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<Img 
img="/uploads/obnovlenie_altcraft_platform_2023_3e621ca927.png"
alt="Altcraft Platform updates: machine learning, new reports and WhatsApp"
/>

Altcraft Platform continues to evolve. This post will highlight the new features that have been added to the platform over the last year, including integrations, enhanced analytics, and machine learning capabilities — and there's more to come.

## Analytics

In our previous platform update article, we announced our plans to transfer all analytics to ClickHouse, a database management system designed for the quick processing of SQL queries in real-time. Our migration to ClickHouse is now complete, and we'd like to share the new functionality that's available as a result.

### New reports

The platform now has two new analytical tools: the channel report and the traffic report. 

The channel report provides data on all events tracked in campaigns, including message delivery and open rates, reads and clicks, subscriptions, complaints, unsubscribes, and other metrics. With this report, you can [**gauge the effectiveness of each communication channel**](roi-romi-roas-difference) and  pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses of your strategy.

<Img 
img="/uploads/channel_report_example2_7bf11ab4be.png"
alt="New reports"
/>

The traffic report allows you to obtain valuable data on subscriber traffic. You can create a report based on a specific traffic source, such as a channel, tracking pixels, or forms. The report is built on hits, which are a unit of traffic measurement. A hit is counted when a user's action on the website results in a request being sent to the server. For example, if the traffic source is a channel, a click on a message would be considered a hit, while for a pixel, registering a goal would be a hit.

<Img 
img="/uploads/traffic_report_example_320a99a814.png"
alt="Traffic report"
/>

**What features do the two new reports share?**

**1. Customization.** Create a report tailored to your needs by selecting only the relevant parameters and metrics. Use filters to remove irrelevant data and focus on key metrics. A three-level detailed analysis can help you delve deeper into the information you've gathered.

**2. Saving.** Weekly reports often require analyzing the same information. You group the data, set filters, choose a time period, and then repeat all these steps again in a week. Now you can avoid this. Save the current report settings and get the required statistics in a couple of clicks at any time.

**3. Comparison.** Let’s say, you're testing a new email template and want to compare its conversion rate to the old one. Build a report on the email channel and group data by templates. Then, select the templates you want to compare and use the comparison mode to see how the metrics (opens, clicks, and other metrics) have changed.

<Img 
img="/uploads/comparsion_mode_a568bce0fa.png"
alt="Comparison mode in new reports"
/>

### Form analytics

We don't just create new analytics tools, we also improve old ones. This time, we've significantly revamped our web form analytics. In addition to statistics on form views and completions, you can now [**analyze respondent answers**](customer-satisfaction-survey-mistakes). Individual user responses can be found in the "Collected Data" section, while an overall summary for each question is available in the "Analytics" section. We believe these enhancements will help you process customer feedback and requests more efficiently, ultimately increasing their loyalty.

<Img 
img="/uploads/form_analytics_example_ed8ab77016.png"
alt=""
/>

## New communication channel — WhatsApp*

Now, you have the ability to engage with your subscribers on WhatsApp*. With a message open rate exceeding 90%, according to TextBack data, it's no surprise that many companies are utilizing this channel to keep their customers informed of important events, order status changes, or upcoming activities.

To [**send personalized messages to WhatsApp users**](whatsapp-newsletters), you'll need to use the WhatsApp Business API. In Altcraft Platform, integration with this API is facilitated through the official provider, [**360dialog**](https://www.360dialog.com/). You will be required to fill out an application form, verify your company on Facebook, and confirm your phone number to use this integration.

After all the formalities have been taken care of, the integration of the Altcraft Platform with 360dialog can be set up. It is important to note that message templates must be created in the 360 Client Hub, and not in our platform. Once you have connected, these templates will become available in the Altcraft Platform editor.

<Img 
img="/uploads/whatsapp_templates_45e90ff899.png"
alt="WhatsApp integration via 360dialog"
/>

All you have to do is fill in the variables, and the template can be used in campaigns.

<Img 
img="/uploads/whatsapp_template_filling_in_893717fe86.png"
alt="WhatsApp integration via 360dialog"
/>

Currently, the platform only supports the sending of HSM templates. These templates are used to initiate a dialogue with the user and require prior approval from Facebook.

## Best time to send messages

The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step, and our journey to full-fledged machine learning started with the best time to send messages. Now, you don't have to guess when to deliver a message to your subscriber. Machine learning algorithms will do it for you.

Based on the uploaded model, the algorithms will analyze the history of message opens in your campaigns and select the best time to send for each profile in your database. The best time is the day of the week and hour when the subscriber is most likely to open the message.

To access this functionality, enable machine learning in your database and wait for the first data calculation. The algorithms will only choose the optimal sending time for profiles with a history of at least one week. We will show you what to do next with an example.

Let's say that every Monday you share the latest book releases with your subscribers. You used to send one message to the whole audience at 10 am, but now you want to send the message to each subscriber at a time that works best for them.

First, create a dynamic segment that selects the best delivery time based on the "current time" condition. 

<Img 
img="/uploads/ml_segment_example_a5cd1d6d47.png"
alt="Segment by best send time"
/>

Then, configure a regular campaign to run every Monday, every hour, and select the dynamic segment you created as the recipient. This segment will be calculated before each send, so profiles that have the best delivery time as the current hour will be included. As a result, each subscriber will receive the message on Monday at the optimal time for them.

<Img 
img="/uploads/regular_campaign_scheldule_ba94114dd7.png"
alt="Regular campaign settings"
/>

You can also set up sending messages at a convenient time for subscribers using a scenario. The new "Waiting for the best delivery time" node works almost like the "Pause" node, but it takes into account machine learning data. The profile won't move on to the next step of the scenario until the optimal time or day for sending them a message arrives.

By sending messages to customers at a time that works best for them, you can improve the CTR and Open Rate of your email campaigns, and reduce the number of unsubscribes and complaints.
Google Ads integration

Our team is continuously expanding the list of integrations with advertising platforms, and we're excited to announce our latest addition: Google Ads. 

You can now sync customer data from static segments in Altcraft Platform with audiences in Google Ads. To get started, link your Google Ads account with our platform through the connection and set up the integration.

<Img 
img="/uploads/integrations_c0c1e147d4.png"
alt="Google Ads integration"
/>

Once your customer data has been uploaded, you can [**leverage it to launch targeted ads**](what-is-retargeting) on Google Search, Gmail, YouTube, and other platforms of the contextual media network.

## Two-Factor Authentication

Security is the cornerstone of our platform, and we regularly take measures to improve it. This time, we have added an extra level of account protection — 2FA or Two-Factor Authentication. 

Users can enable 2FA at their profile security settings. Once activated, logging in to the platform will require not only a login and password but also a one-time code generated by a special application. 

## Conclusion

We hope this brief overview of the new platform features has given you some ideas on how to use the functionality to enhance your marketing strategy. If you have any questions or suggestions for improving the platform, please feel free to [**share them with us**](mailto:sales@altcraft.com).

**Product of Meta, a company recognized as extremist in the Russian Federation.*

Read about the latest updates in the Altcraft marketing automation platform. WhatsApp channel, custom reports, best send time to send messages and more.

obnovlenie altcraft platform 2023.png

For those who have been waiting for updates in our platform for a long time.

Altcraft Platform Updates: ML, New Reports, WhatsApp

Altcraft Platform Updates: Machine Learning, New Reports and WhatsApp

<Img 
img="/uploads/case_premier_cad4ee7d2a.png"
alt="Case: PREMIER online cinema and Altcraft Platform"
/>

Online cinema PREMIER, part of Gazprom-Media Holding, was founded in 2018. It is a streaming service for movies and TV series. Today, more than two million subscribers watch the latest movie releases on PREMIER.

## Results achieved

### Altcraft Platform has been implemented into business workflows and all communication channels has been collected in one platform

PREMIER was looking for software that could be customized for specific business tasks and deployed on the company's servers. They chose the on-premise solution of Altcraft Platform which ensured complete security of customer data in the holding's digital environment. [**Qvant**](https://qvant.ru/) helped quickly deploy the platform in Gazprom-Media Holding.

Previously, disparate direct marketing tools were a headache for PREMIER. However, now it has all communication channels in one place. This allows the business to work effectively with data and automate interaction with customers in various online channels.

The platform made the work in direct channels transparent and reduced the **time spent on sending campaigns from three hours to one**.

<Img 
img="/uploads/reduced_time_51f19b2d4a.png"
alt="Reduced time spent on sending campaigns"
/>

The company also received an unlimited plan for the amount of data stored and the number of messages sent. PREMIER replaced several services with a single platform and significantly reduced marketing costs.

### Broadcasts, trigger campaigns and scenarios for automating interaction with service users have been set up

Through detailed segmentation, users were divided into separate groups based on their subscriptions.

Then the marketing team set up personalized email broadcasts for each segment. Here is the content they send:
 
- movie recommendations;
- new sports channels;
- new releases of movies and TV series;
- other.

Deep segmentation made it possible to send personalized messages to customers, interact with them at the right time and track the effectiveness of communications. For six months of work in the email channel, PREMIER has achieved the following results:

- Open Rate increased by 3% (from 5% to 8%); 
- Click Rate increased by 0.4% (from 0.3% to 0.7%).

<Img 
img="/uploads/open_rate_click_rate_856e18f203.png"
alt="Open Rate and Click Rate"
/>

The [**push channel**](mobile-marketing-101-push-notifications) was not overlooked either. Users who install the PREMIER app receive push notifications about new releases.

<Img 
img="/uploads/premier_push_996325d21b.png"
alt="PREMIER push notifications in the mobile app"
/>

PREMIER marketers also set up scenarios and trigger campaigns. When a user leaves contact details on the site, these details are sent to Altcraft Platform via API requests. After that, the trigger fires and the user receives an SMS message with a code to confirm registration. As a result, PREMIER deals only with high-quality leads and lets users who are not interested in their service go.

<Img 
img="/uploads/case_premoer_scenario_58b4e11b76.png"
alt="PREMIER automation scenario"
/>

## What has been done to achieve the results

The Qvant team deployed and configured the platform on PREMIER servers in a month.

The company integrated a corporate SMS gateway and a Viber gateway. So marketers got the opportunity to work with familiar tools.

The company's marketers transferred all customer information to the platform. Now all data obtained from online sources is stored in a single customer profile.

Thanks to [**deep segmentation**](how-and-why-to-segment-target-audience), which partners from Gazprom-Media Data helped set up, the PREMIER team created micro-personalized campaigns. Now subscribers receive only the offers they are interested in.

Depending on the goals, different types of campaigns are used: broadcasts and triggers.

The company analyzed the launched campaigns and improved the marketing strategy based on the results. Detailed analytics helped to identify gaps and fix them.

According to PREMIER specialists, Altcraft Platform has made marketing processes simpler and clearer.

## What our client says

> We were looking for a solution that we could implement into the business infrastructure, so we contacted the Altcraft team. Their technical support helped to quickly figure out how to work in the platform. With the help of the platform, we have reduced labor costs and made the work in direct channels clearer. We plan to continue cooperation with the company and increase the number of customers.

> Rinat Sibgatullin

> Head of Qvant Communications Platform

Check out the PREMIER online cinema case study. The marketers have collected all communication channels in one place, set up campaigns and automated scenarios.

kejs-premer.png

Check out what results the online cinema has achieved using Altcraft Platform.

How PREMIER Reduced the Time to Send Campaigns to 1 Hour

Case Study: How PREMIER Set up Broadcasts and Automation Scenarios and Reduced the Time for Sending Campaigns to 1 Hour

<Img 
img="/uploads/double_opt_in_9881744f6b.png"
alt="What is Double Opt-in and How to Use It"
/>

Email sending issues or inactive addresses in the database are a headache for companies. At best, a business spends resources on email campaigns that go nowhere or do not produce results. At worst, it gets blocked by  providers or fined by government regulators for violating mailing rules.

This happens when a company collects a contact list using the Single Opt-in method. The user leaves an email in the form without additional actions, and the company immediately starts sending messages.

Double Opt-in is an alternative option that protects your brand from fines. It helps you collect a high-quality database and increase email open rates. In the post, we will tell you what Double Opt-in is, what are the advantages and disadvantages of the method, and how to set up Double Opt-in in a few steps using Altcraft Platform.

## What is Double Opt-in

Double Opt-in is a way to add a user to your email list in two steps.

**How Double Opt-in works:**

- The user leaves an email in a signup form on your website.
- He receives an email with a confirmation link. After clicking on the link, the user is redirected to a page with information about newsletter activation. At this moment, he joins your mailing list.

Unlike Single Opt-in, Double Opt-in has a second step. **Single Opt-in** requires your site visitor to do one thing — share their emails in the signup form.

If the company chooses Double Opt-in, then the addresses that have not been confirmed by the subscriber are not included in the email list. For example, if the user did not open the email or did not follow the confirmation link.

## Why you need Double Opt-in

Email campaigns are regulated by the state and by the providers through which companies send messages. On the one hand, [**according to GDPR**](how-to-win-the-data-battle-in-today-world), the brand must keep a record of the user's consent to receive emails. On the other hand, ISPs check senders through spam traps and other methods. If the sender turns out to be a spammer or just suspicious, it will get blocked. It is not easy to prove the opposite and remove restrictions. Double Opt-in reduces the risk of such situations.

Sometimes users make mistakes and leave wrong addresses. In the case of Single Opt-in, the company receives an inactive email or the address of another person who did not subscribe to the newsletter. If a complaint is received, the sender may be fined. If you are dealing with Single Opt-in, it is almost impossible to prove that such email campaigns are legitimate.

Double Opt-in solves the problem of invalid addresses. Only emails that have been confirmed by users get into the database.

## Double Opt-in: advantages and disadvantages

Double Opt-in insures the company against mistakes in email newsletters, but the method is not perfect. Here are the pros and cons:

### Advantages

- **Collecting a high-quality email list.** If there is a required email confirmation, non-existent and wrong addresses will not be included in your mailing list. Also, users who have agreed to receive emails from a company are less likely to [**mark them as spam**](how-to-send-millions-of-emails-and-avoid-spam-filters).
- **Protection against spam traps.** This is a fake email address that no one could use to open an email or opt-in to receive newsletters. ISPs use it to identify spammers so they can block emails from them. If you are dealing with Double Opt-in, unconfirmed emails will not get into your contact list.
- **Increasing email open rates and loyalty.** Only interested users are ready to go through two steps of subscription.
- **Better email list hygiene control.** In most cases, companies monitor the list of subscribers and remove inactive ones from time to time. With Double Opt-in, there will be less work to do.

### Disadvantages

- **Users do not confirm the subscription.** They can forget or miss the warning to check their inbox.
- **The email list is collected more slowly**, because it is easier and faster to subscribe to the newsletter without confirmation. You should remember that a lot of messages at the beginning of communication can annoy users, and in the case of Double Opt-in, there are at least two messages: a confirmation email and a welcome email.

## How to create Double Opt-in

By stretching the subscription process over two steps, you complicate the user's journey, so it's important to keep these two steps simple and quick.

Here are the steps to get an email address and consent to receive newsletters via Double Opt-in:

- The user enters an email in the form on the company's website.
- The contact is added to the temporary list.
- An email with a confirmation link is sent to the user.
- By clicking on the button or following the link, the user agrees to receive emails.
- The email address is included in the email list.

You need to simplify the customer journey. It is better to create a short signup form. As for the message that a confirmation email has been sent to the user, make it noticeable. There should be no fluff in the text. Make it clear what actions you expect from the user. Get rid of ads and additional offers in the email. At this stage, your main goal is to obtain consent to the newsletter. Don't forget to thank the subscriber at the end.

## How to set up Double Opt-in

This is not difficult. Let's look at how to set up a Double Opt-in using the [**marketing automation platform Altcraft**](/en).

The Double Opt-in feature works when you subscribe a user to a Resource. This is a tool for organizing subscriptions to content in different channels. Resources include a website, a landing page, affiliate registration forms, apps, or a certain type of newsletters (promotional, practical, blog-style, etc). It is important that subscriptions are independent, so if users unsubscribe from one resource, they continue to receive messages from another. For example, the user can unsubscribe from promotional newsletters and continue to receive event newsletters.

In Altcraft Platform, setting up a Double Opt-in takes two steps and a few minutes.

### Step 1. Subscription

Add a subscription with the status «Unconfirmed» to the customer’s profile. You can add a subscription to one profile manually or update the status for a bunch of profiles at once.

To subscribe a customer to a resource, open the customer profile and add a subscription on the «Subscriptions» tab. Specify the desired resource and email channel. For the «Status» field, select «Unconfirmed» and save the settings.

<Img 
img="/uploads/manual_adding_subscription_with_status_unconfirmed_d40281933c.png"
alt="Adding a subscription manually in Altcraft"
/>

To update a subscription for a group of users, select a database or segment and click "Update profiles" in the context menu.

Check if the audience included in the subscription is correct. Then go to the “What to do with a selection of subscribers?” section. Your option is «Add subscription. Subscription source - Resource». Set up the resource and email channel. Next, set the status to «Unconfirmed» for the subscription and start the update.

<Img 
img="/uploads/DOI_in_Altcraft_3_c7c5f4dd1d.png"
alt="Double Opt-in in Altcraft Platform"
/>

### Step 2. Confirmation 

Customers who have not consented to the newsletter will only receive one confirmation email. The link in this email must contain the **confirm-link** attribute.

```
<a href="http://confirm_example.com" title="Confirm subscription" confirm-link>Confirm email</a>
```

You can manually set the attribute or generate a link in the editor. To do this, in the editor toolbar, click on the «Insert link» icon, enter the URL and check the «This is a confirmation link» box.

<Img 
img="/uploads/insert_link_c1bf849c5a.png"
alt="Confirmation link in Altcraft Platform"
/>

Next, you need to launch a campaign using the template with the confirmation link. When setting up the campaign, don't forget to specify the resource you want to confirm your subscription to.

When the recipient clicks on the link in the message, the status will automatically change to «Subscribed». You now have the Double Opt-in working.

## Conclusion

Double Opt-in is a two-step way to get an email from a user. First, users leave their email addresses on the company's website in a signup form. Then they confirm the subscription by clicking on the link or button in the email message.

This method is the key to building a database of engaged and interested users. In addition, it does not allow incorrect or inactive addresses to get into your contact list.

It will take longer to collect an email list using Double Opt-in, because some users won't open the email, and others may forget. But in the end, the company will avoid blocking from ISPs and fines for mailing violations.

It is a two-step subscription process. Users leave an email address in a form, receive an email with a confirmation link and follow it to join your mailing list.

double opt-in.png

This method helps you build a quality email list, increase email open rates and protect your brand from fines.

Double Opt-in: What It Is, Why Use It and How to Set It Up

What is Double Opt-in and How to Use It

<Img
img="/uploads/chto_takoe_vebhuki_4d3dbae977.png"
alt="What are Webhooks"
/>

The human body knows exactly when to eat or sleep. We don't have to ask ourselves every time, «Are you hungry?». A signal received at the right time, without prior request. Webhooks work in the same way. Let's look into the subject: what it is and what advantages it brings.

## Webhook is the easiest way to communicate

The technology consists in sending system notifications to a specific URL in real time, as soon as the expected event has occurred. There is no need to regularly request a report on the state of the system. This is how APIs work. WebHooks will make themselves known if something happens.

Let’s consider some examples. Often after a meeting with friends, we ask them to report back as soon as they get home. We ask because we care about them. What's next? Your friends get home and text you, as promised. Your request in the language of technology is a command. The moment when friends get home is an expected event. Your phone to which messages are delivered is a unique URL that ensures the privacy of correspondence.

Bank cards work in a similar way. For example, you are waiting for a salary. To know about account replenishment, you can set up notifications about transactions in the mobile application. This is how the command is set. Now the system will automatically notify you of any changes in the bank account. The system will send an event notification to a unique URL — phone number, email or [**push**](mobile-marketing-101-push-notifications).

Webhooks are needed to exchange event data between independent systems. They are used in data management services, when setting up automatic debiting of money for the services provided. When funds are debited from the account automatically, the client needs a receipt confirming the payment. For this, a banking service and a webhook programmed for activity at the time of debiting are used. Thus, the client will automatically receive all checks.

## Why webhooks are used

Here are some reasons why businesses should use webhooks:

- Work efficiently with data.
- Easy automation.
- Consolidation of independent systems.

Any business collects and **processes data**. Often the results are used in several applications at the same time. The question is how to deliver them there without confusing algorithms and loss of information. In that case, webhooks are necessary. There are many other tools that work with events, but only webhooks send information to external systems as soon as the trigger fires. Think about bank notifications:  you set them up once, and you no longer have to request information - the system itself will notify you of all changes. 

Managers working with [**Big Data**](data-science-in-marketing-and-business) will highly appreciate this tool, because instant access to  the necessary information is often the key to success. The efficiency of work is also increased by the fact that the specialist gets rid of the need to manually check the status of the system each time.

**Automation of routine processes** is elementary with webhooks. They especially help in data management and data transport processes. The user sets up the command, defines the target event, and specifies the action to follow. The webhook will automatically transfer the necessary information online to the specified URL. Close control and manual control will be a thing of the past.

Imagine a situation where you want to set up user alerts that are sent every time a purchase is made. Automating the described process is fast if you connect webhooks to this.

**Webhooks build a direct connection** between applications, thereby achieving specificity and accuracy. It’s not necessary to combine several code elements in order to unite the data system. It’s much simpler than the API. At the same time, all information is secure and under full control.

## Action Hooks in Altcraft Platform

Advanced marketers have long appreciated webhooks: they make marketing easier, more accurate, and more effective. Optimization in the field of work processes is achieved, and the quality of data management is improved. Modern CDP has long provided users with this tool for work.

For example, [**Altcraft Platform**](/en) developed Action Hooks. It is a tool that sends notifications to external systems when an event is recorded in the platform. This includes system actions such as message delivery, profile import, triggered customer actions seen by pixels on your website or app.

Events are recorded in all connected databases or in a particular one. Captured events are sent in one batch in JSON format over HTTP or sent to the broker's queue asynchronously. As you have already noticed, the described technology provides unlimited possibilities for [**integration**](/features/integration). Improve your marketing — connect external BI, DMP and CRM and other tools. 

In this article, we talk about what webhooks are, how they work, and what benefits they have for your business.

chto-takoe-vebhuki.png

Webhooks open up endless possibilities for integration. Read about how this technology works.

What Are Webhooks and How to Use Them in Your Business

What are Webhooks

<Img
img="/uploads/marketing_automation_for_education_f5808fc978.png"
alt="Marketing Automation for Education"
/>

The Internet has given marketers a variety of tools to attract new customers and retain old ones. One of the most powerful among them is marketing automation software. The advent of [**CDP**](/features/cdp) has brought the work with client data to a new level. Of course, this cannot but affect the fast-evolving industry of EdTech.

In this post, we will explain why the educational industry needs marketing automation. We will also share with you five effective automation strategies in this industry.

## Why the Education Sector Needs Marketing Automation

The EdTech industry saw explosive growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, EdTech investment amounted to [**$18.7 billion**](https://www.mishcon.com/news/the-growing-edtech-sector-amidst-the-pandemic) worldwide. In 2020, they almost doubled and reached $36.4 billion. In 2021, this sector strengthened its position. People from all over the world appreciated the convenience of online learning. After all, even under lockdown conditions, they still had the opportunity to take interesting courses, master popular professions and improve their skills.

Let's take a look at statistics. Sitecore collected the following [**data on the benefits of marketing automation**](https://moosend.com/blog/10-marketing-automation-statistics-need-know/) in business:

- **36% of marketers** have time for meaningful and interesting projects;
- sales productivity **increases by 14.5%**;
- the number of [**qualified leads**](what-is-a-lead-magnet) increases by 451%;
- subscribers open **triggered emails 70.5% more often** than routine newsletters;
- **63% of companies** outperform competitors due to marketing automation.

The point is, online education services also need marketing automation. A single platform will provide the education technology industry with the following benefits:

- attraction of new clients;
- consolidation of data on prospects and existing students from all channels, which will allow you to segment the client database into audiences for targeting;
- personalized offerings;
- generation of quality leads;
- improvement of training formats;
- advanced analytics to evaluate results.

## Five Marketing Automation Strategies for Education

Here are five marketing automation strategies for the education technology industry.

### 1. Selling a course

Now people do not need to sign up for courses and go to college at the appointed time to get additional knowledge. Clients can simply choose the topic they are interested in on an online platform they like and listen to lectures when and where it is convenient. It doesn't matter if you're sitting at home, walking in the park, or just having a coffee break at work.

So how do you get people to buy? Let’s say a visitor gets interested in a course and leaves his contacts for more information. What is your move? Send him a course description and give him the first lesson for free. In this way, a potential student will quickly understand whether he wants to become your client or not. One introductory lecture will not bring losses, but it will attract only interested people.

Such a scenario is easy to implement through the [**CDP Altcraft Platform**](/en). It will make it easier for you to work with clients, because you no longer have to send emails manually — the platform will do everything for you. By the way, more complex automation chains also can be implemented in Altcraft Platform.

<Img
img="/uploads/selling_a_course_eng_fa9c136b25.png"
alt="Scenario «Selling a course»"
src="Scenario «Selling a course»"
/>

### 2. Selling a webinar

Professionals do not always need to take a whole 3-month course to improve their skills. They often look for one quality webinar that contains not empty chatter, but the maximum amount of useful information. In this case, lecturers need to hold a really productive event so that listeners want to return to the educational platform.

Your task is to take clients from the application for the webinar to the webinar itself. Up to 1,000 people can be in a virtual classroom at the same time. Sometimes even more. Are you really going to send each of them an individual message manually? Unlikely. Well, this is where marketing automation comes in handy again.

You can automate the process of sending emails to remind participants of the upcoming event. Just set up a regular campaign. This way you will forget about the routine and your clients will not forget about the webinar.

<Img
img="/uploads/selling_a_webinar_eng_a4592d325f.png"
alt="Scenario «Selling a webinar»"
src="Scenario «Selling a webinar»"
/>

### 3. Signing up for an online intensive course + cross-selling

The goal of the free intensive course is the same as the introductory lecture — to encourage the client to buy the course. However, while a lecture is just a small piece of the whole material, an online intensive is a complete immersion of a person in a topic. Students know in advance how the training will take place and determine whether this format suits them or not. During an intensive course, students usually complete practical tasks to consolidate their knowledge, and this is another advantage of the course.

You should accompany your potential client throughout the intensive course. For example, send him a schedule, notify him of lessons and remind him when a period of study is over. All this will highlight the positive aspects of your educational platform. The student will think: "If they take such good care of me during the brief course, then what awaits me during the full one?"

Help customers make a choice in favor of education. For example, give students [**promo codes**](how-to-use-promo-codes-for-business) and discounts after completing an intensive course. You can also ask students to take a survey to gauge their satisfaction with the event. Don't forget that it's important to take both positive and negative feedback into account.

In Altcraft Platform, you do not have to use third-party services to create surveys. We have our own built-in service. This tool is called [**Forms**](/features/forms-and-surveys). The form builder is intuitive, so you can create surveys, questionnaires and tests even without professional knowledge.

The student may not enroll in the course after the free training, but he can tell you about the topics of interest in the survey. In this case, do not let him forget about you and regularly send useful materials. We will discuss this strategy in the next paragraph.

<Img
img="/uploads/sign_up_for_intensive_and_cross_selling_eng_2fc7c302b4.png"
alt="Scenario «Signing up for an online intensive course + cross-selling»"
src="Scenario «Signing up for an online intensive course + cross-selling»"
/>

### 4. Useful newsletters from your educational platform

Today you will not interest people in your product by imposing it. However, marketers and sellers have found a way out.

You've probably heard the word "warming up" on social media more than once. For example, warm up your leads, warm up your cold audience, etc. Usually this method is used by bloggers with an already gained loyal audience. They warm up their subscribers by gently, without being intrusive, telling them about a product or service for some time.

Let's take an example. Jane runs a lifestyle blog. Her posts are read by several thousand people. One of the her hobbies is dancing. She dances for herself. Jane regularly tells her audience about her favorite hobby and shows rehearsals from the studio. Christina, who works as a trainer, notices Jane. She plans to start a personal stretching course, so she offers Jane access to the course for free in exchange for Jane showing her progress to the public. The options for the contract can be different. The point is that Jane, without changing her communication style, will tell subscribers about the classes in a way that encourages them to buy the course.

Useful newsletters work the same way. You don’t need to offer discounts in every email, give promotional codes or sell two webinars for the price of one. Send messages with valuable information without a hint of a sale. Subscribers will read those emails with interest and when you offer to buy an educational product, they will be ready.

<Img
img="/uploads/newsletter_from_an_educational_platform_eng_0e825c643a.png"
alt="Scenario «Useful newsletters from your educational platform»"
src="Scenario «Useful newsletters from your educational platform»"
/>

### 5. Communication in messaging apps

The [**messaging app**](messenger-marketing) is a useful tool for working with clients. The functionality of these apps is not limited to direct sales, announcements of new products and notifications of long-awaited promotions. You can send personalized offers to a chat with a potential client or even run a full-fledged course using a chatbot.

For example, a user takes an English test on your site to find out his vocabulary and get the first lesson for free. He leaves contact details (email address and phone number) to get the result and arrange a trial lesson. After that, the user receives an email with the test results. At the same time, he receives a message in the messaging app — he is asked where and when it is convenient for him to discuss a trial lesson. 

Nowdays people often receive spam calls, so a message in the messaging app is a real way to get a loyal attitude towards the brand.

Another example. Today many experts have their own trainings. It can be courses on personal growth, copywriting, SMM or in any other field. Now it is not necessary to send lessons by email or ask a person to sign up on the website to listen to lectures in their personal account. It is enough to create a channel in Telegram and teach there. In the channel, you can organize a relaxed atmosphere, open comments and sometimes send off-topic messages. If you want a more strict format, use a chatbot.

In Altcraft Platform, you can connect a Telegram bot and a Telegram group. Create a campaign for your bot and set up the scenario once. After that, students will receive lessons according to the schedule: on the right day and at the right time.

<Img
img="/uploads/communication_in_messenger_eng_a0afaa1133.png"
alt="Scenario «Communication in messaging apps»"
src="Scenario «Communication in messaging apps»"
/>

## Conclusion

On the one hand, marketing for online education is gaining momentum. On the other hand, it is difficult for marketers in this industry to stand out from competitors and simultaneously develop an individual approach to clients. That’s why, it is important to find a solution that will allow you to quickly and flexibly automate the strategy and communicate with customers without restrictions.

Altcraft Platform can become such a solution for you. Our marketing automation software will replace several marketing tools at once. You can use it to:

- set up effective customer data management;
- automate communications with customers in different Internet channels and build a customer journey
- experiment, analyze the results and find the best solutions in marketing;
- protect the personal data of customers in accordance with the requirements of the law.

In this post, we will explain why the educational industry needs marketing automation and share with you five effective automation strategies in this area.

marketing automation for education.png

Here are a few examples of how a good marketing automation strategy can be applied to the education sector.

5 Marketing Automation Strategies for Online Education

Marketing Automation for Online Education

<Img
img="/uploads/10_Myths_About_Marketing_Automation_8ccf452df8.png"
alt="Myths About Marketing Automation"
/>

There are dozens of stereotypes about marketing automation. One of them is that it will make your business flourish without much effort from marketers. The main misconception about marketing automation is that it will launch a system that will do everything by itself and bring in leads effortlessly. But computers cannot do business for people: come up with strategies, build marketing communications and sell. 
 
Automated marketing really is a step forward for businesses. However, it will benefit only if you have a comprehensive approach and a deliberate strategy. Let's debunk popular myths about marketing automation. 

## What is Marketing Automation

Marketing automation is a special software that carries out a marketer's tasks automatically. Computers perform repetitive tasks wholly or partially, giving marketers more time to think about strategy and creative part. Automation is suitable for any sphere. 
 
[**Modern marketing automation platform**](/en) includes newsletters, advertising campaigns, tracking user activity on the website and reaction to it, conversion of visitors to leads with pop-ups, analysis of competitors' articles SEO, bidders in contextual advertising, audience parsing, data collection for analytics, content posting.

<Note>
[**Marketing automation**](what-is-marketing-automation-and-how-it-affects-business-development) is a set of actions and a marketing management system. An automated email newsletter is not equal to automated marketing.
</Note>
 
Automation ensures:

- Personalization of communication with minimal effort from marketers.
- More accurate data-based advertising. 
- Reduced workload for staff. You won’t have to hire more professionals when scaling the business. 
- Coordination of marketing with other departments. Joint automation of marketing and sales: all actions follow the same plan.
- Tracking user engagement.
- Control of the sales funnel from the beginning to the end. 
- That weak spots in the strategy are found.

## Myths About Marketing Automation 

### Myth 1. It's just an automated newsletter

The system will send newsletters and save marketers’ time. Still, without a plan and a systematic approach, it's just automation of a separate action. The sales funnel links several channels that the marketing automation service tracks. The system reacts to customer actions — it starts newsletters when triggers are activated. It also collects data for analytics, controls advertising campaigns and publishes content. 

<Note>
Do not confuse automated newsletters with spam. [**Spam is an unsolicited newsletter**](how-to-send-millions-of-emails-and-avoid-spam-filters) sent to users. Proper business automation personalizes offers and sends the client only relevant newsletters.
</Note>

### Myth 2. Automated marketing will replace marketers

It won't work that way. Even advanced systems can't work without human supervision. They can track user activity and provide data, but they can't draw conclusions and think through strategies on their own. Campaign planning can't be done without the human element. Only marketers see the whole picture and know how marketing is connected with other channels. They are always aware of the situation on the market and in the world.
 
Automated marketing will increase the number of actions per unit of time, but these actions need to be monitored and adjusted. It requires special skills and the manager's time. The system will show which campaign has brought more/less conversions, the person will answer why. 

### Myth 3. Marketing automation is only for email

[**Email campaign**](how-to-build-an-email-database) is a part of marketing automation. Modern digital marketing is omnichannel: your client can learn about your company from a social network advertisement, continue to search for your product in the search engine, subscribe to your newsletter and eventually purchase the product after an SMS message with a discount offer. We see that automation is a set of interconnected actions with a single strategy.
 
*Example. The client has been viewing the product on your website for a long time. The system «understands» it and shows an advertisement for this product and sends a promo code for it by email, but the client doesn't open it. If the user is logged in to the website and the company has their phone number, the system sends an SMS about the special offer. Eventually, the client makes a purchase.*

### Myth 4. Marketing automation is only for big businesses

Sales and marketing automation will pay off only if you have a large corporation with a large volume of tasks. It is a popular myth that was recently true. There was a time when marketing automation providers almost didn't specialize on small and medium-sized businesses. Small companies couldn't afford software for large ones. 
 
Nowadays, there are enough automation systems for small and medium-sized businesses. [**Cloud resources**](ways-to-address-customer-data-privacy-issues-in-digital-marketing) simplify implementation — businesses do not need additional resources: equipment and new specialists. However, it's important to remember that cloud solutions are not the most reliable today. It is easier to implement automation for a small company than for a large one: there are no dozens of departments with different data, fewer people will have to be trained than in a business with thousands of employees. 
 
Marketing automation is a chance to grow for middle-sized and small businesses. 

### Myth 5. Automated marketing is impersonal and soulless
 
Actually, it's the other way round. Automated newsletters and communication with the client in marketing channels customize offers and responses. The system tracks user activity in different channels and collects data to get a complete picture of user behaviour. The service sends out personalized offers because it knows the habits and interests of customers, segments the audience and selects which advertisement to show at a certain moment.
 
Without an automation system, a marketer needs more time to monitor all the data about the user: collect and process it. People are more likely to make a mistake due to inattention, e.g. call the user by a different name. An automated system will simply substitute the data from the database.

### Myth 6. Automated marketing is a trend that everyone will soon ditch

Our reality is constant information noise. Attention is a new currency, and you need to be faster than others to get it: respond instantly, personalize offers. Marketers are constantly learning new skills, mastering innovative services for Internet marketing and taking on more than they did a few years ago. Without automation, they will simply «drown» in routine and businesses they work for will become irrelevant. 
 
Communication channels are increasing in number and complexity. Only automation will be able to manage marketing without data loss. 

<Note>
On average, 51% of businesses are already [using marketing automation](https://www.emailmonday.com/marketing-automation-statistics-overview/), and another 58% of B2B companies are planning to implement it. This trend will last long.
</Note>

### Myth 7. Automation will solve marketing problems and make it stronger
 
Yes, automation will increase marketers' efficiency and facilitate the marketing process. But it won't magically make marketing work better. Automated marketing is like a car: it will speed up the movement from point A to point B if you know how to use it and choose a route without traffic jams.
 
Marketing automation is an ineffective tool without a strategy. Even with automated marketing, marketers and the sales department need to [**identify the target audience**](creating-a-customer-profile), create content for it and work with leads. Don't overestimate machines.

### Myth 8. Automation ends with the sale

After conversion, there can be additional sales and work with [**customer retention and engagement**](customer-loyalty-program-trends-for-2022). The system will wish a happy birthday, send a discount for a product that the client likes ([**based on collected data**](data-driven-marketing)), start a reactivation programme if the user hasn't purchased for a long time. Automation works to build relationships with customers: increases loyalty, takes care of customer needs and accepts feedback. An automated system won't miss a message from the client and won't forget to reply, as an overworked employee can do. Good relationships with customers create [**loyal users**](customer-loyalty).

### Myth 9. Automation requires technical skills

Any system requires resources: development of a CDP platform or CRM service for automation requires a lot of effort and skills. There was a time when such systems were really difficult to use, one needed to undergo long-term training to work with them. Modern services are intuitive and offer templates for work and require minimal technical knowledge.

Technical support solves the difficulties quickly. Products that are difficult to develop become easy to use.

<Note>
Test marketing automation with the [Altcraft Platform](/features/cdp). A friendly team, which accompanies you during implementation and integration, works for you. A staff member from the personal support chat will answer your questions during the process. It's easy to automate marketing with us.
</Note>

### Myth 10. Automation is only for B2C businesses

Automation is for any type of business: B2C, B2B and even for the service sector. Automation platforms take on repetitive actions that exist in every field. For example, sending out special offers from an online store via [**Push notification**](mobile-marketing-101-push-notifications) or an email reminder to a potential B2B client. In the B2B field, it takes longer to warm up leads than in B2C where spontaneous purchases are possible. So, a system that builds relationships and «warms up"» customers is useful for such a business.

## Conclusion

Marketing automation takes on routine tasks and facilitates the work of a marketer, but it won't solve all marketing problems and won't replace people. Specialists are still needed to develop strategies.
 
Marketing automation includes not only email newsletters. It also includes data collection for analytics, advertising personalization, content publishing, work with engagement and building relationships with the client. Automated marketing is a set of actions and a strategy.
 
Marketing automation is suitable for all businesses. Modern systems are affordable even for small businesses. Their implementation doesn't always require additional resources and new technical skills. 
 
To implement marketing automation is to take a step forward in business development and gain a competitive advantage. Automation is the future.

Marketing automation is only for big businesses. Automated marketing is impersonal and soulless. Let's debunk popular myths about marketing automation.

10 Myths About Marketing Automation.png

Let's take a look at popular myths about marketing automation. It's time to stop believing in them.

Top 10 Myths About Marketing Automation

10 Myths About Marketing Automation

<Img
img="/uploads/A_Guide_to_Cohort_Analysis_Why_is_It_Important_for_Marketing_a0af821cf0.jpg"
alt="A Guide to Cohort Analysis"
/>

Immediate return marketing campaigns are a dream of marketers. However, they are possible for simple products that are available for one-click purchase. As for complex and expensive products, their promotional costs pay off longer. How to evaluate the effectiveness of such campaigns? First things first, consider the time factor and detail your customers according to it. If you are wondering how to do it, we are here to tell you about cohort analysis.

## What is cohort analysis

Cohort analysis is an analytical method that involves dividing customers into groups (cohorts) based on certain characteristics and tracking their behaviour within a defined time frame. This method allows one to watch user activity in real time.

A cohort is a group of people who share one or more characteristics:

- an action (purchase, registration, click) that they performed;
- a period within which it happened.

A time reference distinguishes a cohort from a segment, a broader and more general concept.

For example, 2012 and 2018 Harvard graduates are two different cohorts, but they all belong to the «Harvard graduates» segment.

By actions, cohorts are divided into two types:

- Engagement — application installation, first click, registration.
- Monetization — purchase, payment, etc.

The cohort method considers the following features for analysis:

- A shared action for a group of users: subscription, registration, purchase, etc.
- A period within which this action happened: a day, a week, a month, etc.
- A study interval during which the cohort is observed.
- A metric that affects the business: ROI, customer retention, conversion, LTV, etc.

Cohort studies help to understand how key metrics differ for different segments, to see more details on an advertising campaign and other marketing activities (rebranding, testing a new website, etc.).

## How to apply cohort analysis

Cohort study is not a universal method, it requires a sufficient number of users. It is advisable to have at least 1000 users in the database to conduct this analysis. This method is suitable for volume B2C and B2B businesses with a long sales cycle.

### Cohort analysis helps to evaluate:

- **Effectiveness of attraction channels**

Cohort analysis will show which channels bring you the most loyal users. Then the business will allocate a larger budget for effective channels and work with them more actively. A question may arise: Why is cohort analysis necessary if the company can estimate how many clients it has received immediately after the campaign? Well, it is not that simple.

*For example, 2000 users signed up for the service right after they saw Facebook ads. The marketer was happy because there was a result. However, 90% of users stopped logging into the service after a month. At the same time, we attracted users through newsletters. 1000 people came, and only 15% of them stopped using the service after a month. If we had analysed the result immediately after the campaign, we would have decided that Facebook is the most effective channel. But in fact, there was almost no target audience there.*

- **ROI**

For a long sales cycle, the return on investment in advertising is not a quick thing. When it comes to large B2B transactions, real estate, and electronic services that can transform the entire business, it is impossible to make a purchase decision immediately after the first advertisement. So it is necessary to be patient and check the results after a while.

*For example, user K first learned about [**Altcraft Platform**](/en) and visited the website back in January when we had our advertising campaign. It takes time to explore opportunities and make decisions in the company where user K works. Only 4 months later, the user requested a demo from the service team, and 5 months later, the companies signed the contract. If we had calculated the ROI for the month after the campaign, we would have decided that it was a failure. Cohort analysis showed that it was not the case.*

- **LTV tracking and prediction**

LTV (customer lifetime value) calculates the income from the customer for the entire period they use our products or services. This metric shows whether the costs of attracting new customers are justified. When we know how long the user stays with us and how much spends on us, we can calculate this data for similar cohorts.

- **Test results**

Cohort analysis will show how the conversion rate will change in the long term after updates for [**A/B tests**](/features/mvt). It may turn out that a successful element attracted more users but they are not quite target ones: accidentally clicked, signed up, but did not use the service.

- **User activity**

Cohort analysis will help you find out after what time the client stops actively using the product or leaves altogether. It is better to know such details because you can work on them with the user in advance.  

*For example, the analysis showed that 70% of users lose interest in the service after 3 months. In this case, the company needs to pay attention to this period: create a reactivation newsletter, offer a bonus, etc.*

## How to conduct cohort analysis

**1. Define the goal and the metric** associated with it that you will track during the analysis. Metrics are the basis for cohort analysis.

For example:

The goal is to determine the most successful sales channel for a mobile application. Let's consider conversion (registration) as a metric. It is important to consider how the Retention Rate changed in order to understand how many of the registered users remained in the application.

**2. Determine the cohorts that you will study.**

People who signed up for the service in June after advertising on Instagram, Facebook, Yandex and Google are 4 different cohorts.

**3. Analyse different cohorts for a selected time interval.**

Let's consider the result of all four cohorts for 3 months after the month of registration and estimate how many users remained active after registration during each of the months.

<Table>
| **Cohort** | **August** |**September** | **October** |
| ------ | ------ | ------ | ------ |
| Instagram | 50% | 35% | 10% |
| Facebook | 87% | 80% | 76% |
| Google | 46% | 32% | 20% |
| Yandex | 66% | 51% | 36% |
</Table>

Cohort analysis is performed in Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel. However, you will have to figure out how to create the formula for calculating this or that metric in the sheets yourself. In [**Google Analytics**](https://analytics.google.com/analytics/web/provision/#/provision), cohort study is automated but there is a limit for dividing users into cohorts: it is possible to track the first user action within a certain period.

<Img
img="/uploads/cohort_analisys_in_Google_Analytics_fa8d2ec982.png"
alt="Cohort analysis in Google Analytics"
src="Cohort analysis in Google Analytics"
/>

Marketing automation platforms can conduct cohort analysis in a more detailed and clear way. In the Altcraft Platform, cohort analysis is available for cohorts of users who have performed an action within a week or a month. You can view user activity in the report by:

- the number of unique clicks;
- the number of unique openings;
- the ratio of unique clicks to openings;
- the ratio of unique openings to sent messages;
- the number of unique clicks to sent messages.

The data is visualised as a graph and a table.

<Img
img="/uploads/cohort_analysis_in_Altcraft_Platform_96135ee4f1.png"
alt="Сohort analysis in Altcraft Platform"
src="Cohort analysis in Altcraft Platform"
/>

## Examples of cohort analysis

Let's analyse some examples of cohort analysis for different metrics.

### Testing the effectiveness of channels

The goal is to determine which channel is the most effective one in terms of attracting new subscribers for your newsletter. We will analyse 3 cohorts by channels of attraction: a pop-up window on the website, Facebook ads, VKontakte affiliate posts. Each cohort is calculated from March 15-30 — a period for the campaign. 3000 users subscribed to the newsletter from all channels. Most of the users (1600) subscribed after seeing Facebook ads. 5 months later, 782 of all subscribers remained active. Let's have a look at the table to analyse all unsubscriptions during this period.

**In the table, you can see the number of users as a percentage by month who continue to open emails.**

<Table>
| **Channel** | **Subscribers** |**April** | **May** | **June** | **July** | **August** |
| ------ | ------ | ------ | ------ |------ | ------ | ------ |
| Pop-up window on the website | 600 | 70% | 65% | 58% | 41% | 37% |
| Facebook ads | 1600 | 65% | 47% | 29% | 15% | 6% |
| VKontakte affiliate posts | 800 | 88% | 76% | 64% | 60% | 58% |
</Table>

Considering only the first results, we could conclude that Facebook advertising was the most effective in attracting subscribers. But it turned out that these users were not interested in the subscription or subscribed by accident. 5 months later, only 6% of these users still opened emails. VKontakte affiliate posts attracted the highest quality audience of all, 58% of subscribers from this channel continued to read the newsletter.

### Calculation of LTV

The goal is to determine the LTV of users who started to use a food delivery app in 2020. Let's consider 3 cohorts - customers who made their first order in January, February or March 2020. We need to analyse their behaviour within 6 months. Then we will calculate ARPU (average revenue per user) for each customer. Calculations are performed in rubles.

<Table>
| **Cohort/first order:** | **1st month** |**2nd mont** | **3d month** | **4th month** | **5th month** | **6th month** |
| ------ | ------ | ------ | ------ |------ | ------ | ------ |
| January 2020 | 3500 | 2500 | 4000 | 2600 | 1500 | 0 |
| February 2020 | 2800 | 3700 | 3200 | 2900 | 0 | 1500 |
| March 2020 | 4500 | 3500 | 1300| 0 | 0 | 0 |
</Table>

LTV is calculated for each cohort separately or for all users at once.

To calculate LTV, keep in mind the following rule: Lifetime is the period from the beginning of your partnership with the client up to its end.

LTV for a cohort is calculated in the simplest way: add up all the ARPU values over the Lifetime of this cohort. LTV for the January cohort — 14100, February — 12600, March — 9300.

Besides, when calculating LTV using cohort analysis, it is important to consider not only numbers but also the situation in which the campaign was held. The table shows that customers spent more money in March 2020. They started to make fewer orders after 4-5 months. On the one hand, we can assume that advertising campaigns in March were the most successful ones because even those people who had used the app before started to make more orders. On the other hand, there was a lockdown in many regions of Russia, so food delivery became a necessity for many people. Then we can explain the decline in activity by the last months with the same advertising campaigns. When the lockdown was lifted, users began to go shopping themselves again. It is not correct to use this data to forecast LTV for other periods because the situation may change.

**Conclusion: when calculating LTV, it is important to consider not only numbers but also the situation in which the campaign was held.**

### Testing

It is necessary to analyse the results obtained after testing the design of a new section of additional orders in the online store. There are two new designs A and B, and also the old one — Old. They form three cohorts. We are going to analyse CTR (click-through rate) of each of the designs within the period from June 5 to July 11. Next, we are going to analyse conversion from each design over the next 3 months.

<Table>
| **Cohort** | **Clicks** |**June** | **July** | **August** |
| ------ | ------ | ------ | ------ |------ |
| Design A | 150 | 20% | 25% | 15% | 
| Design B | 102 | 36% | 29% | 34% | 
| Design Old | 111 | 34% | 30% | 28% | 
</Table>

As a result, design A received more clicks in the first week. However, its conversion rates were lower than those of designs B and Old. Besides, new designs did not show a significant increase in conversion compared to the old one. So we conclude that the concept of both designs is not the most successful one.

## Conclusion

Cohort analysis is a tool that requires preparation. Marketers need to collect a lot of data and understand which metric to investigate now in order to improve business performance in the future. But the costs are worth the result — a deep and detailed understanding of the company's marketing, proper budget allocation, and effective [**data-driven strategies**](data-driven-marketing).

How to evaluate the effectiveness of such campaigns? Consider the time factor and detail your customers according to it.

A Guide to Cohort Analysis: Why is It Important for Marketing.jpg

How to evaluate the effectiveness of complex  campaigns? Consider the time factor and detail your customers according to it. Cohort analysis will help you with this.

A Guide to Cohort Analysis: What is It and How to Conduct It

A Guide to Cohort Analysis: Why is It Important for Marketing

<Img 
img="/uploads/market_i_logika_form_68d2578d6c.jpg"
alt="Market and Form Logic"
/>

When was the last time we shared updates to the Altcraft platform? Half year ago? It's time to talk about our new features.

## Market

We have developed a new module — “Market”. Now you can import product and order data from your online store into the platform.

First of all, add products to the platform. To do this, you need a yml file containing product data. Go to the “Products” section and upload the file to the platform. Another option is to use an API request. 

Next, you can use products to create an order. It is better to import orders through API requests. Order data is displayed in the customer’s digital profile.

<Img 
img="/uploads/profile_orders_ea93de2e7c.png"
alt="Profile orders"
src="Order information is stored in the customer profile"
/>

Well, products and orders are imported into the market. What’s next? Use new data to communicate with your customers. For example, set up a trigger to change the order status. The following settings of the trigger emails let you send a message to the buyer as soon as he completes his order on the website.

<Img 
img="/uploads/order_trigger_98e2928ba6.png"
alt="Trigger for adding an order"
src="The trigger fires when the order status changes"
/>

Don’t forget to [**personalize your email**](dynamic-content) by inserting order information into the template. To do this, add dynamic variables in the HTML editor:

<Gallery>
<GalleryItem
original="/uploads/html_editor1_46dee5de58.png"
thumbnail="/uploads/html_editor1_46dee5de58.png"
description="Inserting market variables into an email template"
/>
<GalleryItem
original="/uploads/template_preview1_3cd1fe424a.png"
thumbnail="/uploads/template_preview1_3cd1fe424a.png"
description="Template preview"
/>
</Gallery>

In addition, you can use market data to segment subscribers. For example, select customers who ordered more than $200 in the past month and give them reward points for being active.

<Img 
img="/uploads/market_segmentation_f18f1832fb.png"
alt="Market segmentation"
/>

## Complex logic in building forms

Our team continues to develop the “Forms” module. This time we've added complex logic that redirects the user to different form pages based on his previous answers.

For example, you want to survey students of an online course. The course offers two tariff plans: "Standard" and "Premium". On the first page, the respondent is asked the question: “What tariff plan do you use?”. If he selects "Standard", he goes to a page with questions that relate to the functionality available on this particular plan.

<Img 
img="/uploads/form_logic_4eba1d4509.png"
alt="Complex logic form"
/>

Thus, the complex logic in building forms and surveys allows you to collect more accurate and relevant data.

A few more bonuses. The first one is adding the "Multiple Choice" field to the form builder. Previously, a respondent could only select multiple options from a drop-down list. But, you see, it is not always clear that you can choose more than one answer in the list. Another disadvantage is that the user had to make an extra click. The “Multiple Choice” field makes it easy to select multiple answers.

<Img 
img="/uploads/multiple_choice_ad044a8ccd.png"
alt="Multiple choice"
src="Example of multiple choice in Altcraft Platform"
/>

The second bonus is the ability to send form completion data to an email address. Enter your email and as soon as the user submits the completed form, you will receive an email notification. The letter will contain information about which form was completed and the user's responses.

<Img 
img="/uploads/email_notification_about_completing_the_form_91cd61e848.png"
alt="Email notification of form completion"
/>

## Uploading segments to Yandex.Audience

Last time we told you about [**integration with Facebook Ads Manager**](updates-telegram-bot-facebook-ads-manager). We continue to delve into this area and have already established integration with [**Yandex.Audience**](https://audience.yandex.com/). This service allows you to launch advertising campaigns aimed at the right group of customers. The principle of operation is the same as with Facebook audiences.

You are transferring client data from Altcraft Platform segments to Yandex.Audience. The service automatically compares the received information with the data it has and finds matches. As a result, you have a ready segment for retargeting.

We don't stop there. Soon you will be able to upload segments to Google Audience and myTarget.

## New field type in a customer profile

When you create a database in the platform, you set up system and additional fields. Additional fields store important information that is known about each client: his preferences, contract dates, bonus points, etc.

We have added new types of additional fields — object and array. An array is suitable for storing subtables. Such tables may contain information about the managers working with the client, or a list of contracts. If you need to store complex data structures or a set of flags in the database, use an object.

<Img 
img="/uploads/json_fields_52d9ead160.png"
alt="Additional JSON fields"
/>

JSON fields solve the problem with an excessive number of fields of the same type in the database.

## Switching profile history storage to Clickhouse 

Altcraft Platform has a powerful analytics system. A summary report, cohort analysis, LTV and other tools allow you to evaluate the effectiveness of marketing campaigns at any time.

However, as companies grow, so does the amount of customer data. To increase the speed of processing a [**large amount of data**](data-driven-marketing), we have transferred the profile history storage to ClickHouse.

[**ClickHouse**](https://clickhouse.com/) is a column-based database management system for fast processing of analytical SQL queries in real time. Now analytical queries in the Altcraft platform run faster, which means you spend less time generating reports.

It is worth noting that this is only the first step towards moving all analytics to ClickHouse. The plans are to give users the opportunity to build customizable reports.

## Conclusion

We hope you are already using the updated functionality of Altcraft Platform with might and main. If you have any suggestions or ideas for improvements, please contact us. Meanwhile, our team will continue to work on improving the platform so that you can bring your ideas to life.

We haven't shared any updates in Altcraft Platform with you for a long time. t's time to talk about new features and the opportunities they provide.

Altcraft Platform Update: Market and Form Logic.jpg

Market, complex form logic, ClickHouse — read about these and other updates in Altcraft Platform.

Altcraft Platform Update: Market, Complex Form Logic

Altcraft Platform Update: Market and Form Logic

uzum-case.png

Reduced push notification opt-out rates, increased OR, saved working hours

bnb-bank-kejs-v-menyu.png

The open rate for automatic Viber messages is around 60%, and MAU growth for the year is +19%

All user information is systematically collected in a unified customer data platform

Distributing messages across various communication channels: email, SMS, push notifications, messengers

Promo codes, bonuses, and points for building long-term customer relationships

You can create and edit any HTML template, as well as save your own custom blocks

Personalized distribution of messages to clients through communication channels

Conducting experiments and optimizing marketing strategies

Tracking the effectiveness of marketing campaigns to make informed decisions

Connecting external systems to the platform and synchronizing data with company databases

Creating questionnaires, surveys, and feedback forms of any level of complexity

The ability to communicate with your clients anytime and anywhere

Increasing user awareness of your company's offers

Customer Data Platform

Omnichannel Marketing

Loyalty programs

HTML Email Builder

Personalized mailings

A/B/n Testing

Real-time analytics

Integration and WebHooks

Forms and Surveys

Messenger Communication

Pop-Up Windows

Interesting and useful articles about marketing, our product and online communications

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