Send EXM Emails In User's Language With Sitecore Forms
Introduction
Hey guys! Ever wondered how to send automated messages in the language your users prefer? If you're using Sitecore 10.3 and EXM with Sitecore Forms, you're in the right place! This article will guide you through the process of setting up automated messages that adapt to the user's language selection on your website. Let’s dive in and make your email campaigns truly global!
Understanding the Challenge
When creating a multilingual website, one of the key challenges is ensuring that your users receive communications in their preferred language. With Sitecore Experience Platform (XP) and Email Experience Manager (EXM), you can create personalized email campaigns. But how do you ensure that an automated message triggered by a form submission is sent in the user's chosen language? This involves capturing the user’s language preference and using it to select the appropriate version of your email message. This article addresses exactly that, offering a comprehensive guide to implementing this functionality in Sitecore 10.3.
The primary challenge here is to dynamically select the appropriate version of an automated email message based on the user's language preference. This requires a solution that integrates with Sitecore Forms, captures the language selected by the user, and uses this information to send the correct localized email via EXM. Achieving this involves several steps, from setting up Sitecore Forms to configuring EXM and writing custom code to bridge the gap between the two. It’s crucial to ensure that the solution is robust, scalable, and maintainable. A poorly implemented solution can lead to incorrect language versions being sent, resulting in a poor user experience and potentially damaging your brand’s credibility. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to tackle this challenge and create a seamless multilingual experience for your users.
Prerequisites
Before we jump into the implementation, let's make sure you have everything you need. Here’s a checklist of prerequisites:
- Sitecore 10.3 Installation: You need a working instance of Sitecore 10.3.
- EXM Module: Ensure that the Email Experience Manager (EXM) module is installed and configured correctly.
- Sitecore Forms: Familiarity with Sitecore Forms is essential as we will be using it to capture user input.
- Basic C# Knowledge: Some C# coding will be required to create custom actions and logic.
- Multilingual Site Setup: Your Sitecore site should be configured for multiple languages.
Ensuring these prerequisites are in place will set the stage for a smooth implementation process. Each component plays a crucial role in capturing user language preferences and delivering the correct localized email. For instance, a properly configured Sitecore Forms is vital for collecting the user’s language choice, while EXM handles the email dispatch. Your coding skills will be necessary to create custom actions that link these components together. Lastly, a multilingual site setup is the foundation upon which the entire localization process is built. By confirming these elements are ready, you're setting yourself up for success in creating a seamless, language-aware user experience.
Step-by-Step Implementation Guide
1. Capturing User's Language Preference in Sitecore Forms
First off, we need to capture the language the user selects on your website. The easiest way to do this is by adding a dropdown list to your Sitecore Form. This dropdown will contain the available languages on your site. Make sure the values correspond to the language codes used in Sitecore (e.g., en, fr, de). You can achieve this by navigating to the Form Designer in Sitecore and adding a Dropdown List element. Populate the options with the languages you support. For example, you might have options like “English” with a value of en, “French” with a value of fr, and so on.
This step is crucial because it sets the foundation for personalizing the user's experience. By capturing the language preference directly within the form, you ensure that every subsequent interaction, including automated emails, can be tailored to the user's linguistic needs. This enhances engagement and demonstrates a commitment to providing a user-centric experience. The accuracy of the language codes is vital; any discrepancy between the values in the dropdown and the language codes in Sitecore could lead to incorrect email versions being sent. Additionally, consider adding a default language option to handle cases where the user doesn't explicitly select a language. This proactive approach ensures a consistent and reliable multilingual communication strategy.
2. Creating Email Message Variants in EXM
Next up, let’s create different versions of your email message in EXM, one for each language you support. This ensures that your message resonates with users in their native language. Navigate to EXM in Sitecore and create a new email campaign. For each language, create a variant of the email. You can duplicate the main email and then modify the content to match the target language. For instance, if you're targeting English, French, and German speakers, you'll have three versions of your email: one in English, one in French, and one in German. Pay close attention to the subject lines, body text, and any other dynamic content to ensure they're accurately translated and culturally appropriate.
Creating these language-specific variants is a key step in delivering a personalized and effective communication strategy. It demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and ensures that your message is well-received by a global audience. The effort invested in translating and adapting your content can significantly improve engagement rates and overall campaign performance. Moreover, consider the nuances of each language and culture. A direct translation might not always be the most effective approach; sometimes, it's necessary to adapt the message to resonate with the specific cultural context. This level of attention to detail can set your email campaigns apart and foster stronger connections with your audience. Remember to thoroughly test each version to ensure it renders correctly across different email clients and devices.
3. Creating a Custom Form Submit Action
Now, for the magic! We need to create a custom form submit action that will determine which email version to send based on the user's language selection. This involves writing some C# code. Create a new class in your Sitecore solution that inherits from Sitecore.Forms.SubmitActions.SubmitActionBase<TData>. Override the Execute method to implement your custom logic. Inside the Execute method, retrieve the language selected by the user from the form data. Then, use this language code to determine which EXM message variant to send.
This custom form submit action is the linchpin of the entire process, bridging the gap between the user's language preference and the delivery of the correct email version. The flexibility of Sitecore allows you to tailor this action precisely to your needs, making it a powerful tool for personalization. When writing the code, ensure it's robust and handles potential errors gracefully. For instance, what happens if the language code is missing or doesn't match any of the available email variants? Implementing appropriate error handling will prevent unexpected issues and maintain a consistent user experience. Additionally, consider the performance implications of your code. Optimize it to ensure it executes quickly, especially during peak traffic times. Thorough testing is essential to guarantee that your custom action functions flawlessly in all scenarios.
4. Implementing the C# Logic
Let's break down the C# code we need to write. Here’s a snippet to get you started:
using Sitecore.Forms.SubmitActions;
using Sitecore.Modules.EmailCampaign; // Make sure to add this
using Sitecore.Modules.EmailCampaign.Messages;
using System;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using Sitecore.Data.Items;
namespace YourNamespace
{
public class SendLocalizedEmail : SubmitActionBase<string>
{
public string MessageId { get; set; }
protected override bool Execute(string data, FormSubmitContext formSubmitContext)
{
// Get language from form data
string language = GetFieldValue(formSubmitContext.Fields, "LanguageDropdownFieldName");
// Get the localized message id based on language
Guid localizedMessageId = GetLocalizedMessageId(new Guid(MessageId), language);
if (localizedMessageId != Guid.Empty)
{
// Send the localized email using EXM
SendEmail(localizedMessageId, formSubmitContext);
return true;
}
// Handle case where localized message is not found
Sitecore.Diagnostics.Log.Error("Localized EXM message not found for language: " + language, this);
return false;
}
private string GetFieldValue(IEnumerable<Sitecore.Forms.Core.Field.FieldItem> fields, string fieldName)
{
foreach (var field in fields)
{
if (field.Name == fieldName)
{
return ((Sitecore.Forms.Core.Field.Fields.ValueField)field).Value;
}
}
return string.Empty;
}
private Guid GetLocalizedMessageId(Guid originalMessageId, string language)
{
// Logic to find the localized message ID based on language
// Example: Fetch the item and check its language version
var originalMessageItem = Sitecore.Context.Database.GetItem(new Sitecore.Data.ID(originalMessageId));
if (originalMessageItem == null) return Guid.Empty;
var localizedItem = Sitecore.Context.Database.GetItem(originalMessageItem.ID, Sitecore.Globalization.Language.Parse(language));
if (localizedItem != null)
{
return localizedItem.ID.Guid;
}
return Guid.Empty;
}
private void SendEmail(Guid messageId, FormSubmitContext formSubmitContext)
{
// Send email logic using EXM API
var messageItem = Sitecore.Context.Database.GetItem(new Sitecore.Data.ID(messageId));
if (messageItem != null)
{
var recipient = new Sitecore.Modules.EmailCampaign.Core.Recipient("[email protected]", "Test User", ""); // Replace with dynamic recipient data
var message = new Message(messageItem);
var manager = new ManagerRoot(Sitecore.Context.Database);
manager.SendMessage(message, new[] { recipient });
}
else
{
Sitecore.Diagnostics.Log.Error("EXM message item not found: " + messageId, this);
}
}
}
}
This code snippet provides a solid foundation for your custom form submit action. Let's break it down. The Execute method is the heart of the action, where the logic for retrieving the language, finding the localized message ID, and sending the email resides. It starts by fetching the language selected by the user from the form data, using the GetFieldValue method. Then, it uses the GetLocalizedMessageId method to determine the correct EXM message variant based on this language. If a localized message is found, the SendEmail method is invoked to dispatch the email via EXM. Error handling is included to log cases where a localized message is not found, ensuring that you're alerted to any issues. The GetLocalizedMessageId method fetches the item and checks its language version. Make sure to replace the placeholder email and name with dynamic recipient data based on your form fields.
5. Configuring the Submit Action in Sitecore Forms
With the custom action created, we need to configure it in Sitecore Forms. Go back to the Form Designer, select your form, and add a new submit action. Choose your custom action from the list. You'll need to set the MessageId property to the ID of your main EXM message. This is the fallback message that will be sent if no localized version is found. Additionally, ensure that the LanguageDropdownFieldName property is set to the name of the dropdown list field you created in Step 1.
Configuring the submit action correctly is crucial for the entire process to work seamlessly. The MessageId property acts as a default, ensuring that an email is always sent, even if the user's preferred language isn't supported. This prevents communication breakdowns and maintains a positive user experience. The LanguageDropdownFieldName property links the form field to the custom action, allowing it to dynamically retrieve the user's language preference. Double-check these settings to avoid common pitfalls, such as emails being sent in the wrong language or no emails being sent at all. Thoroughly testing the configuration will help you identify and rectify any issues before they impact your users.
6. Testing Your Implementation
Before going live, thorough testing is essential. Fill out your form with different language selections and verify that the correct email variants are sent. Check your Sitecore logs for any errors or exceptions. Use tools like the Sitecore Log Analyzer to make this process easier. Ensure that the emails are rendering correctly in different email clients and devices. Pay close attention to any dynamic content to ensure it's being populated correctly. It's also a good idea to test edge cases, such as submitting the form without selecting a language or using a language that isn't supported.
Testing is not just a formality; it's a critical step in ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of your multilingual email strategy. By simulating real-world scenarios, you can identify potential issues and address them proactively. This prevents negative user experiences and safeguards your brand's reputation. Consider setting up a dedicated testing environment that mirrors your production environment. This allows you to test changes without impacting live users. Additionally, involve multiple testers with different language backgrounds to provide a comprehensive assessment of your implementation. The more thorough your testing, the more confident you can be in the success of your multilingual email campaigns.
Conclusion
And there you have it! By following these steps, you can dynamically send EXM automated messages in the language selected by the user in Sitecore Forms. This ensures a personalized and engaging experience for your global audience. Remember, clear communication is key, and sending messages in the user's preferred language goes a long way in building strong relationships.
Implementing this solution requires careful attention to detail and a solid understanding of Sitecore, EXM, and C#. However, the benefits of delivering personalized multilingual content are significant. By tailoring your email communications to the user's language preference, you enhance engagement, improve campaign performance, and demonstrate a commitment to providing a user-centric experience. This not only strengthens your brand's credibility but also fosters deeper connections with your audience. As you continue to refine your multilingual strategy, consider leveraging other Sitecore features, such as personalization rules and content localization, to create an even more tailored and effective communication experience.
SEO Optimization Tips
To make this article even more discoverable, let’s look at some SEO tips:
- Keywords: Use relevant keywords throughout your article, such as "Sitecore EXM automated messages," "multilingual email campaigns," and "Sitecore Forms language selection."
- Headings: Use headings (H1, H2, H3) to structure your content and make it easier to read.
- Internal Linking: Link to other relevant articles on your site.
- Meta Description: Write a compelling meta description to entice users to click on your article from search engine results.
By implementing these SEO best practices, you can increase the visibility of your article and attract a wider audience. Keywords are the foundation of SEO, so strategically incorporating them throughout your content is crucial. Headings not only improve readability but also help search engines understand the structure and content of your article. Internal linking helps distribute link equity and encourages users to explore more of your site. Finally, a well-crafted meta description can significantly impact click-through rates from search engine results pages. Regularly reviewing and updating your SEO strategy will ensure that your content remains discoverable and relevant to your target audience.
