Email Personalization

Email personalization lets you tailor each message to the person receiving it. Instead of sending the same generic text to every contact, you can address people by name, reference their company, and include details that make the email feel like it was written just for them.

Available variables

The Unsubscribe URL

The {{unsubscribeUrl}} variable is a special case. Unlike standard variables, it isn't tied to a specific contact's data profile. Instead, the system automatically generates a unique, secure opt-out link for every individual recipient at the exact moment a send goes out.

Legal Requirement

Including an unsubscribe link in your emails isn't just good practice—it's a legal requirement in most jurisdictions (including CAN-SPAM, GDPR, and CASL). To keep you compliant, the system automatically generates a unique, secure opt-out link for every recipient.

Variables Reference Tool

Quickly find and insert contact and company details into your messages. Just click the copy icon next to any variable in the reference dialog, then paste the double-curly-brace syntax directly into your email content.

Personalizing subject lines

Personalization isn't limited to the body of your message. You can use the exact same personalization variables in your subject lines to capture attention before the email is even opened. Simply paste the double-curly-brace syntax directly into the subject field to dynamically insert names, companies, or other custom data.

Giant Context email settings dialog showing a personalized subject line using double-curly-brace syntax

Stand Out in the Inbox

Grab your reader's attention before they even open the email. Click the Settings icon in the toolbar to add variables like {{contact.firstName}} directly into your subject line, ensuring every recipient gets a message tailored just for them.

What happens when data is missing

Use reliable fields

Stick to variables you know are consistently populated across your contact list, like first name or email address. Relying on obscure or optional fields can result in awkward blank spaces in your live sends if the data is missing.

The definitive way to verify your personalization is by seeing the email in a real inbox. Click the Send Test button in the toolbar, enter an email address (which defaults to your own), and click Send. The system compiles your email, replaces all personalization variables with default sample data, and delivers a real message to that address. Always check the result on both your phone and desktop. Look closely at the subject line, the greeting, and every spot where a variable was used to ensure the final message reads naturally.

Test Emails Use Sample Data

When you send a test email, the system automatically replaces personalization variables with default sample data. Because test emails aren't tied to a specific contact, this intentional behavior lets you verify your layout and variable syntax before launching a live send.

Best Practices for Email Personalization

FAQ

When you send a test email, the system compiles your message and replaces all personalization variables with default sample data. This allows you to verify your layout and variable placement without using real contact data.

If a contact on your list is missing the data for a specific variable, it will render as an empty string in the final email. Always preview your sends and ensure your contact data is complete before sending.

Variables must use the exact double-curly-brace syntax to work properly. Use `{{` to open, followed by the exact variable path (like `contact.firstName`), and `}}` to close. To avoid typos, click the copy icon next to any variable to copy it to your clipboard, then paste it directly into your content.

BuiltAutonomously With AI

This content was built autonomously. Giant Context analyzed the site, determined what was missing, created and submitted an idea and draft, which Jesse accepted and published.