Looking to take your email personalization to the next level in Salesforce Marketing Cloud (SFMC)? AMPscript is the scripting language built specifically for marketers to personalize SFMC emails dynamically, using subscriber-specific data. Whether you’re inserting first names or generating unique codes, this guide will show you exactly how to use AMPscript in SFMC—step by step.
Why Use AMPscript in SFMC?
AMPscript allows you to:
- Pull in personalized data from data extensions
- Dynamically control email content
- Insert conditional logic for advanced targeting
- Improve customer engagement by tailoring content
Let’s dive into how to set up AMPscript in your next campaign.
Step 1: Create a Template Message in Content Builder
Begin by crafting a new template email in Content Builder.
Use moustache syntax ({{ }}) for placeholders if you’re initially mocking up the design. For example:
Hi there, this is your code {{1}}. Enjoy and have a good day.
In this case, {{1}} would be replaced by AMPscript later to pull in a dynamic code.
Step 2: Insert AMPscript into the Template
Now replace your placeholders with actual AMPscript. Here’s a basic example that looks up a unique code from a data extension:
%%[
var @code, @contactkey
set @contactkey = [contactkey]
set @code = Lookup(‘Stored_Codes’,’code’,’CONTACT_KEY’,@contactkey)
]%%
Hi there, this is your code: %%=v(@code)=%%
This script retrieves a code from the Stored_Codes data extension where the CONTACT_KEY matches the subscriber.
Step 3: Personalize SFMC Emails with Subscriber Details
Want to greet users by name? Here’s how you can personalize SFMC emails using AMPscript with data from multiple data extensions:
%%[
var @firstName, @lastName, @fullName, @contactKey
set @contactKey = [ContactKey]
set @firstName = Lookup(‘Contact_Data1′,’First_Name’,’Contact_Key’,@contactKey)
set @lastName = Lookup(‘Contact_Data2′,’Last_Name’,’Contact_Key’,@contactKey)
set @fullName = concat(@firstName, ‘ ‘, @lastName)
]%%
Hi %%=v(@fullName)=%%,
This pulls the first and last name from two different data extensions and combines them to form a full greeting.
Step 4: Testing and Previewing AMPscript
Keep in mind:
- Email thumbnails in SFMC won’t render AMPscript dynamically; they’ll show the raw code.
- Use “Preview and Test” to preview your email with actual subscriber data.
- Always test using sample records before sending to your live audience.
Using AMPscript SFMC gives you the flexibility to build truly customized and dynamic email campaigns. Whether you’re inserting personalized greetings, unique codes, or conditional content, AMPscript helps create meaningful experiences that boost engagement.
Want help crafting AMPscript for your campaigns or setting up data extensions? Let’s talk!
