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Creating Scheduled Emails

Pro.svgPRO PLAN

Scheduled emails let you communicate with your audience at a specific time or send them immediately. This guide walks you through creating scheduled emails, editing them, and complying with email regulations.

For other email types, check out these help docs:

Accessing the Email Builder

You can access the Email Builder in two ways:

Via the Emails Manager

  1. Log in to ShortStack.
  2. Click Manage in the top navigation bar and select Emails.
  3. Click New Email in the Emails Manager.
  4. Select Follow-Up Email.

Via the Campaign Builder

  1. Open the campaign you want to attach a follow-up email to in the Campaign Builder.
  2. Click the email icon in the upper-right corner.
  3. Click New Email next to the list for which you wish to create the follow-up email.
  4. Select Follow-Up Email.

Note: If your campaign has multiple Form or Entry Widgets, you may see more than one list displayed.

Setting Up a Scheduled Email

Step 1: Choose a Company Profile

The most recently used Company Profile will be selected by default. To change it, click the Company Profile name.

Learn more about Creating and Managing Company Profiles. 

Step 1a: Disable CAN-SPAM footer (Optional)

Available on Pro Plan

If your email is transactional, you may disable the CAN-SPAM footer by checking the box next to Disable the CAN-SPAM footer.

Step 2: Select a List

  1. Check the box(es) next to the list(s) you want to target.
  2. To deselect lists, uncheck the box(es).
  3. To select/deselect all lists, use the Select All Lists checkbox.
  4. Click Continue.

Note: If you begin the email in the Campaign Builder, the associated list(s) will already be selected.

Step 3: Add Codes (Optional)

Select one of the following options: 

  • No
  • Yes - One Code, I want to show the same discount code for every email recipient.
  • Yes - Instant Win, My campaign is using Instant Win and I want to display the result (win or lose) in my email.
  • Yes - Code List, I want to assign a different code for each email recipient and show that in my email.

If you chose Code List, follow these additional steps:

  1. Click the blue Connect to Code List button.
  2. Select an existing code list;
  3. Or upload a new list by clicking on Upload New List. 
  4. Click Select, then Save and Exit.

Click Continue.

Learn more about Using Unique Codes in Emails.

Step 4: Choose an Email Template

Email templates can save time. If you prefer not to use a template, click Continue to skip.

To use a template:

  1. Hover over the template thumbnail.
  2. Click Use This Template.

Step 5: Customize the Email

Use the WYSIWYG editor to edit text, images, and merge fields.

Add Text: Click the text box and start typing.

Add Images:

  1. Click the Insert/edit image icon.
  2. Upload or paste the image URL, adjust the dimensions, and click OK.

Add Merge Fields: Select fields from the Available Merge Fields section to personalize your email.

Add Custom HTML: Use the Source Code icon to input your HTML.

Click Continue when finished.

Step 6: Add Email Details

You can edit the following email details if you choose, otherwise, all of the information is pre-populated with your Company Profile information: 

  • Name the Email (only visible in ShortStack)
  • Email Subject
  • From Name (optional)
  • From Email Address 

Note: You cannot use @yahoo.com, @gmail.com, or similar addresses due to DMARC restrictions.

Click Continue.

Step 7: Schedule the Email

You can send the email immediately or schedule it for a later time.

Send Now

  1. Select Send Now under When would you like to send this email?
  2. Click Continue.

Schedule for Later

  1. Select Schedule under When would you like to send this email?
  2. Enter the date and time in the Schedule At box (use the calendar and clock icons).
  3. Adjust the time zone (default is UTC).
  4. Click Continue.

Step 8: Review and Schedule

Review Settings: Check your email settings and content.

Edit Content: Click on the section to make changes.

Send Test Email:

  1. Click Send Test Email.
  2. Enter the recipient’s email address and click Send Email.

Add Filters: Enable filters as needed for targeting. Filtering options include:

  • Exclude repeat Entries
  • Filter by Instant Win - Include ONLY or exclude Instant Winners
  • Filter by State/Province - Include or exclude specified states/provinces

Managing Scheduled Emails

Editing a Scheduled Email

You can edit emails that haven’t been sent yet.

  1. In the Emails Manager, click the email name.
  2. Update the desired content.
  3. Click Save & Schedule.

Deleting a Scheduled Email

From Emails Manager:

  1. Find the email in the Emails Manager.
  2. Click the down arrow next to it and select Delete.
  3. Confirm the deletion.

From Campaign Builder:

  1. Click the envelope icon in the Campaign Builder.
  2. Click the trash can icon next to the email.
  3. Confirm deletion.

Compliance with the CAN-SPAM Act

In order for emails to be in compliance with the CAN-SPAM Act, they must include:

  • A valid business name and address (via the Company Profile).
  • An opt-out (unsubscribe) link at the bottom.

Troubleshooting Spam Issues (DMARC)

If emails are going to spam/junk folders:

  1. Update your DMARC policy to p=none to prevent quarantine.
  2. Use ShortStack’s default no-reply addresses:
    • no-reply@campgn.page
    • no-reply@lndg.page
    • no-reply@shortstack.page

 

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