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Creating Autoresponder Emails

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 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. Choose the Autoresponder option.

Via the Campaign Builder

  1. Open the campaign you’d like to add an autoresponder to in the Campaign Builder.
  2. Click the envelope icon in the top-right corner.
  3. 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 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 Enterprise 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

Choose the entry list that should receive the email.

Note: If you begin the email in the Campaign Builder, it will automatically be attached to the associated list.

Step 3: Add Codes (Optional)

Select one of the following options: 

    • No
    • Yes - One Code
    • Yes - Instant Win
    • Yes - Code List

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 Your Email

Add Text: Click the text box and start typing.

Add Images:

  1. Click on the Insert/edit image icon.
  2. Upload or paste the image URL, adjust the 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: Edit Email Details (Optional)

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

  • From Email Address 
  • Email Title

Note: Due to DMARC restrictions, you cannot use certain email addresses (e.g., @gmail.com, @yahoo.com).

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:

  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 or exclude Instant Winners
  • Filter by State/Province - Include or exclude specified states/provinces

When satisfied, click Save & Activate.

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.

 

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