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'''Navigation:''' [[Main_Page]] > [[ActiveCampaign Release Notes]] > [[2024 Release Notes]] > Action Updates
'''Navigation:''' [[Main_Page]] > [[ActiveCampaign Release Notes]] > [[2024 Release Notes]] > Action Updates


= Action Updates: Send 1:1 Email, Notification, & more =
= Action Updates: Sub/Unsub, Add/Remove Tag, Math =


== Introduction ==
== Introduction ==
As of August 2024, ActiveCampaign has released significant updates to commonly used automation actions, enhancing the usability and overall efficiency of the platform’s automation builder. Specifically, the updates apply to the following key automation actions:


In September 2024, ActiveCampaign introduced significant enhancements to several commonly used automation actions. These updates aim to streamline user experience with refreshed layouts, simplified configuration, and improved functionality, allowing users to set up and manage marketing automations faster and with greater efficiency.
* '''Subscribe & Unsubscribe from List'''
* '''Add & Remove Tag'''
* '''Perform Math'''


The actions affected by these updates include:
These improvements introduce redesigned interfaces, streamlined workflows, and increased clarity when setting up automation steps, enabling marketers to build faster, more intuitive, and scalable automations. With these enhancements, managing contact list memberships, engagement tags, and performing field-based arithmetic becomes more direct and error-resilient.
* **Send 1:1 Email**
* **Send Notification**
* **Complete Deal Task**
* **Update Contact Field**
* **Update Contact Score**


These enhancements are part of ActiveCampaign’s continuing efforts to make automation more powerful and intuitive, helping businesses of all sizes activate personalized experiences with ease.
This feature update applies to all plan types: Starter, Plus, Professional, and Enterprise.


This feature is available across the following ActiveCampaign plans:
== How to Access This Feature ==
* Starter
The updated automation actions are accessible through the [Automations] section of your ActiveCampaign account. To use the new interface enhancements for Sub/Unsub actions, Tag actions, or Math actions:
* Plus
* Pro
* Enterprise


== How to Access Updated Actions ==
# Navigate to the '''Automations''' page from your dashboard.
# Click on '''Create an automation''' or open an existing one.
# In the '''Automation Canvas''', click the '''+''' icon to add a new action.
# From the list of available actions, select:
## '''Contacts > Subscribe to List''' or '''Unsubscribe from List'''
## '''Contacts > Add Tag''' or '''Remove Tag'''
## '''Contacts > Perform Math'''


You can access these updated actions within the '''Automations''' builder in your ActiveCampaign account. The enhanced interface automatically appears when you:
Each of these action types now includes layout, search, and field selection enhancements as of this release.
1. Create a new automation
2. Add any of the updated actions listed in this article
3. Open an existing automation and select one of the affected actions
 
No manual updates or settings changes are required to enable the new versions—they are available immediately in the automation workflow setup.


== Step-by-Step Instructions ==
== Step-by-Step Instructions ==
The following sections describe the detailed steps to use each upgraded automation action.


Follow the steps below to access and configure any of the updated automation actions.
=== Subscribe & Unsubscribe from List ===


=== Accessing Updated Actions in Automations ===
# In your automation, click the '''+''' to add an action.
1. Navigate to your ActiveCampaign dashboard.
# Choose '''Contacts''' > '''Subscribe to List''' or '''Unsubscribe from List'''.
2. Click on the '''Automations''' tab from the left-hand menu.
# A new configuration panel opens:
3. Click '''Create an automation''', or open an existing automation from the list.
### All your available lists are displayed in a single organized menu (no more drop-down scrolls).
4. In the automation editor, click the '''+''' button to add a new action.
# Select the list(s) you want the contact to be subscribed or unsubscribed to.
5. From the action categories, select '''Conditions and Workflow''', then choose one of the updated actions:
# Click '''Save''' when finished.
  * **Send 1:1 Email**
  * **Send Notification**
  * **Complete Deal Task**
  * **Update Contact Field**
  * **Update Contact Score**


Each of these now includes refined layouts and setup steps.
**Key Improvements:**
* Lists are now displayed in a clear, visual selector.
* No need to scroll through long drop-down menus.


=== Configuring Each Action ===
=== Add & Remove Tag ===


==== Send 1:1 Email ====
# Inside your automation, click the '''+''' icon to add a new action.
This action allows you to send a personalized, direct email from a specific user to a contact.
# Choose '''Contacts > Add Tag''' or '''Remove Tag'''.
1. Choose the **Send 1:1 Email** action.
# Begin typing in the tag input box.
2. Select the sender using the '''From''' dropdown menu.
### Enhanced search now auto-suggests matching tag names as you type.
3. Enter the subject line in the '''Subject''' field.
# Select an existing tag or create a new one directly.
4. Compose your email using the visual editor.
# Click '''Save''' to apply your changes.
5. Use personalization tags as needed to tailor your message.
6. Click '''Save''' to finalize.


==== Send Notification ====
**Key Improvements:**
Use this action to notify teammates or other recipients when specific automation conditions are met.
* Faster tag search and selection.
1. Select the **Send Notification** action.
* Reduction of redundant tag entries.
2. Enter recipient email addresses in the '''To''' field.
3. Use the '''Subject''' and '''Body''' fields to customize the message.
4. Add personalization fields to include contact details.
5. Click '''Save''' to confirm your settings.


==== Complete Deal Task ====
=== Perform Math ===
Automatically mark a deal task as completed in an automation.
1. Choose **Complete Deal Task**.
2. Select the task type from the dropdown menu.
3. Define any additional parameters or conditions.
4. Click '''Save'''.


==== Update Contact Field ====
# On the canvas, click the '''+''' icon and choose '''Contacts > Perform Math'''.
Dynamically modify contact fields based on automation logic.
# In the new math interface:
1. Choose **Update Contact Field**.
### Select a '''Contact Field''' or '''Deal Field''' you want to modify.
2. Select which field to update.
### Choose a mathematical operation: **Add**, **Subtract**, **Multiply**, or **Divide**.
3. Specify the new value to assign.
### Enter the numeric value to apply.
4. Confirm with '''Save'''.
# Click '''Save'''.


==== Update Contact Score ====
**Key Improvements:**
Adjust the contact score when defined behaviors are observed.
* Standardized operation panel across contact and deal fields.
1. Choose **Update Contact Score**.
* Simple and consistent configuration format for numeric automation logic.
2. Select whether to increment or decrement the score.
3. Define the number of points.
4. Click '''Save'''.


== Configuration Options and Settings ==
== Configuration Options and Settings ==


Each updated action comes with simplified configuration panels designed for clarity and speed. Some notable features and fields include:
Each of the updated action types includes specific configurable fields that benefit from the enhanced design:
 
=== For '''Subscribe/Unsubscribe from List''' ===
* **List Selector**: Displays all lists in a flat, scroll-free interface for quick selection.
* **Multiple List Selection**: Add or remove a contact from multiple lists at once.


* **From**: Who the email is sent from in the **Send 1:1 Email** action.
=== For '''Add/Remove Tag''' ===
* **To**: Email recipients for **Send Notification**.
* **Tag Input Field**: Allows input of existing tags or creation of new tags.
* **Subject**: Used in both email and notification actions.
* **Smart Suggestions**: Real-time predictive tag suggestions as you type.
* **Body**: The content/message to be delivered.
* **Field to update**: Available with the **Update Contact Field** action.
* **Point change**: Configure increment/decrement for **Update Contact Score**.
* **Task Type**: When marking tasks as complete using **Complete Deal Task**.


All components align with standard automation usability conventions, ensuring both new and experienced users can easily apply these tools.
=== For '''Perform Math''' ===
* **Field Picker**: Choose a target field from available Contact or Deal fields.
* **Math Operation Dropdown**: Select from **Add**, **Subtract**, **Multiply**, **Divide**.
* **Value Input Field**: Specify a numeric value to apply to the chosen field.


== Best Practices and Tips ==
== Best Practices and Tips ==


Consider the following best practices when implementing these updated actions in your automations:
* Use the enhanced '''Subscribe/Unsubscribe from List''' UI to streamline contact list management and minimize errors caused by wrong list selections.
* Create a tagging taxonomy and naming structure before using '''Add/Remove Tag''' to avoid clutter and duplication.
* Combine the '''Perform Math''' action with conditional triggers to create dynamic scoring mechanisms (e.g., engagement, lead readiness).
* Test new automation flows using internal test contacts before deploying them live.
* Document custom math logic within team collaboration tools to ensure usage clarity.
 
== Common Use Cases With Examples ==


* **Test before launching live automations** – Create test versions to verify expected results.
=== Last Chance Before Unsubscribe ===
* **Use personalization to improve engagement** – Add contact-specific data in emails and notifications.
Use the '''Unsubscribe from List''' action with a delay and engagement condition to create a final attempt at re-engagement before separating inactive contacts.
* **Track impact through reports** – Monitor how these updated actions influence deal progress and contact engagement.
**Example:** Automatically unsubscribe a contact from your newsletter list if they haven’t opened any emails in 60 days.
* **Structure naming conventions** – Use consistent naming in your automation steps to make workflows easier to read.
* **Combine with triggers and conditions** – These actions are most powerful when paired with entry triggers and conditional logic for dynamic automation paths.


== Common Use Cases with Examples ==
[https://www.activecampaign.com/marketplace/recipe/last-engaged-date-last-chance View Marketplace Example]


Here are some of the most effective ways users are applying these enhanced actions:
=== Add an Engagement Tag ===
Score or categorize contacts who click on campaign links by applying a tag using the '''Add Tag''' action.


* **Lead Follow-Up**: After a lead fills out a form, trigger a **Send 1:1 Email** with personalized follow-up from a sales rep.
[https://www.activecampaign.com/marketplace/recipe/highly-engaged-tagging View Marketplace Example]
* **Internal Task Completion**: Complete internal actions like sales follow-ups using the **Complete Deal Task** action.
* **Sales Alerts**: Use **Send Notification** to alert a sales manager when a lead's score reaches a qualifying value.
* **Data Hygiene**: Automatically **Update Contact Field** when a contact engages with a specific campaign.
* **Scoring Based on Activity**: **Update Contact Score** when a contact interacts with high-value content (like webinars or demos).


== Troubleshooting Section ==
=== Track Ad Clicks With Math Update ===
Use '''Perform Math''' to increment a value in an engagement field every time a linked ad is clicked.


Although these action updates are designed to be seamless, here are some common issues and potential solutions:
[https://www.activecampaign.com/marketplace/recipe/track-ad-clicks-from-social View Marketplace Example]


* **Action not appearing with new layout**:
== Troubleshooting ==
  - Ensure you're accessing the action from within the '''Automations''' builder.
  - Refresh your browser or clear cache if changes don't appear.


* **Emails not sending (Send 1:1 Email)**:
=== Missing Lists or Tags Not Appearing ===
  - Check that the '''From''' email address is connected and verified.
Ensure that your lists or tags have been previously created in the Lists or Contacts settings. If newly created items are not appearing:
  - Ensure the contact has a valid email address.
* Refresh the automation builder.
* Clear browser cache.
* Confirm proper account permissions.


* **Notifications not received**:
=== Math Action Not Performing as Expected ===
  - Confirm email address accuracy.
* Double-check that the selected field is a numeric type (non-numeric text fields are not compatible).
  - Check spam or junk folders.
* Ensure that your input value is not blank and uses the correct decimal format.


* **Score not updating**:
=== Action Not Triggering ===
  - Ensure the **Update Contact Score** values are correctly input.
* Verify trigger conditions upstream in your automation flow.
  - Verify that the contact meets the criteria for triggering the action.
* Ensure contacts meet all prerequisite logic before this action executes.


== Related Features ==
== Related Features ==
* [[Automation]] – These action updates are part of the broader automation system.
* [[2024 Release Notes]] – See other 2024 platform enhancements.
* [[ActiveCampaign Release Notes]] – For full release history and platform updates.
* See also related improvements like the [[SMS Automation Action Improvements]] and [[Automation Canvas Enhancements]].


The updates mentioned in this article relate closely to the following ActiveCampaign components:
== Frequently Asked Questions ==
 
* [[Automation]]
* [[2024 Release Notes]]
* [[ActiveCampaign Release Notes]]
 
You may also be interested in the following article:
* [[Automation actions explained]]
 
== FAQ ==
 
=== What is the purpose of the Action Updates? === 
To enhance usability and reduce time-to-launch for automation builders by improving the layout and setup process for commonly used automation actions.


=== Which actions were enhanced in this release? ===
=== What are the main benefits of this update? ===
Five actions were updated: **Send 1:1 Email**, **Send Notification**, **Complete Deal Task**, **Update Contact Field**, and **Update Contact Score**.
The updates simplify the setup of automations, making actions faster to configure, less prone to error, and easier to navigate.


=== How do I know if I'm using the new version of the action? ===
=== Can I use multiple actions together? ===
You’ll see the updated layout automatically when adding or editing these actions within the '''Automations''' builder.
Yes. For example, you can subscribe a user to a list and then immediately add an engagement tag or perform a math operation based on their behavior.


=== Do I need to manually update my existing automations? ===
=== Are these updates available in all plans? ===
No. The new layout and configuration experience will appear for all new action instances. Existing steps will retain their previous settings unless edited.
Yes. These automation action updates are available in Starter, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise plans.


=== Is there any cost to use these updated features? ===
=== Will I lose my existing configurations? ===
These updates are included with your ActiveCampaign subscription on the Starter, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise plans.
No. Existing automation actions remain untouched. These changes apply to newly added actions and updated UI flows.


=== Can I roll back to the previous action version? ===
=== Can I perform math on custom fields? ===
No, legacy UI versions are not available. All users receive the updated interface automatically.
Yes, as long as the custom field is numeric. You can apply arithmetic operations to both standard and custom numeric fields.


=== Where can I learn more about these updates? ===
=== How do I find my tags or lists when creating an action? ===
Refer to [[Automation actions explained]] or visit the [https://www.activecampaign.com/blog/2024-automation-enhancements blog article on automation enhancements].
The updated UI includes improved filtering and auto-suggestion features so you can easily find or create tags/lists.


== See Also ==
=== Do I need to rebuild my automations to use these updates? ===
No. You only need to update individual actions within an automation if you want to use the improved layouts. Existing actions continue to function as before.


* [[Automation]]
== Additional Resources ==
* [[2024 Release Notes]]
* [https://www.activecampaign.com/blog/2024-automation-enhancements Setting new standards for marketing automation in 2024]
* [[ActiveCampaign Release Notes]]
* [https://help.activecampaign.com/hc/en-us/articles/12225946427420-How-to-manage-unsubscribes-and-list-associations-in-automations How to manage unsubscribes and list associations in automations]
* [[Automation actions explained]]
* [https://www.activecampaign.com/marketplace/recipe/tag-ad-clicks Tag ad or site clicks using automation]
* [[Action Updates: Update deal title, stage, and more]]
* [https://www.activecampaign.com/marketplace/recipe/track-ad-clicks-from-social Track ad clicks from social using math operations]

Latest revision as of 06:05, 2 November 2025

Navigation: Main_Page > ActiveCampaign Release Notes > 2024 Release Notes > Action Updates

Action Updates: Sub/Unsub, Add/Remove Tag, Math[edit | edit source]

Introduction[edit | edit source]

As of August 2024, ActiveCampaign has released significant updates to commonly used automation actions, enhancing the usability and overall efficiency of the platform’s automation builder. Specifically, the updates apply to the following key automation actions:

  • Subscribe & Unsubscribe from List
  • Add & Remove Tag
  • Perform Math

These improvements introduce redesigned interfaces, streamlined workflows, and increased clarity when setting up automation steps, enabling marketers to build faster, more intuitive, and scalable automations. With these enhancements, managing contact list memberships, engagement tags, and performing field-based arithmetic becomes more direct and error-resilient.

This feature update applies to all plan types: Starter, Plus, Professional, and Enterprise.

How to Access This Feature[edit | edit source]

The updated automation actions are accessible through the [Automations] section of your ActiveCampaign account. To use the new interface enhancements for Sub/Unsub actions, Tag actions, or Math actions:

  1. Navigate to the Automations page from your dashboard.
  2. Click on Create an automation or open an existing one.
  3. In the Automation Canvas, click the + icon to add a new action.
  4. From the list of available actions, select:
    1. Contacts > Subscribe to List or Unsubscribe from List
    2. Contacts > Add Tag or Remove Tag
    3. Contacts > Perform Math

Each of these action types now includes layout, search, and field selection enhancements as of this release.

Step-by-Step Instructions[edit | edit source]

The following sections describe the detailed steps to use each upgraded automation action.

Subscribe & Unsubscribe from List[edit | edit source]

  1. In your automation, click the + to add an action.
  2. Choose Contacts > Subscribe to List or Unsubscribe from List.
  3. A new configuration panel opens:
      1. All your available lists are displayed in a single organized menu (no more drop-down scrolls).
  4. Select the list(s) you want the contact to be subscribed or unsubscribed to.
  5. Click Save when finished.
    • Key Improvements:**
  • Lists are now displayed in a clear, visual selector.
  • No need to scroll through long drop-down menus.

Add & Remove Tag[edit | edit source]

  1. Inside your automation, click the + icon to add a new action.
  2. Choose Contacts > Add Tag or Remove Tag.
  3. Begin typing in the tag input box.
      1. Enhanced search now auto-suggests matching tag names as you type.
  4. Select an existing tag or create a new one directly.
  5. Click Save to apply your changes.
    • Key Improvements:**
  • Faster tag search and selection.
  • Reduction of redundant tag entries.

Perform Math[edit | edit source]

  1. On the canvas, click the + icon and choose Contacts > Perform Math.
  2. In the new math interface:
      1. Select a Contact Field or Deal Field you want to modify.
      2. Choose a mathematical operation: **Add**, **Subtract**, **Multiply**, or **Divide**.
      3. Enter the numeric value to apply.
  3. Click Save.
    • Key Improvements:**
  • Standardized operation panel across contact and deal fields.
  • Simple and consistent configuration format for numeric automation logic.

Configuration Options and Settings[edit | edit source]

Each of the updated action types includes specific configurable fields that benefit from the enhanced design:

For Subscribe/Unsubscribe from List[edit | edit source]

  • **List Selector**: Displays all lists in a flat, scroll-free interface for quick selection.
  • **Multiple List Selection**: Add or remove a contact from multiple lists at once.

For Add/Remove Tag[edit | edit source]

  • **Tag Input Field**: Allows input of existing tags or creation of new tags.
  • **Smart Suggestions**: Real-time predictive tag suggestions as you type.

For Perform Math[edit | edit source]

  • **Field Picker**: Choose a target field from available Contact or Deal fields.
  • **Math Operation Dropdown**: Select from **Add**, **Subtract**, **Multiply**, **Divide**.
  • **Value Input Field**: Specify a numeric value to apply to the chosen field.

Best Practices and Tips[edit | edit source]

  • Use the enhanced Subscribe/Unsubscribe from List UI to streamline contact list management and minimize errors caused by wrong list selections.
  • Create a tagging taxonomy and naming structure before using Add/Remove Tag to avoid clutter and duplication.
  • Combine the Perform Math action with conditional triggers to create dynamic scoring mechanisms (e.g., engagement, lead readiness).
  • Test new automation flows using internal test contacts before deploying them live.
  • Document custom math logic within team collaboration tools to ensure usage clarity.

Common Use Cases With Examples[edit | edit source]

Last Chance Before Unsubscribe[edit | edit source]

Use the Unsubscribe from List action with a delay and engagement condition to create a final attempt at re-engagement before separating inactive contacts.

    • Example:** Automatically unsubscribe a contact from your newsletter list if they haven’t opened any emails in 60 days.

View Marketplace Example

Add an Engagement Tag[edit | edit source]

Score or categorize contacts who click on campaign links by applying a tag using the Add Tag action.

View Marketplace Example

Track Ad Clicks With Math Update[edit | edit source]

Use Perform Math to increment a value in an engagement field every time a linked ad is clicked.

View Marketplace Example

Troubleshooting[edit | edit source]

Missing Lists or Tags Not Appearing[edit | edit source]

Ensure that your lists or tags have been previously created in the Lists or Contacts settings. If newly created items are not appearing:

  • Refresh the automation builder.
  • Clear browser cache.
  • Confirm proper account permissions.

Math Action Not Performing as Expected[edit | edit source]

  • Double-check that the selected field is a numeric type (non-numeric text fields are not compatible).
  • Ensure that your input value is not blank and uses the correct decimal format.

Action Not Triggering[edit | edit source]

  • Verify trigger conditions upstream in your automation flow.
  • Ensure contacts meet all prerequisite logic before this action executes.

Related Features[edit | edit source]

Frequently Asked Questions[edit | edit source]

What are the main benefits of this update?[edit | edit source]

The updates simplify the setup of automations, making actions faster to configure, less prone to error, and easier to navigate.

Can I use multiple actions together?[edit | edit source]

Yes. For example, you can subscribe a user to a list and then immediately add an engagement tag or perform a math operation based on their behavior.

Are these updates available in all plans?[edit | edit source]

Yes. These automation action updates are available in Starter, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise plans.

Will I lose my existing configurations?[edit | edit source]

No. Existing automation actions remain untouched. These changes apply to newly added actions and updated UI flows.

Can I perform math on custom fields?[edit | edit source]

Yes, as long as the custom field is numeric. You can apply arithmetic operations to both standard and custom numeric fields.

How do I find my tags or lists when creating an action?[edit | edit source]

The updated UI includes improved filtering and auto-suggestion features so you can easily find or create tags/lists.

Do I need to rebuild my automations to use these updates?[edit | edit source]

No. You only need to update individual actions within an automation if you want to use the improved layouts. Existing actions continue to function as before.

Additional Resources[edit | edit source]

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