inserting dynamic content into emails

4 replies
Hi, tech-folks

I'm wondering if there's a way to insert content dynamically into emails.

I'm pretty sure there is. I just have no idea where to start my research. I mustn't be using the right kind of search queries because I haven't been able to turn anything up so far.

All I need is to be able to insert, for example, a hyperlinked banner and a text link into, say, the sidebar of an email template. That way, I can test different offers for the market until one works really well... all by changing a single file rather than having to:

(a) go in and change every email in the follow-up series individually

or

(b) use a generic filepath name to the image (e.g. .../sidebar-banner.png) with a redirect link

I'm currently doing (b) because then I only have to upload a new banner and change the link and I'm done. But there's gotta be a way more like using ssi or php-includes, doesn't there?

Thanks very much for any insights and help you can offer.

Regards,
TheNightOwl
#content #dynamic #emails #inserting
  • Profile picture of the author caesargus
    Well, are you using a specific emailing program/host? It may be possible within their code, and it may be outlined in the help section.

    If you are using your own email program (built in PHP or something) then of course you can create stuff like that.

    If you'd like me to look into it for you, send me a PM, with some of the details (where the email is hosted) and I can start tracking down that info for you.
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  • Profile picture of the author TheNightOwl
    @caesargus

    Thanks very much for confirming that it's possible.

    And for offering to help out.

    I was hoping to use it with my Aweber account, but since posting this I've heard from their customer support department and apparently it's not possible with them.

    *shrug*

    All the best,
    TheNightOwl
    Signature
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  • Profile picture of the author circus_freak
    Originally Posted by TheNightOwl View Post

    Hi, tech-folks

    I'm wondering if there's a way to insert content dynamically into emails.

    I'm pretty sure there is. I just have no idea where to start my research. I mustn't be using the right kind of search queries because I haven't been able to turn anything up so far.

    All I need is to be able to insert, for example, a hyperlinked banner and a text link into, say, the sidebar of an email template. That way, I can test different offers for the market until one works really well... all by changing a single file rather than having to:

    (a) go in and change every email in the follow-up series individually

    or

    (b) use a generic filepath name to the image (e.g. .../sidebar-banner.png) with a redirect link

    I'm currently doing (b) because then I only have to upload a new banner and change the link and I'm done. But there's gotta be a way more like using ssi or php-includes, doesn't there?

    Thanks very much for any insights and help you can offer.

    Regards,
    TheNightOwl
    you can code via php
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  • Profile picture of the author nevadasoft
    I can see two options:

    1) A custom PHP script that can manipulate the email content before sending.

    2) Use Aweber to send a HTML email and link the banner image to a banner rotator, which for example could send one banner to half the viewers and another banner to the other half.

    Of course option 1 allows for far more flexibility than option 2.
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