This feature available on All Plans (except where noted)
Follow-up emails are a great way to maintain engagement by automatically sending emails a specific number of days after someone subscribes to your list. This guide will walk you through setting up, editing, and managing follow-up emails.
For other email types, check out:
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.
- Select Follow-Up Email.
Via the Campaign Builder
- Open the campaign you want to attach a follow-up email to in the Campaign Builder.
- Click the email icon in the upper-right corner.
- Click New Email next to the list for which you wish to create the follow-up email.
- 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 Follow-Up Email
Step 1: Choose a Company Profile
A Company Profile is required for compliance with the CAN-SPAM Act. It includes your business name, address, and industry.
Options for Managing Company Profiles
-
Set Up a New Profile:
- Click Create a Company Profile.
- Enter the details and click Save & Select.
- Click Continue.
-
Use the Current Profile:
- Verify the details and click Continue.
-
Update the Current Profile:
- Click Edit and update the details.
- Click Select to save and click Continue.
-
Choose a Different Profile:
- Click Choose Another.
- Select an existing profile, verify the details, and click Select.
- Click Continue.
Step 2: Select a List
- Check the box(es) next to the list(s) you want to target.
- To deselect lists, uncheck the box(es).
- To select/deselect all lists, use the Select All Lists checkbox.
- Click Continue.
Note: This step won’t appear if you started in the Campaign Builder, as the list is pre-selected.
Step 3: Add Codes (Optional)
If attaching a single code or code list:
- Configure your code settings.
- Click Continue.
- For detailed instructions, see Adding Codes to Emails.
Step 4: Choose an Email Template
- To skip templates, click Continue.
- To use a template:
- Hover over the template and click Use This Template.
Step 5: Customize the Email
Use the WYSIWYG editor to edit text, images, and merge fields.
Adding Content
- Add Text: Click the text box and start typing.
-
Add Images:
- Click the Insert/edit image icon.
- 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
- Fill in the following fields:
- Email Name
- Email Subject
- Sender Name
- From Email Address
Note: You cannot use @yahoo.com, @gmail.com, or similar addresses due to DMARC restrictions.
- Click Continue.
Step 7: Set the Email Trigger
- In the Number of Days box, enter how many days after subscription the email should send (e.g.,
2
for 2 days). - Click Continue.
Step 8: Set the Start Date/Time
- In the Start at box, set the date/time for sending follow-up emails.
- Update the time zone if needed (default is UTC).
- Click Continue.
Step 9: Review and Schedule
- Review your email settings and content.
- To send a test email:
- Click Send Test Email and enter the recipient address.
- Click Send Email.
- Once satisfied, click Save & Schedule.
Managing Follow-Up Emails
Editing a Follow-Up Email
Changes will only affect subscribers who haven’t received the email yet.
- In the Emails Manager, click the email name.
- Update the desired content and click Continue.
- Click Save & Schedule.
Stopping or Deleting a Follow-Up Email
From the Emails Manager:
- Click the Emails link on the Dashboard.
- Find the email, click the down arrow, and select Delete.
- Confirm by clicking Delete.
From the Campaign Builder:
- Click the email icon in the top-right corner.
- Click the trash can icon next to the email.
- Confirm deletion in the pop-up.
Compliance with the CAN-SPAM Act
The CAN-SPAM Act requires commercial emails to include:
- A valid business name and address (via the Company Profile).
- An opt-out (unsubscribe) link.
Troubleshooting Spam Issues (DMARC)
If emails go to spam/junk folders:
- Update your DMARC policy to
p=none
to prevent quarantine. - Use ShortStack’s default no-reply addresses:
no-reply@campgn.page
no-reply@lndg.page
no-reply@shortstack.page