How to Set Default Values for Custom Fields in Emails

Personalize your emails with family details—like parent names, child's name, or program interest—to boost engagement. If a custom field (such as First Name) is empty, conditional content lets you display a default value, ensuring your emails always look polished and professional.

What Is Conditional Content?

Conditional content lets you show or hide sections of your email based on your families' custom field data. This means you can tailor email content to each recipient and display a default value if a field (like First Name) isn't filled in.

For example, you can greet parents by name when you have it, or use a friendly alternative like "Hello there" when you don't.

Why Use Conditional Content?

• Professionalism: Avoids awkward blanks or missing information in greetings and messages
• Personalization: Ensures each parent sees a relevant, friendly greeting—even if some data is missing
• Consistency: Maintains a uniform look and feel across all emails, regardless of data quality
• Higher Engagement: Personalized emails are more likely to be opened and read by busy parents

How to Set Up Conditional Content

Here's how to show "Dear {{contact.first_name}}" when you have a parent's first name, or "Dear Parent" when you don't.

Step 1: Enable Conditional Content

Toggle on Conditional Sending in your content block's sidebar.

Step 2: Set Up the Personalized Greeting

1. Add a text block with your personalized greeting: Dear {{contact.first_name}},
2. Under Set your conditions:
   • Select custom field: "First Name"
   • Condition: "Is Not"
   • Value: (leave blank)

This block displays only when First Name has a value.

Step 3: Set Up the Default Greeting

1. Add another text block with your fallback greeting: Dear Parent,
2. Under Set your conditions:
   • Select custom field: "First Name"
   • Condition: "Is"
   • Value: (leave blank)

This block displays only when First Name is empty.

Step 4: Preview and Test

Use the preview feature to see how your email appears for families with and without a First Name in your system. Test with a few different parent records to make sure everything looks right.

Limitations to Know

Only one custom field can be used for conditional content per content block. You cannot apply multiple conditional settings for the same field within a single block.

If you need to check multiple fields, create separate content blocks for each condition.

Pro Tips

💡 Always test before sending: Preview with test parent records to ensure your conditions work correctly.

💡 Choose friendly defaults: Use warm, inclusive language like "Hello" or "Hi there" rather than generic terms.

💡 Common use cases: This works great for parent names, child names, program types, or any custom field you've created.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use conditional content for fields other than First Name?

Yes, this method works for any custom field you've added to your parent or family records—like child's name, program interest, or preferred contact method.

Can I use multiple custom fields in one block?

No, only one custom field per content block. If you need to check multiple fields, create separate content blocks for each condition.

What happens if I leave "Enter a value" blank?

The condition checks whether the field is empty or has any value, letting you show or hide content accordingly. This is exactly what you want for setting up default values.

Can I customize the default value to match my center's brand?

Absolutely. Use whatever greeting or message fits your center's voice—whether that's formal, casual, or somewhere in between.