After generating AI subject lines and preheader text in the Email Builder, you'll be prompted to apply them when sending emails. The experience varies by platform.
Dashboard Sending
- Click the Emails tab at the top of your ContactMonkey dashboard
- Click Compose & Send to start a new message
- Fill out all required fields, then select your desired campaign
- A prompt will appear asking to apply the AI-generated subject line and/or preheader text
Applying the content
- Review the suggested subject line and preheader text
- Click Apply to use the generated content
- Optional: Edit either field before sending your email
The AI-generated content is applied as suggestions - you always have final control over what gets sent.
Outlook 365 Add-in
The Outlook 365 Add-in has a slightly different workflow, especially for preheader text editing:
Adding your template
- Insert your ContactMonkey campaign into Outlook as usual
- If the template contains AI-generated content, a confirmation modal will appear
- Click Apply to use the generated subject line and preheader text
Editing your content
Subject line editing:
- Edit directly in Outlook's subject line field, just like any regular email
Preheader text editing:
- Cannot be edited directly in Outlook
- Must return to ContactMonkey's Email Builder to make changes
- Follow these steps:
- Go back to ContactMonkey
- Open the email in the Email Builder
- Modify the preheader text using the AI generation steps
- Return to Outlook and insert the campaign again to apply the updated preheader
Why the difference?
Preheader text requires special code injection that happens at the template level, which is why it must be updated in the Email Builder rather than directly in Outlook.
Best practices across all platforms
Before applying AI content
- Review for accuracy - Ensure the generated content matches your email's actual message
- Check character limits - Subject lines work best at 30-50 characters
- Consider your audience - Make sure the tone aligns with your recipients' expectations
After applying
- Preview your email - Check how the subject line and preheader appear across different email clients
- Test on mobile - Verify that your preheader text displays properly on mobile devices
- Track performance - Monitor open rates to see which AI-generated tones work best for your audience
Troubleshooting
Problem: AI content doesn't appear when sending
Solution: Ensure you clicked Apply in the Email Builder before saving your template
Problem: Preheader text isn't updating in Outlook 365 Add-in
Solution: After saving your edits in the Email Builder, open a completely new email in Outlook before re-inserting
Problem: Subject line is too long
Solution: Return to the Email Builder and regenerate with a more concise tone (try "Native" or "Formal")