The program builder features nodes - actions, delays, decisions, and end points - linked with connectors, enabling you to create automated marketing workflows. Enrolled contacts make their way through your program based on the rules you've specified.

Before you start

Things you need to know:

You must have the correct permissions to create and manage programs.
Programs must be activated before they start enrolling contacts.

Build a program

To start building a new program, you'll need to select a program template. To do this, go to Automation > All programs and select 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're asked to name your program, then taken to the program builder canvas.

A new program always begins with a start node, which enrols 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

Your program can also include:

Node settings

Select any node on the canvas to open its settings panel on the right. Each node type has unique settings that control how contacts move through your program.

Connecting nodes

To link nodes together, drag the connector dangling from one node onto another.

Arrows show the flow of a program from the start through to the end points.

A connector can be deleted by hovering over it and selecting the red delete icon that appears at the originating node. Alternatively a connection can be re-routed by selecting 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.

Learn more about working with nodes, connectors and the program builder canvas.

Validation

As you build your program, the Validation control tracks any issues that need resolving before activation.

The validation drop-down shows:

Outstanding configuration tasks
Incomplete node settings
Missing connections
Other errors preventing activation

To review validation issues:

Select VALIDATION in the toolbar.
Select any validation error to highlight the corresponding node that requires attention.

Learn more about program validation.

Save and activate

Select SAVE in the toolbar at any time to save your progress. You can return to edit your program later.

When you're ready for your program to start enrolling contacts:

Select ACTIVATE in the program builder toolbar.
Resolve any remaining validation errors if prompted.
Confirm activation.

Your program is now live and begins enrolling contacts based on your start criteria.

Once your program has been activated and starts enrolling contacts, editing options become more limited.

Editing active programs

Once a program is active and enrolling contacts, editing options become limited to protect contacts already in the program.

Learn more about activating and deactivating programs.

Program builder