The Link command
Contents
$Link [name]$ - name is used to differentiate the links in a message and for reporting.
Optional Parameters: [-URL] [-VALUE] [-DEF] – -URL specifies the landing page for the link, -VALUE records a corresponding value in the database, and -DEF makes the link a definition that can be reused throughout the message.
The Link command generates a URL that is based on the website and link.aspx page. It is primarily used to generate trackable URLs that redirect the contact to a specified page. The optional parameters of URL and VALUE are always followed by text included within quotes (e.g., “something here”) that specify the action.
The name is required and is used to identify the link for reporting purposes. Any name can be used, such as “OurWebsite”, but the name cannot contain spaces or special characters. The name Unsub is reserved and is described in the table below.
Parameter |
Example |
Link Unsub
|
The word UNSUB is a reserved name and is used to generate an unsubscribe link. This name does not require any of the optional parameters if the standard unsubscribe landing page is desired. When clicked, the link will remove the contact’s email address from the list used in the mailing.
For example, $Link Unsub$ will generate a link that looks like https://1to1service.iServiceCRM.com/link.aspx?id=25&contact=16&value=&hash=aert4323342.
When clicked, the above link will remove the contact from the list used for the mailing and refresh to a similar URL that displays standard verbiage indicating the contact has been unsubscribed from the list.
To refresh to a customized page, add the –URL parameter and specify the desired landing page. |
Link Unsub –URL ‘foo’ |
The –URL parameter can be used along with the Unsub name to specify a customized landing page for unsubscribe requests.
For example, $Link Unsub –URL ‘http://www.website.com/sorry.html’$ would redirect the contact to the sorry.html page after the unsubscribe request is completed. The actual url must be enclosed in single quotation marks. NOTE: do not use double quotes. |
Link {name} –URL ‘foo’ |
This is the standard format for creating a trackable URL. The URL that is included within the quotes will be the landing page.
For example, $Link OurWebsite –URL ‘http://www.website.com’$ will generate a link that looks like https://1to1service.iServiceCRM.com/link.aspx?id=25&contact=16&value=&hash=aert4323342.
When clicked, this link will record the event and refresh to the www.website.com page specified by the –URL parameter. The name used in this example, OurWebsite, will display on reports and within history to indicate the specific link that was clicked by the contact. |
Link {name} –URL ‘foo’ –value ‘bar’ |
The –Value parameter can be added to store a specified value associated with the link. This is useful for including simple surveys, asking for approval, etc. The text associated with the –Value parameter is stored by iService and available for reporting.
For example, $Link Survey –URL ‘http://www.website.com/thanks.asp’ –Value ‘Yes’$ will generate a link that looks like https://1to1service.iServiceCRM.com/link.aspx?id=25&contact=16&value=Yes&hash=aert4323342.
When clicked, this link will record 1) when it was clicked and 2) the value associated with the click. In the example above, the contact would be refreshed to the www.website.com page and the value of Yes would be associated with their click. |
Link {name} –URL ‘foo’ –DEF |
The –DEF parameter converts the link into a definition. It will not display anything where created, but is available for use as often as desired within the message. If you have a link that is used in many places, the definition can save you some time.
For example, $Link OurWebsite –URL ‘http://www.website.com’ –DEF$ creates a definition of the name OurWebsite. To insert this link in various places, you could simply use the following.
To visit our website, click the link below. $Link OurWebsite$
In addition, if you have a set of links that are used often, you can format them as stock responses and insert them at the beginning of your message. Then you can simply use the definition wherever desired.
For example, you might add this text at the beginning or end of all of your plain text messages.
$Link OurWebsite –URL ‘http://www.website.com’ –DEF$ $Link Unsub –URL ‘http://website.com/sorryurleaving.asp’ –DEF$ $Link Survey1 –URL ‘http://website.com/thanks4voting.asp’ -VALUE ‘Yes’ -DEF$ $Link Survey2 –URL ‘http://website.com/thanks4voting.asp’ -VALUE ‘No’ -DEF$ |