Runs once vs Runs multiple times

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What is the difference between "Runs once" vs "Runs multiple times"?

ActiveCampaign provides automation triggers that can be configured to either run once or run multiple times for contacts. Understanding this distinction is crucial for optimizing automation workflows and ensuring that contacts receive the information and engagement they need at the right time. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of both options, how to access and configure them, and best practices for implementation.

Introduction

In the context of ActiveCampaign automations, a trigger is an event that starts a specific automation process. The ability to configure triggers to run either once or multiple times allows for greater flexibility in how contacts interact with your automation. This feature proves essential in tailoring communication strategies, as it affects how and when your contacts engage with automations based on their behaviors and actions. Knowing when to choose Runs once or Runs multiple times can significantly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of your workflows.

How to Access This Feature

To access the configuration options for automation triggers in ActiveCampaign, follow the steps below:

1. Log in to your ActiveCampaign account. 2. Navigate to the Automations tab in the main menu. 3. Select an existing automation or create a new one. 4. In the automation builder, click on the desired trigger to open the options. 5. Within the trigger settings, locate the Action Options modal where you can choose between Runs once and Runs multiple times.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1. 1. Step 1: Access the Automation Builder

To start, log in to your ActiveCampaign account and go to the Automations section. Here, you can either select an existing automation or create a new one by clicking on the Create an automation button.

1. 1. 1. Step 2: Select the Trigger

Choose the trigger you wish to assign the execution option to. For this, click on the trigger symbol within your automation workflow.

1. 1. 1. Step 3: Configure Action Options

Once the trigger settings modal appears, locate the Action Options section. Here, you will find the selection for either Runs once or Runs multiple times.

1. 1. 1. Step 4: Choose Your Preference

- **Runs Once**: If you choose this option, contacts will enter the automation only the first time they meet the trigger conditions. For example, a contact may be able to enter through a Submits a form trigger only upon their first submission. - **Runs Multiple Times**: Selecting this option allows contacts to enter the automation every time they meet the trigger conditions. An example includes a contact that opens an email; every instance of this action will trigger the automation.

1. 1. 1. Step 5: Save the Configuration

After selecting your preferred execution option, be sure to click the Save button to ensure your changes are properly applied.

Configuration Options and Settings

In addition to choosing between Runs once and Runs multiple times, there are certain automation settings that can further restrict how and when contacts can enter your automation. Here are key points to consider:

- There is a limit of 10 entries through the same start trigger within a 24-hour period. For instance, if a contact enters the automation 10 times from 2:00 PM CST to 10:00 PM CST, they will not be able to re-enter via the same trigger until the next day at 10:00 PM CST. - If you edit a trigger marked as Runs Once, previously entered contacts will not re-enter even if they meet the updated trigger conditions.

For in-depth details on further automation settings, please refer to the section titled "About automation settings".

Best Practices and Tips

- **Define Clear Objectives**: Before configuring triggers, clearly define what you want to achieve with your automation. Knowing the purpose will guide your decision to configure it as Runs once or Runs multiple times. - **Testing and Optimization**: Always test your automation after configuring triggers to ensure they are functioning as intended. This helps in optimizing the overall experience for your contacts. - **Use Triggers Wisely**: Limit the use of triggers that allow multiple entries unless necessary. Overuse can lead to excessive messaging and overwhelm your contacts.

Common Use Cases with Examples

- **Educational Forms**: Use a Runs once trigger for an automation that engages contacts upon their first submission of an education form. This ensures that follow-up content is only sent once they have engaged with the material. - **Re-engagement Campaigns**: Implement a Runs multiple times trigger for re-engagement campaigns where contacts may need reminders or repeated prompts to engage with new content or offerings after unsubscribing and resubscribing. - **Campaign Tracking**: Track email effectiveness by using a Runs multiple times trigger so that every time a contact opens an email, they can be looped back into feedback or further engagement campaigns.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your trigger settings: - Ensure that you have correctly saved your changes after configuring the trigger options. - Review the specified entry restrictions, including the 10-entry limit within a 24-hour period. - Return to the automation settings to check for any conflicting configurations that may prevent contacts from entering as expected.

FAQ

Q1: Can I change a trigger from "Runs once" to "Runs multiple times" after configuring it?

Yes, you can change a trigger's settings at any time, but keep in mind that previously entered contacts will not re-enter under the new settings if the trigger was originally set to Runs once.

Q2: What happens if a contact meets the trigger conditions multiple times while the trigger is set to "Runs once"?

The contact will only be able to enter the automation the first time they meet the trigger conditions; subsequent attempts to meet the condition will be ignored.

Q3: Is there a limit to the number of times a contact can enter through a "Runs multiple times" trigger?

Yes, contacts are limited to entering the automation through the same start trigger a maximum of 10 times in a 24-hour period.

Q4: Can I use multiple triggers in one automation with different settings?

Absolutely! You can configure multiple triggers within the same automation, each with different execution options depending on your specific use case.

Q5: How do I know which trigger type to use for my automation?

Consider the objective of your automation. Use Runs once for actions that should only happen a single time and Runs multiple times for actions you want to encourage repeated interaction.

Q6: What happens if I delete a trigger set to "Runs once"?

Deleting a trigger set to Runs once means that any previously entered contacts through that trigger will cease to exist in that automation for that entry point.

Please refer to this article for more insights and guidance on trigger configurations to enhance your automation experience with ActiveCampaign. ```