Subscribe and unsubscribe forms
Functionality
With subscribe and unsubscribe forms on websites, potential recipients can start opt-in or unsubscribe processes for themselves. Websibes with subscribe or unsubscribe forms should be as simple as possible, ideally there should be no need to scroll. The forms collect data that is then sent to API endpoints of Optimizely campaign (see Creation and management of opt-in processes).
To prevent abuse, the API must not be called directly from the website, the calls should be made from a server so that the credentials for using the Optimizely Campaign APIs remain hidden.
As an Optimizely Campaign user you can create your own subscribe and unsubscribe forms and forward the data to the appropriate API endpoints. On request, Optimizely can create such forms for you (see below).
Required form fields
To subscribe to a newsletter, recipients need to provide at least a contact information (usually an email address). Often, additional information is collected to individualize messages. Form fields are divided into required and optional fields.
To comply with legal provisions, you must specifically identify any personal information that is required to make use of a service (for email based campaigns only an email address), and any personal information collected with or without the user's knowledge.
With respect to your subscription form, this means:
- The only required field should be the recipient's contact information, e. g. an email address (required for receiving messages).
- Other fields should be optional because they are not absolutely necessary for receiving messages. This openly collected personal information may include a user's interests, age and place of residence. Collecting this information does not require the recipient's declaration of consent. If you want to make these required fields, include a reference to the rules on data privacy protection.
- Collecting personal information without a recipient's knowledge by tracking actions (e.g. opening of a newsletter) requires the recipient's consent. If you want to collect such data, you need the recipient's consent. Add a form field for this.
Commissioning forms from Optimizely
If you do not want to create subscribe and unsubscribe forms yourself, Optimizely can do it for you, contact Support in this case. If the form is to be integrated into your web page, specify your frame size (width in pixels). Make sure that your website supports scroll bars; otherwise, the form may not display correctly.
HTML template
Provide the pages as images or HTML templates for Optimizely. You need a separate template for each page (e.g. subscribe page, unsubscribe page).
All texts (except error messages) must be included in the template in their final form. In addition, specify the error messages to be displayed if a field is not completed or filled out incorrectly.
If you want to provide the template as an image, provide the texts in a separate text file.
Texts for error messages
Indicate which error messages should appear and where they should be displayed. For example:
Error | Error message | Where to be displayed |
|---|---|---|
No email address entered | Please enter an email address. | Next to email input field |
Consent not provided | You must confirm that you want to receive this newsletter. | Next to check box |
Required field not completed | Please complete all required fields. | Next to the applicable field |
Note
Error messages should appear near the applicable field in a form. Alternately, they may appear at the top of a page, with a reference to the applicable field. Highlight the relevant field in color. Specify the font size, color and other style elements (background color, frames and so on) to be used in error messages, or provide Optimizely with a graphic template.
Confirmation texts
Specify text to display on the confirmation page (after registration is completed). Specify a sample layout (see HTML Template).
Setting up a confirmation message
If subscriptions use a confirmed or double opt-in process, you need to send a confirmation message to the recipients. This message is part of an opt-in process and is automatically sent if a potential recipient subscribes. You can edit the content of this message in the opt-in process at any time, just as in other types of campaigns.
Handling user-provided data
Recipient data is forwarded to a recipient list in Optimizely Campaign. Only data for which a corresponding field exists in the recipient list can be stored.
You should first decide if you want to use an existing recipient list in your client. Which fields are available are determined by the fields in those recipient lists.
To create and manage recipient lists, see Recipient lists. In general, the following apply:
Form field type | Recipient list field type |
|---|---|
Free-form text | Text |
Pop-up menu | Text (with set values) |
Age, zip, and so on | Numerical |
Check box | Boolean (possible values are true and false) |
Option | Text, numerical or boolean |
Sample texts
The following are sample texts which you may use as they appear here or in modified form.
Data privacy notice on use of personal information provided voluntarily
Your personal information will only be stored if you provide it to us voluntarily, for example, when registering, completing a survey or as part of a contract. By providing this information to us, you are indicating your consent to the storage, use and processing of this information. We will not disclose your information to third parties without your consent. You may withdraw your consent to the storage and disclosure of your personal information at any time.
Data privacy notice on the use of data collected without the user's knowledge and stored in aggregate form
To personalize our newsletters and better address your specific interests, we analyze and store your clicks on links in our newsletters. We guarantee that the analysis and use of this information is carried out only in aggregate form and that under no circumstances will this information be transferred to third parties. By subscribing, you are indicating your consent to the collection of this information. You can cancel your subscription at any time. Your data will be deleted in its entirety upon cancellation.
Data privacy notice on the undisclosed collection of personal information
To personalize our newsletters and better address your specific interests, we analyze and store your clicks on links in our newsletters. We guarantee that the analysis and use of this information is carried out only in aggregate form and that under no circumstances will this information be transferred to third parties. By subscribing, you are indicating your consent to the collection of this information. You can cancel your subscription at any time. Your data will be deleted in its entirety upon cancellation.
Error messages
- Please enter an email address.
- Please enter a correct email address.
- Please complete all required fields.
- Please indicate that you accept the data privacy provisions and the terms of participation.
Confirmation page
- Simple "Thank you" page: Thank you for your subscription to our newsletter, which will be sent to [email protected].
- "Thank you" page (confirmed opt-In): We are delighted to periodically provide you with information about what's new at www.example.com. You will receive an email shortly confirming your subscription. You may of course cancel the newsletter at any time. You will find an unsubscribe link at the bottom of each newsletter.
- "Thank you" page (double opt-In): We are delighted to periodically provide you with information about what's new at www.example.com. You will receive an email shortly asking you to confirm your subscription. To confirm your subscription, please click the activation link contained in this email. You may of course cancel the newsletter at any time. You will find an unsubscribe link at the bottom of each newsletter.
- Unsubscribe page: You have been unsubscribed from our newsletter.