Attaching files to campaigns

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Attaching Files to Campaigns

Introduction

Attaching files to campaigns in ActiveCampaign allows users to include important documents, images, or other media directly within their email communications. This can enhance the engagement of your audience by providing relevant resources alongside your marketing message. However, it's crucial to understand the implications of using attachments and best practices to ensure optimal email deliverability and engagement.

Why It Matters

While the ability to attach files may seem convenient, it comes with risks that can negatively affect your email deliverability and sender reputation. Consequently, many marketers are encouraged to use links to hosted files instead, which can yield better performance metrics and avoid spam filters.

How to Access This Feature

To start attaching files to your campaigns, navigate to the Campaigns section in your ActiveCampaign account. Depending on your plan type, this feature is available to all tiers, including Starter, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Recommended Method: Adding a File Link

1. **Copy the URL** of where your file is hosted online (e.g., a third-party platform or your website). 2. **Open your campaign** in a separate window or tab to edit it. 3. **Highlight the text** you want to link to or type in new text and then highlight it. 4. Click the **link icon** and paste the URL into the field provided in the Add a Link modal. 5. Click **Save** to finalize your changes.

Alternate Method: Using Dropbox Integration

ActiveCampaign offers an integration with Dropbox, allowing you to link to files stored in Dropbox directly from your campaigns. To learn more about using the ActiveCampaign Dropbox integration, refer to the relevant documentation [1].

Not Recommended: Directly Attaching a File

If you choose to attach a file directly (using the Custom HTML or Text only campaign template), note the following: - You can attach one file with a maximum size of **1 megabyte** and of type .DOC, .DOCX, .JPG, or .PDF. - This option is not available for 1:1 emails or campaigns created with the drag-and-drop email designer.

Steps to attach a file: 1. Create a direct or automated campaign using either the Custom HTML or Text only template option. 2. From the message builder, click the **paper clip** icon on the top right of your screen. 3. Click the **Choose file** button to select your desired file. 4. Click **Close**, then click **Save & Exit** to finish.

Configuration Options and Settings

Understanding how to best configure your campaigns is important: - Use Custom HTML or Text only templates for direct attachments. - Ensure your files are stored in accessible locations, perhaps utilizing cloud services like Dropbox to reduce spam classification risks. - Be aware of the maximum file size (1 MB) and supported formats when attaching files directly.

Best Practices and Tips

- Avoid using file attachments whenever possible. Instead, **link** to hosted files to maintain better deliverability rates. - Utilize services with proper **tracking capabilities** to assess engagement, like link clicks. - If you must attach a file, consider compressing it to fit within the size limits and double-check the file's relevance to your audience.

Common Use Cases

- Sharing an electronic copy of a product catalog as a link rather than an attachment helps avoid spam filters and ensures that users can access the content seamlessly. - Sending an **event registration form** hosted on your website is preferable to attaching it directly to the email.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues while attempting to attach files: - Verify that your file type and size meet the attachment requirements. - If emails are marked as spam, reconsider linking to files instead of attaching them directly. - If you experience slow deliverability, re-evaluate the size of your attachments or method of linking.

FAQ

1. What types of files can I attach directly to my campaign?

You can attach one file with a maximum size of 1 MB in the formats .DOC, .DOCX, .JPG, or .PDF.

2. Why should I host files elsewhere instead of attaching them?

Attaching files can lead to emails being flagged as spam, slow deliverability times, and an inability to track engagement. Hosting files externally improves deliverability and engagement tracking.

3. What happens if my email gets flagged as spam?

Getting flagged as spam can harm your email's deliverability and sender reputation, reducing the likelihood that your emails reach the inboxes of your contacts.

4. Can I track engagement if I attach files directly?

No, attachment engagement metrics cannot be tracked. Instead, use links to hosted files to monitor click-through rates and other engagement metrics.

5. Can I use the link option in my drag-and-drop campaigns?

Yes, you can use links in any campaign template, including drag-and-drop campaigns. It's the recommended approach for providing file access.

6. How does the Dropbox integration work?

The Dropbox integration allows you to link to files stored in your Dropbox account within your ActiveCampaign campaigns, enhancing your ability to share files without attaching them directly.

7. What if I have issues with file hosting services?

If you face challenges with hosting services, consider alternative platforms or consult the relevant support documentation for hosting solutions.

For further details on using ActiveCampaign and optimizing your campaigns, be sure to explore additional resources and articles in the Campaigns category. ```