Adding Merge Tags

Merge tags are placeholders that insert contact information into an email. They let you personalize a campaign using information stored in EmailBoost, such as a reader’s name or another contact field.

What merge tags are used for

• Adding a reader’s first name to a greeting.
• Using stored contact details inside campaign text.
• Personalizing a subject line or email body where supported.
• Pulling in list, sender, or account information where available.
• Supporting required email elements such as unsubscribe or sender information where the platform provides merge tags for those items.

How merge tags usually work

1. Open the campaign or template you want to edit.
2. Place your cursor where the personalized information should appear.
3. Choose the merge tag option or insert the correct merge tag syntax.
4. Select the contact field you want to use.
5. Preview or test the campaign to check how the tag displays.

Things to check before sending

• The field exists for the contacts you are emailing.
• The tag has been inserted correctly.
• The email still reads naturally if the field is blank.
• The test email displays the correct sample or fallback value.
• You are not using personalization in a way that feels intrusive.

Common examples

• Hi [First Name],
• Here is your update from [Author Name].
• You are receiving this because you signed up for [List Name].

The exact merge tag format may vary depending on the field and where it is used. Use the merge tag options available inside EmailBoost rather than typing complex tags from memory.

Display Conditions

Display conditions let you show or hide content based on contact data, list information, tags, attributes, or other available rules. This makes it possible to send one campaign while showing different sections to different readers.

What display conditions are used for

• Showing a section only to readers with a specific tag.
• Showing different content based on a custom field or attribute.
• Hiding content when a field is empty.
• Showing different offers to different reader groups.
• Making one campaign feel more relevant without creating several separate campaigns.

How display conditions usually work

1. Open the email campaign or template.
2. Select the content block or section you want to control.
3. Open the display condition or visibility settings.
4. Choose the rule that controls who should see that content.
5. Preview or test the email with different contact examples where possible.

Example conditions

• Show this section if the contact has the tag “ARC Team.”
• Show this section if the contact’s preferred format is “Audiobook.”
• Show this content if the contact’s country is “United States.”
• Hide this section if the first name field is empty.

Things to know

• Display conditions depend on the data stored against your contacts.
• If the data is missing or inconsistent, the wrong content may show or hide.
• Always test conditional content before sending.
• Keep conditions simple so the campaign is easier to troubleshoot.

Using Dynamic Content

Dynamic content changes based on reader data or rules. It allows one email campaign to include targeted sections for different contacts, making the message more relevant without building multiple separate campaigns.

Dynamic content vs standard content

Standard content appears to everyone who receives the email. Dynamic content appears only when the reader matches the rule or condition you set.

Author-friendly uses for dynamic content

• Show different book recommendations by genre interest.
• Show audiobook content only to readers interested in audio.
• Show ARC team instructions only to tagged ARC readers.
• Show regional links or event details to readers in a specific location.
• Show a reader magnet reminder only to contacts who joined through that source.

How dynamic content usually works

1. Create or open your email campaign.
2. Add the content block or section you want to target.
3. Apply display conditions or dynamic rules to that section.
4. Choose the tag, segment, attribute, or rule that controls visibility.
5. Preview and test the campaign carefully.

Things to know

• Dynamic content only works well when your contact data is accurate.
• Simple rules are easier to manage than complex rule combinations.
• You should still make sure the campaign works for readers who do not match any dynamic section.
• If the dynamic content contains important links, test those links separately.

Common mistake

Do not build an email where the main message only appears through dynamic content. If a contact does not match a condition, they may see an incomplete email. Always make sure the base campaign still makes sense.

Using Merge Tags and Fallbacks

Fallbacks help your email read naturally when a merge tag field is empty. For example, if you use a first-name merge tag but some contacts do not have a first name saved, a fallback can show a more general greeting instead.

Why fallbacks matter

• They prevent awkward blank spaces.
• They keep greetings readable.
• They reduce the risk of broken-looking personalization.
• They make campaigns safer when contact data is incomplete.

Example

If a reader’s first name is available, the email might say:

Hi Clara,

If the first name is missing, the fallback might say:

Hi there,

Where to use fallbacks

• First-name greetings.
• Subject lines that include personal data.
• Custom fields that may not exist for every contact.
• Dynamic sections that rely on reader preferences.

How to use fallbacks safely

1. Choose the merge tag you want to use.
2. Check whether the field is complete for most contacts.
3. Add a fallback value where the platform allows it.
4. Preview the email with both complete and missing data where possible.
5. Send a test email before sending the campaign.

Things to know

• Do not assume every contact has a first name.
• Imported lists often have incomplete fields.
• Fallbacks should sound natural in the sentence.
• Avoid using merge tags in critical text unless you have tested them.

Adding a Date Merge Tag

Date merge tags can be used to insert date-related information into a campaign where supported. They may be useful for time-sensitive campaigns, automated emails, event reminders, or subscription-related messages.

When authors might use date merge tags

• Launch reminders.
• Event reminders.
• Limited-time promotion emails.
• Automated welcome or follow-up sequences.
• Emails that refer to the current date or a stored contact date.

How date merge tags usually work

1. Open the campaign or template.
2. Place your cursor where the date should appear.
3. Choose the relevant date merge tag or field.
4. Check the date format.
5. Preview and test the email.

Things to check

• The date field exists and contains data.
• The date appears in the format readers expect.
• The date makes sense for the reader’s timezone or region.
• The campaign still reads naturally if the date is missing.
• Automated emails using dates are tested before activation.

Use dates carefully

Dates can be powerful, but they can also create confusion if they are wrong. For time-sensitive book launches, preorder deadlines, or live events, always test date-related content before sending.