Message Variables
```mediawiki Navigation: Main_Page > Campaigns > Message Variables
How to use Message Variables in ActiveCampaign
Introduction
A Message Variable is a body of text that you can assign a personalization tag to for use in any one-time campaign or automated campaign within ActiveCampaign. This feature is essential because it allows for the central management of message content, making updates efficient and ensuring consistency across your email campaigns.
Using Message Variables, marketers can easily change content pieces across multiple campaigns without needing to edit each one individually. For instance, you could include a variable for an email signature or a company disclaimer. There is no limit to the number of Message Variables you can create, making it a versatile option for personalization.
However, it's important to note that Message Variables cannot be used in certain contexts, including:
- Direct 1:1 emails sent from a deal record, contact record, or the Contacts overview page
- Automated 1:1 sales emails (the "Send 1:1 email" automation action)
- Opt-in confirmation emails
- Email subject lines
- Inside other Message Variables
How to Access Message Variables
To access the Message Variables feature in ActiveCampaign: 1. Navigate to the Campaigns section of your dashboard. 2. Click on Message Variables. From this page, you can view existing variables and create new ones.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating a Message Variable
1. **Click** on Campaigns then click Message Variables. 2. **Type** the Message Variable name into the Personalization Name field.
* Example: If you're creating a signature variable, name it "Signature." This name is for your internal reference.
3. **Create** the personalization tag for the Message Variable. Type your tag into the Personalization Tag field.
* Best practice: Use a recognizable tag like "signature" so you can easily recall it for usage in campaigns.
4. **Click** on one or more lists to assign the variable to. The information contained in this variable will only be accessible to contacts within those selected lists. 5. **Select** a format from the Format dropdown. Choices include:
* HTML (for use in HTML emails) * Plain Text (for use in plain-text emails)
6. **Add** content to your message variable in the Editor box. Here, you can:
* Format text * Add images * Insert conditional content (available on Plus, Professional, and Enterprise plans) * Optionally, **click** on the Code Editor tab to enter custom HTML.
7. When finished, **click** the Add button to save your new Message Variable.
Adding a Message Variable to Your Campaign
To use your created Message Variable in a campaign:
- Type the personalization tag you set (e.g., %signature%) directly within your email message.
When the contact receives the email, they will see the content associated with that variable. If you insert the Message Variable into an automated campaign, the content will render for all contacts, regardless of whether they are in the list selected for the Message Variable.
Configuration Options and Settings
- Personalization Name: The name you will use to identify the Message Variable internally. - Personalization Tag: A unique tag that is used in campaign messages (e.g., %signature%). - Lists: The lists to which the variable is assigned, which determines which contacts will see the associated content. - Format: Choose between HTML or Plain Text, depending on the email format you will use.
Best Practices and Tips
- Use meaningful names and tags for your Message Variables. This not only makes it easier to remember but also helps streamline the editing process later. - Always check what content is being pulled through in your Message Variables to ensure accuracy and relevance. - Update your Message Variables at the central location to reflect any changes you want to apply across multiple campaigns quickly. - Utilize conditional content features if available on your plan to provide even more personalized experiences in your emails.
Common Use Cases with Examples
- **Email Signatures**: Use a Message Variable for your email signature that includes your name, title, and contact information. Whenever you need to update it, just change it in one place. - **Disclaimer Notices**: Implement a Message Variable for legal disclaimers or notices that need to accompany your communications. - **Promotion Messages**: Create Message Variables for promotional messages that can be updated easily when new offers need to be shared across campaigns.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with Message Variables, consider the following: - Ensure that you are using the correct format while typing the personalization tag in your campaign. - Check that the variable is assigned to the correct lists if the contact does not see the information as expected. - If you are using conditional content, verify that the set conditions are met for the variable to show.
Related Features
For further insights and functionalities related to ActiveCampaign, consider exploring:
FAQ
Q1: Can I use Message Variables in email subject lines?
No, Message Variables cannot be used in email subject lines.
Q2: How many Message Variables can I create?
There is no limit to the number of Message Variables you can create.
Q3: Do changes to Message Variables reflect instantly in campaigns?
Yes, once a Message Variable is updated, it will reflect in all campaigns utilizing that variable almost instantly.
Q4: Can Message Variables be used in 1:1 emails?
No, Message Variables cannot be used in direct 1:1 emails sent from deal records or contact overviews.
Q5: Is there a difference in usage for HTML and Plain Text formats?
Yes, ensure that you select HTML formatted variables for HTML emails and Plain Text for plain-text emails only.
Q6: Can I add images to my Message Variable?
Yes, you can add images when creating or editing a Message Variable in the Editor box.
Q7: What happens if I assign a Message Variable to multiple lists?
The information contained in the variable will be accessible only to contacts within the selected lists, ensuring targeted messaging.
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