campaigns like regular or automated emails using the Classic Designer.

5. Will switching to the newer Email Designer resolve these issues?

Yes, using the newer Email Designer is recommended as it minimizes the complexity of HTML and reduces rendering issues in email clients.

6. Can I still use the Classic Designer if I'm experiencing these issues?

You can continue using the Classic Designer, but it's advisable to follow best practices to minimize email rendering issues.

7. Who should I contact if I need further assistance?

If you need more help, you can reach out to ActiveCampaign support for guidance.

Related Features

For additional insights and features related to email campaigns, you may want to explore: - Automation - Contact Lists - User Groups

By following these guidelines when using the Classic Designer, you can enhance the reliability of your email campaigns and ensure they are displayed correctly to your recipients across different email clients. ```

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