So, you want to build a multi-channel campaign that actually gets results, not just ticks boxes. This guide is for marketers, growth folks, and anyone who's tired of piecing together vague tutorials. We'll go step by step through setting up a real campaign in Getcompass—not just the shiny features, but the parts that matter (and the ones you can safely ignore).
If you’re new to Getcompass or multi-channel campaigns, don’t sweat it. You don’t need to be a technical wizard. You just need a clear goal, a bit of patience, and a willingness to keep things simple.
Step 1: Start With a Real Goal, Not Just “More Engagement”
Before you even log into Getcompass, get painfully clear about what you want:
- Are you driving signups?
- Trying to get people to a webinar?
- Pushing for repeat purchases?
Write it down. If your “goal” could fit any campaign (“increase awareness!”), it’s too vague. You’ll end up with spaghetti tactics.
Pro tip: The best campaigns have a single main action you want users to take. Everything else is noise.
Step 2: Map Your Channels—Don’t Try to Do It All
Getcompass lets you run campaigns across email, SMS, push, maybe even WhatsApp or in-app. Cool. But more channels does not automatically mean better results.
Pick 2-3 channels max, especially if you’re just starting out. Here’s what actually works:
- Email: Still king for anything requiring explanation, but easy to land in spam.
- SMS: Great for urgent stuff (events, reminders). Don’t overdo it—people hate spammy texts.
- Push notifications: Fine for apps, but only if your users have opted in.
- Social or WhatsApp: Only if you already know your audience is active there.
Ignore: The urge to try every channel just because you can. You’ll water down your message and burn out.
Step 3: Segment Your Audience—Skip “Spray and Pray”
Inside Getcompass, you’ll find segmentation tools. Use them. Seriously.
- Import your contacts (CSV upload, integration, whatever works).
- Segment by behavior: What have they actually done? (Opened an email, bought something, visited a page.)
- Segment by attributes: Role, location, signup date, etc.
If you don’t have good data, start with the basics (new vs. existing users). Don’t obsess over micro-segmentation unless you have the audience size to back it up.
Pro tip: If you can’t describe your segment in one sentence, it’s probably too complicated.
Step 4: Set Up Your Campaign in Getcompass
Okay, let’s get into the actual tool.
- Create a new campaign: In the dashboard, look for a “Create Campaign” or similar button. (Naming may vary—don’t sweat it.)
- Name it clearly: Use something that makes sense a month from now (“June Onboarding Push – Email/SMS”).
- Pick your channels: Select only the channels you mapped out earlier. Resist the urge to tick every box.
- Assign your audience: Plug in the segments you built. Double check—sending a blast to “All Users” is rarely a good idea.
- Set your schedule: Immediate or scheduled send? Most campaigns do better with a scheduled time, but test what works for your audience.
What to skip: Don’t get lost in advanced settings unless you know exactly why you’re tweaking them. Defaults are usually fine.
Step 5: Build Your Messages—Keep It Human
Getcompass gives you a rich editor for emails, simple text for SMS, and templates for push. Here’s how to not sound like a robot:
- Write like a person: No one likes “Dear valued customer.” Talk like you would to a real human.
- One main call to action (CTA): Make it obvious. “Click here to…” or “Reply YES to RSVP.”
- Personalize, but don’t overdo: “Hi [First Name]” is plenty. Don’t get cute with 10 variables—it breaks more than it helps.
- Preview and test: Always, always send a test to yourself and a teammate. You’ll catch dumb mistakes. (We all do.)
What to ignore: Fancy design for the sake of it. Most people skim. Clarity beats pretty every time.
Step 6: Add Automation—But Don’t Go Nuts
Automation can save time, but it’s easy to overcomplicate. In Getcompass, you can:
- Set up drip sequences: E.g., send an SMS two days after someone opens an email.
- Trigger messages by action: Like sending a push when someone abandons a cart.
Start simple:
- One or two follow-ups based on engagement.
- Maybe a reminder if someone hasn’t opened your first message.
Skip: Complex if/then logic unless you have a clear use case and time to monitor it. More steps = more things to break.
Step 7: Review Compliance—Don’t Skip This
Multi-channel means multi-regulation (CAN-SPAM, GDPR, TCPA, etc.). Getcompass tries to help, but it’s on you to make sure:
- You have permission to contact people on every channel.
- Opt-out links or replies are easy to find (email footers, “Reply STOP” for SMS).
- You aren’t storing contacts you shouldn’t.
If you’re unsure, ask a legal or compliance person. Fines are no joke.
Step 8: Test, Launch, and Watch the First Results
Ready? Don’t just slam “Send” to everyone.
- Test with a small segment: 5–10% of your audience first. Watch for oddities (wrong names, broken links).
- Check deliverability: Did your emails land in spam? Did SMS go through? If not, fix it before the big send.
- Monitor engagement: Open rates, clicks, replies. Getcompass dashboards are decent, but always sanity-check the numbers.
Pro tip: If something looks too good (90% open rate), it’s probably a tracking error. Trust, but verify.
Step 9: Iterate—Don’t Assume You’re Done
The best campaigns are never “set and forget.” Here’s what to do after your launch:
- Look for clear winners: Which channel drove the most action? Cut what’s not working.
- Tweak timing and content: A/B test subject lines or send times, but only change one thing at a time.
- Collect feedback: If you can, ask a few recipients directly what they thought. You’ll get better answers than analytics alone.
Ignore: Vanity metrics like impressions or “reach.” Focus on your original goal—did people do the thing you wanted?
Summary: Keep It Simple, Focused, and Real
Multi-channel campaigns in Getcompass aren’t magic. The tool is solid, but it won’t save a muddled goal or a scattershot message. Start with a sharp focus, use just the channels that matter, and keep your automation lean. Don’t waste time getting fancy—get something live, see what works, and improve bit by bit.
Remember: Most campaigns fail because they try to do too much at once. Keep yours simple, and you’ll actually learn what moves the needle. Happy shipping.