Limits per "Go to" action in automation

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Limits per "Go to" action in automation

ActiveCampaign’s automation feature allows users to strategically guide contacts through marketing flows. One crucial aspect of automations is how often contacts can repeat certain actions, particularly when utilizing the Go to action. Understanding the limits imposed by these actions can help streamline your automations and enhance contact engagement.

Introduction

The Limits per "Go to" action in automation defines the frequency with which a contact can pass through a specific Go to action. This feature is essential as it governs the flow of contacts through automations, ensuring that user experiences remain meaningful and non-repetitive. The system sets boundaries based on whether a Wait action is present following a Go to action, influencing how often the same path can be taken.

1. 1. 1. Importance

Knowing these limits ensures that you can design effective automation flows that maintain user engagement without overwhelming contacts. By adhering to these rules, you can maximize the efficiency of your communications.

How to Access This Feature

To access the limits of the Go to action within your automation: 1. Log in to your ActiveCampaign account. 2. Navigate to the Automations tab in the main menu. 3. Select or create an automation that includes a Go to action. 4. Once inside the automation builder, you can identify the Go to actions and their respective configurations.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Creating the Automation**:

  - Start by clicking on **Create an Automation** and selecting an appropriate template or starting from scratch.
  

2. **Adding a "Go to" Action**:

  - In the automation builder, choose the plus sign (+) to add a new action.
  - Select the Go to action from the list of automation actions.

3. **Inserting a "Wait" Action (if desired)**:

  - If you wish to allow a higher frequency of the Go to action, immediately follow it with a Wait action. This can be set by selecting **Wait** and choosing your desired time frame.

4. **Configuring Automation Steps**:

  - Fill in any necessary details for the Go to action and the subsequent steps to ensure they align with your marketing goals.

5. **Saving Your Automation**:

  - Always remember to click **Save** after configuring your automation to ensure changes are applied.

Configuration Options and Settings

- **Limits without a "Wait" Action**: If your automation does not have a Wait action immediately after the Go to action, a contact can repeat this action up to three times before the automation ends for that contact.

- **Limits with a "Wait" Action**: Upon introducing a Wait action immediately after the Go to action, a contact may proceed through that action up to ten times within a 24-hour period.

Best Practices and Tips

- **Plan for Engagement**: Consider how often you want contacts to repeat specific actions. Use a Wait action strategically to extend engagement opportunities without causing frustration.

- **Monitor Automation Paths**: Regularly check the paths contacts take within your automation. If you notice high drop-off rates at a certain Go to action, reevaluate your automation flow.

- **Test Your Setup**: Before launching your automation, simulate the contact experience to understand how the limits affect the flow.

Common Use Cases with Examples

- **Event Reminders**: Set up an automation to remind contacts about an upcoming event. Use a Wait action to allow for multiple reminders without overwhelming them.

- **Survey Participation**: If you're seeking feedback through multiple surveys, use the Go to action coupled with a Wait action to allow contacts to participate multiple times over several days.

Troubleshooting Section

When configuring your automations, you may encounter situations where the Go to action does not behave as expected. Here are some common issues: - **Contact Exceeds Limits**: If you encounter a message stating "This 'Go to' block exceeded the limit per day for this contact," review the presence of any Wait actions that could extend the limits.

- **Automation Stops Unexpectedly**: Make sure your automation is correctly configured and all paths are appropriately set up. If problems persist, consult ActiveCampaign support to ensure there are no account-specific issues.

Related Features

For additional information, you might want to explore: - Automations - Wait Actions - Go to Actions - Marketing Automation Basics

FAQ

Q1: What happens if a contact exceeds the limits of a "Go to" action? A1: The automation will end for that contact even if there are subsequent steps.

Q2: Can I reset the limits for a contact? A2: The limits are based on a 24-hour window and automatically reset after this period.

Q3: How can I see the paths taken by a contact in my automation? A3: You can view the paths in your automation report, which shows how many times each action has been taken by each contact.

Q4: Is there a way to bypass the limits set for the "Go to" action? A4: No, these limits are fixed for optimal contact management and cannot be overridden.

Q5: Are there different limits for different account plans? A5: No, the limits for the Go to action in automation are consistent across Starter, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise plans.

Q6: How can I optimize my automation for better engagement? A6: Use a combination of Go to and Wait actions strategically to encourage frequent interactions without overwhelming your contacts.

Q7: Can I use multiple "Go to" actions in one automation? A7: Yes, you can incorporate multiple Go to actions within a single automation, but be mindful of the limits discussed.

By understanding the Limits per "Go to" action in automation, users can effectively design their marketing strategies to maintain engagement and productivity within their ActiveCampaign automations. ```