Using Unique Codes in Emails

ShortStack allows you to distribute unique codes (e.g., coupon codes or prize names) through emails or the Instant Win feature. This guide walks you through creating a code list, attaching it to an email, and managing the distribution process.

Step 1: Creating and Uploading Your Code List

1. Download a Template

Use the Simple Template for most cases. This template has one column with a header: code. For advanced configurations, use the Advanced Template, which includes multiple columns for additional data.

2. Populate Your Code List

1. Open the template in a spreadsheet program (Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, etc.).
2. Add your codes or data beneath the column headers.
3. Save the file as a .csv.

3. Upload Your Code List

1. From the Home Page, click on the Manage drop-down menu, then select Code Lists.
2. Click the blue New Code List button.
3. Drag and drop your .csv file into the upload window or click Select to navigate to it.
4. Name your list in the Name your list field.
5. Check the Randomize the order... box if desired.
6. Click Save & Upload.
7. When the upload is complete, click Continue.

Your new code list will appear in the Code Lists Manager.

Note: Unless randomized, codes will be distributed in the order as presented on the list. 

Step 2: Building Your Email

Starting with the Emails Manager

1. Click on the Manage drop-down menu, then select Emails.
2. Click New Email and choose the email type.

Starting with the Campaign Builder

1. Open your campaign in the Campaign Builder.
2. Click the envelope icon in the top-right.
3. Click New Email next to the list for which you want to create an email.

Note: If your campaign has multiple forms, ensure you choose the correct list.

Step 3: Attaching Your Code List

There are three ways to set up codes in your email:

One Code (No Code List)

1. Select YES - One Code and click Continue.
2. Choose a template or click Continue to proceed without one.
3. Customize your email content, manually adding the single code where indicated.
4. Finish building and reviewing your email, then click Save & Activate.

Instant Win

1. Select YES - Instant Win and click Continue.
2. Choose a template or click Continue to proceed without one.
3. In the Email Designer:
   • Add messages for winners under {% if entry.instant_winner %}.
   • Add non-winner messages under {% else %}.
   • Use {% endif %} for universal messages.
4. Insert the merge field for prize codes ({{ entry.prize_codes }}):
   • Click the Prize Code button in the left panel or type the merge field manually.
5. Finish editing, testing, and activating the email.

Note: Enable Instant Win in your campaign to activate this feature. Refer to the Instant Win Help Doc for guidance.

Code List

1. Select Code List and click Connect Code List.
2. Highlight an existing list and click Select, or click New Code List to upload a new list.
3. Name your list, upload it, and click Save & Upload.
4. Confirm the attached list, then click Continue.
5. In the Email Designer:
   • Insert the merge field for prize codes ({{ entry.prize_codes }}) by clicking the Prize Code button.
   • Use the Prize Code URL button for displaying codes as QR codes.
6. Finish editing, testing, and activating the email.

Important Code Setup Notes

Order of Distribution: Codes are issued in the order they appear in your list unless randomized during upload.

Character Limit: Codes must be 256 characters or fewer.

Duplicate Codes: If you want to reuse the same code, include it multiple times in your list.

Viewing Assigned Codes

To check which code was assigned to an entry:

1. Open the Entries Manager for the corresponding list.
2. Hover over an entry and click View Details.
3. The code will appear next to a trophy icon in the Entry Details view.