Test automated campaigns

``` Navigation: Main_Page > Campaigns > Automation > test automated campaigns

How to Test Automated Campaigns

Automated campaigns are a powerful feature within ActiveCampaign, enabling users to send targeted messages to contacts based on their behaviors and interactions. Testing these campaigns is crucial to ensuring that they function as intended before they are launched to your audience. This article covers five different methods to test your automated campaigns, allowing you to validate the design, content, and functionality of your emails.

How to Access This Feature

To access the automated campaign testing feature, begin by logging into your ActiveCampaign account and navigating to the Automations tab in the left menu. Once there, you can choose the specific automation you wish to test. This testing capability is available across all ActiveCampaign plans, including Starter, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise.

Step-by-Step Instructions

There are multiple ways to test automated campaigns in ActiveCampaign. Below are the specific methods outlined for your convenience:

1. Testing from the "Messages" Tab

1. Click Automations on the left menu. 2. Select the desired automation to open it. 3. Click the arrow located on the top right of the automation canvas. 4. The Settings tab will expand, displaying automation-level settings. Click the Messages tab. 5. To test all emails, click the Select all checkbox and then click Test all. 6. To test a specific campaign, check the respective checkbox for that campaign and click Test email(s). 7. In the modal that appears, enter up to five email addresses, separated by commas. Note that the email address used to receive the test email must differ from the "From" email address; if they are the same, the test email will not send. 8. Click the Send button. 9. Navigate to your email inbox (and check your spam inbox) to view your test emails.

2. Testing from the "Send an Email" Action Modal

1. Click Automations on the left menu. 2. Select the automation that contains the campaign you wish to test. 3. Click the Send an email action that holds the campaign. 4. Click the Send a test option located at the bottom left of the modal window. 5. Enter the test subject line and email address(es) for recipients. You can add up to five email addresses. 6. Click Send. 7. Check your email inbox (and spam inbox) for the received test email.

3. Testing from the Campaign Designer

1. Click Automations on the left menu. 2. Access the automation and click the Send an email action that includes your campaign. 3. A modal window will appear. Hover over the email design and select Edit design. 4. Click the Test email icon in the top right of the campaign designer. 5. In the modal that appears, enter up to five email addresses in the Send test to field and then click Send. 6. Go to your email inbox (and spam inbox) to view your test email.

4. Testing from the Campaign Preview Page

1. Click Automations on the left menu. 2. Open the automation and select the Send an email action for the desired campaign. 3. In the modal that appears, hover over the email design to choose Edit design. 4. Click the Preview icon at the top right of the campaign designer. 5. A preview of the campaign will load; select the Text Email option in the top left of the page. 6. Enter up to five email addresses in the Send test to field and click Send. 7. Access your email inbox (and check your spam inbox) for the test email.

5. Testing from the "Campaign Settings" Modal

1. Click Automations on the left menu. 2. Open the desired automation by clicking on it. 3. Click on the Send an email action associated with the campaign you want to test. 4. A modal will appear. Hover over the email design and click the Edit design option. 5. Select the Settings icon on the top right of the campaign designer. 6. In the subsequent modal, enter up to five email addresses in the Send test to field and click Send Test. 7. Go to your email inbox (and check your spam inbox) to view your test email.

Configuration Options and Settings

When testing automated campaigns, you will encounter several important bold options that facilitate the process. These include: - Send test button: This initiates the process of sending a test email. - Select all checkbox: Allows you to quickly choose all emails for testing. - Messages tab: Where you manage email testing options. - Send email: Action feature where testing takes place across various sections.

Best Practices and Tips

- Always test your emails using different email service providers to ensure compatibility and deliverability. - Check the content in the spam folder to ensure that your emails are properly configured for delivery. - Utilize multiple test email addresses to see how different formats and designs render in various inboxes. - Confirm that the From email address is different from the test address to avoid delivery issues. - Keep your subject line relevant and concise for the best reception.

Common Use Cases with Examples

1. **Launching a New Product**: Before sending out invitations to a product launch, utilize the testing features to ensure that all aspects of the email are functioning correctly. 2. **Promotion Campaigns**: Test promotional emails to verify that discount codes and links redirect properly before sending them to your customer list. 3. **Event Announcements**: Ensure event details are accurate and that RSVP links work correctly by testing your emails ahead of time.

Troubleshooting

- If a test email does not arrive, check that the email address you input is valid and distinct from the "From" address. - Verify that the automation is active — inactive automations will not send test emails. - Check your spam filter; sometimes test emails may be misclassified as spam. - Make sure that you have included external email addresses rather than only those within the ActiveCampaign platform for accurate testing results.

FAQ

Q1: How many test emails can I send at once?

• • A:** You can send up to five email addresses in a single test email send.

Q2: Can I test my campaigns without sending them to my full list?

• • A:** Yes, testing is designed specifically to prevent sending emails to your full contact list before verifying functionality.

Q3: What should I do if my test email doesn't arrive?

• • A:** Verify the recipient email is different from the "From" address and check the spam or junk folders.

Q4: Can I modify the content of a test email?

• • A:** Yes, you can create a unique test version by editing the content before sending it.

Q5: Is testing available for all ActiveCampaign plans?

• • A:** Yes, testing automated campaigns is available across all plans: Starter, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise.

Q6: How do I ensure that my emails are not marked as spam?

• • A:** Use recognizable sender names, avoid spammy keywords, and send test emails to check deliverability.

Q7: What types of campaigns can I test?

• • A:** You can test any automated emails within your active automations, including promotions, newsletters, and event announcements.

For additional resources, visit the ActiveCampaign help section for thorough guidance on optimizing your automated campaigns. ```