Use Act-On’s pre-built Double Opt-In / Preference Update automated program to confirm interest and collect communication preferences. This simple journey helps you keep your lists compliant, current, and focused on what your audience actually wants to hear.
Quick Reference (Advanced Users) – Click to Expand
- Location: Content > Catalog > Programs
- Template Name: Double Opt-In / Preference Update
- Primary Trigger: Form submission, import, or contact needing reconfirmation
- Optional Branch: Preferences Updated vs. Not Updated
- Assets Needed: 2–3 email messages, opt-in or preference segment
What This Program Does
Sometimes all your contacts need is a small nudge to tell you what they want to receive - and how often. Whether they’ve just subscribed or you’re refreshing your database for cleaner consent, this journey makes it simple for both you and your audience.
The program confirms interest, invites contacts to update preferences, and helps you maintain healthy, compliant marketing lists. You can easily adjust the structure or add branches to fit your own privacy requirements or contact strategy.
Step 1: Start with the Template
To make setup easier, a ready-made template is available in your account.
- Go to Content > Catalog > Programs.
- Select Double Opt-In / Preference Update.
- Choose the folder where you want to save it.
- Click Download.
Step 2: Set Up Your Trigger(s)
This journey starts when a contact needs to confirm interest or update preferences. Common triggers include:
- Form submission (newsletter signup, webinar registration, etc.)
- Product or service purchase
- Content download or gated resource access
- Manual import into a specific list or segment
- Re-engagement or list cleanup process
- Recent updates to your branding or subscription categories
Example segment logic might include:
- Newsletter Signup > Equals/Contains > True
- Double Opt-In > Is Empty
- Source > Equals/Contains > Import
- Behavior > In the Last 730 Days > Opened and Clicked > None
Optional: Preferences Updated Segment
- Subscription Category > Preference Specified
This segment helps identify contacts who successfully confirmed or updated preferences after receiving your follow-up message.
Step 3: Create Your Emails
Prepare and approve all emails before adding them to the Automated Program. Once added, edits to the original versions won’t automatically update inside the program.
Recommended email flow:
| Timing | Content Ideas | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Thank You + Link to Preference Center | Immediately after entry | Thank the contact for their interest or recent action. Explain why confirming preferences ensures relevant updates. Reinforce the value of staying connected. CTA: “Update My Preferences,” “Tell Us What You Want,” or “Stay In The Loop, Your Way.” |
| 2. Reminder to Confirm Preferences | 1–3 days later | Send a short reminder to those who haven’t clicked or confirmed yet. Optionally, adjust the subject line for freshness. CTA: “Confirm Your Subscription” or “One Last Step.” |
| 3. Confirmation + What’s Next (Optional) | 1–2 days after confirmation | Thank them for updating preferences and share what to expect next (e.g., newsletter cadence, topic previews, or upcoming content). CTA: “See Upcoming Topics” or “Explore More Resources.” |
To access matching email wireframes:
- Go to Content > Catalog > Messages.
- Select the templates matching the titles above.
- Choose the folder where you’d like to save them.
- Click Download.
These templates are unbranded so you can easily apply your own design and layout.
Step 4: Build the Automated Program
Once your content is ready, open the saved template and configure your workflow.
- Go to Automation > Automated Programs.
- Click the Templates tab and find your saved “Double Opt-In / Preference Update.”
- Hover over the program name and click the paper icon (+ Create Program from Template).
- Click Create Program.
Program Setup
- Under Settings, update your program name and description if needed.
- Click Select Sources and choose your opt-in or re-engagement segment.
- Ensure contacts can enter immediately or according to your desired schedule.
- Enable Suppress entrants on suppression lists (recommended).
- Click Save.
Program Flow
- In Build > Program Messages, add your prepared emails.
- If applicable, go to Lists & Segments and add your Preferences Updated list/segment.
- Open Program Flow and assign each message to its step.
- Adjust Wait Steps between messages as needed.
- Optional: Add a branch for contacts who have updated preferences:
- If Prospect Is In > [Preferences Updated Segment]
- or use If Prospect Clicked Link In > [Email 1]
- Optional: Add an Update Field step to mark Double Opt-In = True / Confirmed for successfully verified contacts.
- Click Save.
Step 5: Run & Monitor
When everything looks good, go to Actions > Start Program.
After launch, monitor confirmation and preference update rates. Use these insights to refine subject lines, timing, or follow-up steps to keep your database accurate and compliant.