Marketing FAQs

What is Shortcuts Marketing?

Shortcuts Marketing is a simple, easy-to-use SMS and email marketing platform within Shortcuts that is replacing your Set & Forget Marketing (gCast).

Who can use it?

Everyone! Shortcuts Marketing is available for single site businesses on all packages using Shortcuts Fusion, Live and Cloud.

Can I use Shortcuts Marketing as well as Mailchimp?

Absolutely! While you may use Shortcuts Marketing for your ongoing campaigns, there’s nothing to stop you creating a creative email blast in Mailchimp.

What are the differences between campaigns in Shortcuts Marketing and Mailchimp?

In Shortcuts Marketing, we’ve done the hard work for you. In the dashboard you’ll find a range of preloaded campaigns ready for you to send. If you feel like getting creative, Mailchimp gives you the opportunity to create whatever you want.

Does Shortcuts Marketing work for multi-site businesses?

No. Currently this feature does not allow multi-site businesses to send emails at a company level.

Is there a cost?

While there is no cost for emails within Shortcuts Marketing, SMS’s will be charged at the rate set out in your bundle. Get in touch with Customer Care for more information on our SMS bundles.

Is there a limit to the database size?

No. You can import databases of any size.

How do I get started?

For Shortcuts Live or Cloud users:

You can access the Shortcuts Marketing screen via pos.shortcutssoftware.com > General Settings > Marketing.

For Fusion users:

Access the Shortcuts Marketing feature directly from the Console.

Are there pre-loaded campaigns like in gCast?

Yes, similar to gCast, Shortcuts Marketing comes equipped with ready-made email and SMS campaigns including: Happy birthday, welcome new guest, we miss you and thank you for referrals. These all live in the new Marketing screen.

Can I edit templates like in gCast?

No, in order to make Shortcuts Marketing as user-friendly as possible we have streamlined the process and created a powerful template that’s ready to send. If you want to get a little more creative, check out Mailchimp!

Who can use the marketing feature?

As a default, the marketing feature will be enabled for Company and Site Manager roles. While it will be disabled by default for Call Centre and Employee roles, it can be changed in the permission settings.

Can I send broadcast messages?

Yes, Shortcuts Marketing gives you the capability to send messages to your entire database or a select group. (Group targeting is currently not available to Shortcuts Live users).

Can I change the send times/ triggers for automated campaigns?

No, these are pre-set. You can however create new campaigns based on your own criteria.

What time zone does Shortcuts Marketing operate in?

Your local time zone, as set on your computer.

Do I have to turn off the campaigns in my gCast account?

No, once you have activated your campaigns in Shortcuts Marketing, your campaigns in gCast will automatically be deactivated.

If a customer on a targeted list opts out are they opted out from all marketing?

Yes, when a client opts out of any email this will sync back to Shortcuts and opt them out of all marketing.

What does it look like?

Good question!

Here’s an example of a Shortcuts Marketing email template.

What version of Shortcuts should I be running?

While Shortcuts Marketing is available to all Shortcuts users, for best result we recommend running version 8.0.28.19 or higher. To check which version you are running, double click the Shortcuts icon on your desktop and note the version number in the top left corner. If you would like to upgrade, click here for a step-by-step guide.

What is Mailchimp Marketing?

Mailchimp Marketing will be replacing your Set & Forget Marketing (gCast). Mailchimp Marketing is here to give you more power from your campaigns, in a best-of-breed email marketing solution that’s integrated with Shortcuts. Experience beautiful templates, a mobile app, social features and more!

Can I still send SMS marketing?

It is very important that you move to Mailchimp if you would like to keep using email marketing as gCast will be turned off after 12 July 2019. This means any active campaigns in gCast will cease to send, and you will not be able to create or send any new marketing emails or SMS, even recurring campaigns. This will not affect your SMS appointment confirmations.

Does it cost anything?

Mailchimp Marketing is included in your Shortcuts package. If you have fewer than 2,000 email addresses in your database, Mailchimp Marketing is completely free. Unlike Set & Forget Marketing (gCast), you may experience some additional costs with using Mailchimp Marketing if you have an email database of more than 2,001 email addresses. If you have more than 2,001 email addresses in your database, please refer to Mailchimp’s website for pricing options.

How many emails can I send per month?

If you have a database of 2,000 or fewer email addresses, you can send up to 12,000 emails per month. This includes your ongoing campaigns. If you would like to send more emails than this, please refer to the Mailchimp website as there may be costs involved.

If you have a database 2,001 email addresses or over, you can send an unlimited amount of emails per month.

I already have Set & Forget Marketing – how is Mailchimp Marketing different?

It’s different in quite a few ways! Firstly, Mailchimp is the leading email marketing solution used by businesses of all types and sizes across the globe. It comes with a bunch of additional features such as a mobile app, Facebook and Instagram social media features, and direct mail. It also has an amazing user experience including an easy-to-use drag ‘n’ drop editor.

So how does it work?

We’d love to show you! Check out these helpful resources.

How do I get started?

It’s easy! Check your inbox for an email from Shortcuts with a unique link to get started with Mailchimp. Click this link then follow the instructions on the web page.

Why do I have to connect Shortcuts to my Mailchimp account?

You will need to connect Shortcuts to your Mailchimp account so you can market to your Shortcuts client database. This is particularly important for any recurring campaigns you have set up, such as Happy Birthday offers. By integrating the two systems, you will be able to ensure that your marketing campaigns are as effective as possible.

Can I still use Targeted Marketing with Mailchimp?

Yes, you can absolutely upload additional lists to target certain groups within your database. Bear in mind this may result in an additional charge from Mailchimp.

Where can I get new Mailchimp templates?

Right here! Aren’t they gorgeous?

I have more than just campaigns in my gCast account, such as photos and old campaign statistics. Will this move to Mailchimp too?

No, only your email marketing campaigns will be moving from gCast to Mailchimp. If you have anything else in gCast that you’d like to keep, such as photos or other marketing materials, we recommend you save these in another safe place so you don’t lose them when gCast is switched off. If you’d like to keep marketing statistics from past campaigns, we recommend you take the time to screenshot the statistics dashboard and copy any reports you may require in future.

How do I stop my gCast campaigns from sending?

Once you’re all set up with Mailchimp, the last step is to deactivate your existing campaigns in gCast. You will need to log in and do this manually.

Will all of my clients be uploaded to Mailchimp?

To make your transition to Mailchimp easier, we are uploading the clients who have opted in for marketing, have a unique email address and had at least one visit in the last three years.

How do I check approximately how many of my clients will be synced to Mailchimp?

1. Go to your unique landing page sent to you via email
2. Within the Mailchimp Marketing option, find the last bullet point which says “Click here to check your number.”
3. Follow the link to see the approximate number of clients that will be synced to Mailchimp.

I have multiple sites – will Mailchimp Marketing work for me?

Mailchimp Marketing will work perfectly for you if you manage each of your sites separately centrally for email marketing communications. Client data from each site is synced to a single company Mailchimp account. The client record will have a flag indicating the site which will allow you to segment the list for individual site campaigns as required. If you would like to discuss your options regarding multiple sites, please call us on 1300 667 374.