Merge fields, variations, repeaters and Handlebars
How to pick the right personalization method for a message: merge fields and expressions, content variations and linked personalization points, repeaters, and when code view with Handlebars or AMPscript is worth its cost.
Given a scenario, identify personalization methods using Handlebars, AMPscript, merge fields, repeaters, and content variations to personalize channel content with customer data.
~7 min read · 15 practice questions ·
What the exam expects
- Choose among merge fields, variations, repeaters and code from what the content must do and who maintains it.
- Set variation rules, priorities and defaults, including on subject lines and preheaders.
- Decide when components should share one personalization point instead of having separate ones.
- Advise on repeater and saved expression considerations.
- Explain what Convert to Code costs, and recognize what common Handlebars helpers do.
- Explain how AMPscript fits into Marketing Cloud Next. Writing it is out of scope: the exam guide doesn't expect raw programmatic AMPscript.
Key terms. Merge field: a placeholder filled with a recipient's data. Expression: saved filter and sort criteria for a merge field. Variation: alternative content shown under a targeting rule. Personalization point: the object that holds a component's variations and rules. Repeater: a component that shows a series of items from a data source. Helper: a built-in Handlebars function.
Key facts
- Detail
- Up to 15
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- Limit of 25
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- Priority can't change; shown when no personalized variation applies
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- Support merge fields and variations
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- Only when the component has no variations
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- No limit, though email size grows
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- A data graph must be set up
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- Email, SMS and WhatsApp
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- Removes dynamic content and can't be undone
each- Detail
lookuptakes the parent object (../dictionary) first and current key (this) second
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- Use the default data graph configured in Setup
Sources for this section (8)
- Variationshelp.salesforce.com (opens in a new tab)
- Linked pointshelp.salesforce.com (opens in a new tab)
- Merge fieldshelp.salesforce.com (opens in a new tab)
- Link componentshelp.salesforce.com (opens in a new tab)
- Repeaterhelp.salesforce.com (opens in a new tab)
- Create an expressionhelp.salesforce.com (opens in a new tab)
- Code viewhelp.salesforce.com (opens in a new tab)
- lookupdeveloper.salesforce.com (opens in a new tab)
- When is a component not eligible to link to an existing point?
- Why preview and test an email containing AMPscript or Handlebars before publishing?
- What happens to the other components when one is unlinked?
The questions are free to read. Answers with their sources and self-grading are included with the pack.
Keep reading with the Marketing Cloud Next Consultant pack
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- Exam traps
- Worked scenario
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