Personalization tag

```mediawiki Navigation: Main_Page > Campaigns > Emails > Personalization tag

How do I add a personalization tag to the subject line of a campaign?

Personalization tags are a critical feature in ActiveCampaign that enables marketers to customize their emails by inserting relevant information about contacts directly into the subject line. This capability can significantly enhance engagement rates, as personalized subject lines are more likely to catch the attention of recipients. For instance, when you use the personalization tag for a contact's first name, such as %FIRSTNAME%, the recipient will see their name in the subject line when they receive the email. This article will guide you through the process of adding personalization tags to your campaign subject lines and offer insights into best practices, troubleshooting, and relevant frequently asked questions.

How to access this feature

To access the personalization tag feature, you need to open the campaign or automation email you wish to edit. This can be performed from the Campaigns dashboard where you manage your email campaigns.

Step-by-Step Instructions

From the Campaign Summary Page

1. Open the direct campaign or automation email you want to edit. 2. Navigate to the Campaign Settings page:

  * For automation emails, click Next to reach the Campaign Settings page.
  * Direct campaigns will automatically land on the Campaign Settings page.

3. In the Subject Line field, click the Lightning Bolt icon. 4. From the Select field dropdown, choose the field you want to insert. You can use the search bar in the dropdown to simplify your search. 5. After selecting, click Save. The tag will automatically integrate into the end of the subject line.

To ensure the tag appears correctly, it's crucial to keep a space between the last word and the tag if you want it to be added to the end.

From the Campaign Designer

1. Access your campaign or automation email and click the gear icon. 2. Select the personalization icon. 3. Click on the Insert Field dropdown and select the desired field to insert. For example, if you wish to insert the first name, choose that option. 4. Click the Insert button to add the tag. 5. The personalization tag will be included at the end of the subject line. Close the dialog by clicking the Close button.

Similar to the previous method, remember to include a space if you want the tag at the end, or rearrange it according to your preference.

Configuration Options and Settings

While using personalization tags is straightforward, understanding the configuration options is essential for optimal use:

- Subject Line Field: This is where you enter your subject line text and can incorporate personalization tags. - Personalization Tag Options: Accessible through the dropdown menu where you can select from various fields such as first name, last name, and other customizable sections.

Best Practices and Tips

- **Test Your Email**: Always send a test email to yourself to see how the personalization tag appears in the subject line. - **Utilize First Names**: Personalizing with the recipient's first name can create a more inviting tone. - **Avoid Overloading**: While personalization tags can enhance engagement, using too many in a single subject line can feel inauthentic to the recipients. - **Consider Timing and Relevance**: Use personalization contextually based on the content of your email and the relationship with your contact.

Common Use Cases with Examples

- **Welcome Emails**: “Welcome to Our Service, %FIRSTNAME%!” – Greet new subscribers with their names to make them feel appreciated. - **Seasonal Promotions**: “Special Deals Just for You, %FIRSTNAME%!” – Target promotions during holidays that feel exclusive.

Troubleshooting

- **Tag Not Displaying**: If the personalization tag does not show up correctly:

  - Ensure you've selected the right field in the dropdown menu.
  - Check that the contact has the information populated in their profile.

- **Email Test Failures**: If your test emails are not displaying the name correctly, make sure to verify the tag syntax is correct and data exists in the contact fields.

Related Features

To learn more about enhancing your email campaigns, consider exploring other relevant features, such as Automation, Segmentation, and A/B Testing.

FAQ

Q: Can I use multiple personalization tags in a single subject line? A: Yes, you can combine multiple personalization tags, such as using both first and last names.

Q: What happens if a contact's information is missing? A: If the corresponding field for the personalization tag is empty for a contact, the tag will not be replaced with any value, leading to an incomplete subject line.

Q: Are there any limits to the types of fields I can use? A: You can use standard fields available in your contact data, such as first name, last name, and other custom fields you have set up.

Q: Is it possible to personalize the subject line of automated emails? A: Yes, you can add personalization tags to both direct campaign emails and automation emails.

Q: Do personalization tags work for all email platforms? A: Personalization tags are specifically designed for use within ActiveCampaign and may not work in other email platforms.

Q: Can I see a preview of how the subject line will look with personalization? A: It's best to send a test email to see the final output as recipients will receive it.

Q: Is there a difference in how I add personalization tags for different email types? A: The steps are slightly different depending on whether it's a direct campaign or an automation email, but generally involve similar actions in the Campaign Settings or Campaign Designer.

By effectively utilizing personalization tags, you can enhance your email's impact and foster a deeper connection with your audience. ```