This feature available on All Plans (except where noted)
Autoresponder emails are a powerful way to connect with people immediately after they submit a form on your ShortStack campaigns. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up, managing, and customizing autoresponder emails.
For instructions on creating scheduled or follow-up emails for your list, check out our other email docs.
Accessing the Email Builder
You can access the Email Builder in two ways:
Via the Emails Manager
- Log in to ShortStack.
- Click Manage in the top navigation bar and select Emails.
- Click New Email in the Emails Manager.
- Choose the Autoresponder option.
Via the Campaign Builder
- Open the campaign you’d like to add an autoresponder to in the Campaign Builder.
- Click the envelope icon in the top-right corner.
- Click New Email next to the list for which you want to create the autoresponder.
Note: If your campaign includes multiple Forms or Entry Displays Widgets, you may see more than one list displayed.
Setting Up an Autoresponder Email
Step 1: Choose/Create a Company Profile
A Company Profile is required for compliance with the CAN-SPAM Act, which mandates the inclusion of a business name and address in outgoing emails.
- Free Trial and Business Plans: Limited to a single Company Profile.
- Pro Plans or Higher: Create multiple profiles as needed.
Options for Managing Company Profiles
-
Edit the Default Profile:
- Click Default Profile and complete the fields in the pop-up.
- Click Save & Continue.
-
Use the Current Profile:
- Verify the selected profile’s details.
- Click Continue.
-
Update the Current Profile:
- Click the name of the selected profile.
- Update the details.
- Click Select and then Continue.
-
Choose a Different Profile:
- Click the name of the current profile.
- Click All Profiles and select an existing profile.
- Click Select and then Continue.
-
Add a New Profile:
- Click All Profiles and select Add New Profile.
- Enter the details in the pop-up and click Save & Select.
Enterprise Plans: Option to disable the CAN-SPAM footer for transactional emails.
Step 2: Select a List
Choose the entry list that will receive your emails:
- Check the name of the list you want to select.
- Click Skip if you plan to attach a list later.
- Click Continue.
Note: Emails started in the Campaign Builder will automatically attach to the connected list.
Step 3: Add Codes (Optional)
If attaching codes or a code list:
- Configure your code settings.
- Click Continue.
- Refer to the Adding Codes to Emails help doc for detailed instructions.
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:
- Hover over the template thumbnail.
- Click Use This Template.
Step 5: Customize Your Email
Use the WYSIWYG editor to edit text, images, and merge fields, or switch to Source Code for advanced HTML customization.
- Add Text: Click the text box and start typing.
-
Add Images:
- Click the Insert/edit image icon.
- Upload or paste the image URL, adjust dimensions, and click OK.
- Add Merge Fields: Select merge fields from the Available Merge Fields section to personalize your email.
- Add Custom HTML: Use the Source Code icon to input your HTML.
When done, click Continue.
Step 6: Add Email Details
- Enter your Email Name, Subject, Sender Name, and From Address.
-
Default From Addresses:
no-reply@campgn.page
no-reply@lndg.page
no-reply@shortstack.page
Note: Due to DMARC restrictions, you cannot use certain email addresses (e.g., @gmail.com, @yahoo.com).
Click Continue when finished.
Step 7: Review and Activate
- Review Settings: Check your email settings and content.
- Edit Content: Click on the section to make changes.
-
Send Test Email:
- Click Send Test Email.
- Enter the recipient’s email address and click Send Email.
- Add Filters: Enable filters as needed for targeting.
When satisfied, click Save & Activate.
Managing Autoresponder Emails
Editing an Autoresponder Email
Changes will only apply to new entrants.
- From Emails Manager: Click the Edit icon next to the email.
- From Campaign Builder: Click the pencil icon beside the email.
Make your changes, click Continue, and save.
Deleting an Autoresponder Email
-
From Emails Manager:
- Click the down arrow on the email’s info pane.
- Select Delete and confirm.
-
From Campaign Builder:
- Click the trash can icon next to the email.
- Confirm the deletion in the pop-up.
Compliance with CAN-SPAM Act
The CAN-SPAM Act requires commercial emails to include:
- A valid business name and address (via the Company Profile).
- An Unsubscribe link for recipients.
Troubleshooting Spam Issues (DMARC)
If your emails are going to spam:
- Update your domain’s DMARC policy to
p=none
.- This prevents emails from being quarantined when DMARC fails.
- Use ShortStack’s default From Addresses:
-
no-reply@campgn.page
,no-reply@lndg.page
,no-reply@shortstack.page
.
-