Getting Started with the Program Builder
Contents |
| Building a program |
| » Node settings |
| » Connecting nodes |
| » Creating branches |
| Validation |
| Saving and activating |
Summary
The program builder features nodes - actions, delays, decisions and end points - linked with connectors, enabling you to create automated marketing workflows. Your contacts will be enrolled and then make their way through your program based on the rules you've specified.
Building a program
To start building a new program, you'll firstly need to select a program template. This can be done by going to Automation > My programs and clicking on New program.
You can choose from a blank template, or, if you're looking for more of a helping hand to get up and running, you can select one of our many pre-built templates which have been designed for a range of different purposes.
You'll be asked to name your program, and you'll then be taken through to the program builder canvas.
A program always begins with a start node, which enrolls your contacts. Additional nodes can be dragged in from the side panel onto the canvas.
A new program always begins with a start node, which enrolls your contacts. Additional nodes can be dragged in from the side panel onto the canvas.
A valid program needs to include:
- A start node (read more)
- At least one action node - either sending a campaign, updating a contact, adding contacts, removing contacts, or a program extension
- An end node
It may also contain:
- Delay nodes
- Decision nodes
- Date nodes
- Quantity split nodes
- Random split nodes
Node settings
Clicking a node on the canvas will bring in a side panel from the right that show its settings, which you can configure. Each type of node has its own settings - see the articles describing each node for more details (linked to above).
Connecting nodes
To link nodes together, drag the connector dangling from one node onto another.
Arrows will show the flow of a program from start through to end points.
A connector can be deleted by hovering over it and clicking the red delete icon that appears at the originating node. Alternatively a connection can be re-routed by clicking on where the arrow attaches to the destination node and dragging it to another node.
Creating branches
By using decision nodes you can create branches in programs and merge those branches back together.
Read more about working with nodes, connectors and the program builder canvas »
Validation
As you build your program you may notice the box in the Validation control updating.
This is where you can keep track of actions that still need to be done before your program is complete. You can save an invalid program but you won't be able to activate it until all issues are resolved.
Clicking on Validation and then clicking on a validation error will highlight the corresponding node in your program that requires attention.
Saving and activating
You can save your program and come back to it at any time.
Once you've completed the program and are ready for it to start enrolling contacts and sending emails, click Activate in the program builder's toolbar.
Your program will need to be free of any validation errors, and you'll be prompted to save your program if you've not already done so.
Once your program has been activated and starts enrolling contacts, editing options will become more limited.
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