Auto-messages are the client-facing aspect of auto-campaigns. They are how you will communicate with your target audience, whether it be with the intention of converting new customers, engaging existing loyal customers, or winning back lost customers. Once you have set up the logic of your auto-campaign by setting up your entry rule and adding your goal(s) if applicable, you are ready to add your messaging.
Determining whether to use Email or SMS
The first step in adding an auto-message to your campaign will be determining the type of message you want to send. You may even find, that you want to send both.
Email: Best for when you need to communicate detailed information and your message is not time-sensitive. Emails are also great when you are trying to encourage your recipients to engage with a link. Only contacts who are subscribed to email will receive auto-emails.
SMS: Best for brief, time-based communications, and quick follow-ups that feel more personal. To find out more about SMS in Marketing Automation, check out this article. Only contacts who are subscribed to SMS will receive auto-SMS messages.
When you've decided which type of message you'd like to add, scroll to the Auto-Messages section of the campaign and click Add an auto-message > select Auto-Email or Auto-SMS and name your message.
*Note: the title of your message is not client-facing
If you ever need to rename your message, check out this article.
Adding an Auto-Email
Timing
Once you've added and named your auto-email, you will need to determine when you want the email to send. Whenever adding an auto-message to an auto-campaign, you will be presented with three timing options - more on these here.
Designing your Email
You'll now decide which type of email you'd like to send: Full Design with Drag and Drop or Text Only. Full Design with Drag and Drop allows for more design and branding, whereas a Text Only email will only include text.
When you make your selection, you will then be prompted to select what template you'd like to use for your email. You can select from your personal Account Saved Templates or you can choose one of our pre-written Marketing Automation templates.
Once you've selected your template, you will set your Email Details and design the content and copy of your message. Learn more about building and designing an email here.
Set it Live
Once you've set up your email in its entirety, you can save it as a template for future sends, or even test send it to yourself to ensure it's set up exactly as you intend. When you are ready to turn the auto-email on, go ahead and click the green Set Live button in the top-right.
*Note: If the Set Live button is greyed out, you likely need to re-save your timing or have missed a step in setup.
Adding an Auto-SMS
Adding a text message to your auto-campaign is very similar to adding an auto-email.
Timing
You will need to determine when you want the text message to send. Whenever adding an auto-message to an auto-campaign, you will be presented with three timing options - more on these here.
Writing your SMS
Once you select the timing of your message, you will see a text block become available below. This is where you will write out your text message. A few things to note when writing your message:
If this is the first text message a contact might be getting from your business, it might be beneficial to include the business name in your message as an introduction.
There is a 320-character limit.
Images and GIFs cannot be included in an SMS message.
People are less likely to click on a link in a text message from an unknown number. When in doubt, send your link in an email!
You can personalize your message by copying/pasting the Available Personalizations to the right.
Set it Live
Once you've set up your SMS in its entirety, you are ready to set it live by clicking the green Set Live button in the top-right.
*Note: If the Set Live button is greyed out, you likely need to re-save your timing or have missed a step in setup.
Once auto-messages are set up you will next set up Auto-Actions, click here to learn what they are and how to set them up.