Creating Multi-Step Campaigns

Last updated: December 5, 2025
Author: ArtistHub Team

Multi-step campaigns allow you to create follow-up email sequences that automatically track which step each recipient has received.

> Note: You must create the base campaign first before adding steps.

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Understanding Campaign Steps

Campaign steps allow you to create follow-up email sequences:

Base Campaign (Step 1): The initial email

Step 2, 3, 4...: Follow-up emails sent after the base campaign

Each step is tracked independently, so you can see which recipients have received which steps.

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Creating Campaign Steps

To add a step to your campaign:

Navigate to your campaign's "Customize & Send" page

Click the "Add Step" button (usually in the sidebar or top menu)

Fill in step details:

- Step Title: Name for this step (e.g., "Follow-up Reminder")

- Step Summary: Brief description

- Custom Subject: Email subject line (optional)

- Template Type:

- New Content: Create custom content for this step

- Use Existing Template: Select from your templates

- Scheduled Date (Optional): Schedule for future sending

!Add Step Modal

Caption: The Add Step modal with all configuration options

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Step Content Options

Option 1: New Custom Content

Select "New Content" in the Template Type field

Write unique content for this step using the rich text editor

Use variables for personalization (e.g., {contact_name})

Include your call-to-action

!Step Content Editor

Caption: Rich text editor for creating step content

Option 2: Use Existing Template

Select "Use Existing Template" in the Template Type field

Choose a template from the dropdown

Template content loads automatically

You can customize it further if needed

> Tip: Use different templates for different steps to vary your messaging and keep recipients engaged.

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Managing Steps

Step Timeline View

The campaign page shows all steps in a timeline:

- Step 1: Base campaign (campaign name)

- Step 2, 3, 4...: Follow-up steps with numbered badges

!Campaign Steps Timeline

Caption: Visual timeline showing all campaign steps

Step Status

Each step has a status:

- Draft: Not yet sent

- In Progress: Currently being sent

- Sent: All emails for this step have been sent

The status badge appears next to each step in the timeline.

Step Actions

For each step, you can:

- Edit Step: Modify step content, subject, or schedule

- Delete Step: Remove a step (only if not sent)

- View Statistics: See send counts and engagement

!Step Actions Menu

Caption: Context menu showing available step actions

> Warning: You cannot delete steps that have already been sent. You can only edit unsent steps.

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Step Ordering

Steps are automatically numbered:

- Base campaign is always "1"

- Additional steps are numbered sequentially (2, 3, 4...)

- Steps cannot be reordered after creation

> Note: Plan your step sequence carefully before creating steps, as the order cannot be changed later.

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Best Practices for Multi-Step Campaigns

1. Plan Your Sequence

Design a logical follow-up flow:

- Step 1: Initial announcement or invitation

- Step 2: Reminder (3-5 days later)

- Step 3: Final reminder (1-2 days before event)

- Step 4: Follow-up after event

2. Space Steps Appropriately

- Don't send too frequently (avoid daily sends)

- Typical spacing: 3-7 days between steps

- Consider your audience's preferences

3. Vary Content

- Each step should add value

- Don't just repeat the same message

- Include new information or different angles

4. Monitor Engagement

- Track which steps perform best

- Adjust future campaigns based on data

- Remove underperforming steps

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Common Use Cases

Use Case 1: Event Invitation Sequence

Scenario: Inviting contacts to a concert

Step 1: Initial invitation with event details

Step 2: Reminder 1 week before (include program highlights)

Step 3: Final reminder 2 days before (include venue details)

Step 4: Thank you after event (request feedback)

Use Case 2: Product Launch Sequence

Scenario: Announcing a new album release

Step 1: Announcement with preview

Step 2: Behind-the-scenes content

Step 3: Release day reminder

Step 4: Post-release follow-up

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Troubleshooting

Problem: Step not appearing in timeline

Solution:

- Refresh the page

- Verify the step was saved successfully

- Check you're viewing the correct campaign

Problem: Can't edit a step

Solution:

- Steps that have been sent cannot be edited

- Only draft steps can be modified

- Create a new step if you need to change sent content

Problem: Step order is wrong

Solution:

- Steps cannot be reordered after creation

- Delete and recreate steps in the correct order (only if not sent)

- Plan your sequence before creating steps

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Related Articles

- Creating Your First Campaign

- Customizing and Sending Emails

- Campaign Tracking and Analytics

- Campaign Best Practices

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