Guidelines for Creating Messages

Main Messages

When creating messages for use with Connect, follow these guidelines:
  • Main messages are available for all types of campaigns:
    • Standard campaign - Only one main message is allowed per segment. If the segmentation model is None, only one main message is allowed for the campaign.
    • Recurring campaign - Any number of main messages are allowed, whether or not they are periodic.
    • Event-triggered campaign - Only one active main message is allowed per segment. If the segmentation model is None, only one active main message is allowed overall. To ensure this, when you roll out a new main message, the old main message automatically expires and the new message is active.
Note: When generating content for an event-driven campaign that uses external XML, you must choose XSL Template or Static as the message type. (Do not choose Dynamic.) The reason for this is that XSLT is required to transform the ExternalXML element in the event record. Static content may also be used but ExternalXML may not be used with static content, and merge tags must be used to access event parameters.

Trial Messages

Trial messages are available only in standard campaigns:
  • You can create as many trial messages as you want, but you cannot exceed 100% of the target customers.
  • Once a main message for a particular segment is rolled out, no new trial messages are allowed for that segment.
  • If a main message for all segments is rolled out you cannot create another trial message for any or all segments.
  • Follow-up messages are available for all types of campaigns.
  • At least one main message or trial message must be created first.
Note: Connect does not currently support follow-ups for dynamic content messages.

Text Wrapping Note

To ensure that most e-mail clients display your text content properly, Brick Street recommends that you keep text lines to a maximum length of 65 characters using hard returns.

Use Correct HTML Syntax

For HTML content, you must use properly formed HTML. As a general rule follow the standards established by the World Wide Web Consortium.