Text Only campaign

```mediawiki Navigation: Main_Page > Campaigns > Text Only campaign

How to Send a Text Only Campaign

Introduction

The Text Only campaign in ActiveCampaign allows users to create and send simple, plain text emails to their contacts. This method of communication may be preferable for businesses seeking a straightforward approach or for audiences who favor minimalistic emails. It is essential to understand the limitations of a Text Only campaign, such as the inability to track email opens or replies. However, it is possible to track link clicks, making it an effective option for sharing essential URLs with your audience.

How to Access This Feature

To access the Text Only campaign feature, you must have an ActiveCampaign account. This feature is available on all plans including Starter, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow the detailed steps below to create a Text Only campaign in ActiveCampaign:

1. Navigate to Campaigns in your ActiveCampaign dashboard.
2. Click on the Create a Campaign button.
3. On the Campaign Type page:

  * Enter a name for your campaign.
  * Choose the type of campaign. Text Only campaigns are compatible with Standard, Auto Responder, RSS, and Date Based campaign types.
  * Click the Next button.

1. On the Campaign Summary page, supply your campaign details. Note: You can skip this step to start creating your design, but campaign details must be entered before sending the email.
2. Click the down arrow next to the Create with email designer button and select Text Only.
3. Choose a template, if applicable, or click Start from Scratch.
4. In the next screen, write your campaign content in the composer.
5. To insert additional elements, click the Insert option and select the item you wish to add. Follow the prompts to include that item.
6. Click the Settings (gear) icon to update your subject line as well as the From and Reply to information.
7. Click the Next button to return to the Campaign Summary page.
8. Once you've reviewed everything, you can either:

  * Click Send now to dispatch the campaign immediately,
  * Click the Schedule button to select a date and time for later sending,
  * Click Save and Exit to save your progress and return to the campaign later.

Configuration Options and Settings

While creating a Text Only campaign, several essential options must be considered:

• **Subject Line**: The line that will be displayed in your contacts' inboxes.
• **From Information**: This indicates who the email is from, crucial for establishing trust.
• **Reply To Information**: The email address where responses will be directed.
• **Campaign Details**: Essential metadata required before sending the campaign, which can be updated as needed.

Note that personalization tags are not available in plain-text campaigns, and any default footer is not editable.

Best Practices and Tips

- Always include the full URL (e.g., https://www.activecampaign.com/) if you aim to incorporate links in your Text Only campaign, as they cannot be hyperlinked. - Consider your audience's email client; not every service automatically converts plain text URLs to clickable links. - Keep the content concise and relevant since there's no visual formatting in a text-only format which could enhance engagement. - Review your campaign thoroughly before sending or scheduling to ensure no important details are overlooked.

Common Use Cases

A Text Only campaign works well in various scenarios, including: - **Announcements**: Simple updates or announcements that do not require elaborate formatting. - **Newsletters**: Providing straightforward news features or highlights without the fluff. - **Event Notifications**: Sending quick reminders about upcoming events or activities.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues while creating or sending your Text Only campaign, consider the following: - Ensure all required fields are filled out on the Campaign Summary page. - Check the content of your email; if it is too lengthy or lacks necessary links, it may not appear as intended. - Confirm that the settings for From and Reply to information are correctly configured.

Related Features

For more detailed functionalities, consider exploring the following ActiveCampaign features:

• Automations
• Campaigns Overview
• Email Designer

FAQ

1. Can I track opens for Text Only campaigns?

  - No, tracking opens is not possible for Text Only campaigns.

2. How do I include links in my Text Only email?

  - Include the full URL including "http://" or "https://". Be aware that not all email clients may hyperlink the text automatically.

3. Are personalization tags available in a Text Only campaign?

  - No, personalization tags cannot be used in plain-text campaigns.

4. What types of campaigns can use Text Only functionality?

  - Text Only campaigns can be used with Standard, Auto Responder, RSS, and Date Based campaign types.

5. What should I do if my links are not clickable for recipients?

  - Ensure you have formatted the complete URL in the email, as linking will depend on the contact's email client settings.

6. Can I schedule my Text Only campaigns?

  - Yes, you can schedule your Text Only campaigns for a later date and time.

7. Is there a way to embed images in Text Only campaigns?

  - No, Text Only campaigns do not support embedded images.

For further guidance, consult the detailed documentation on the ActiveCampaign Help Center. ```