What are variables and how are they used in my communications?

Variables are placeholders for dynamic data that can be used in your communications to personalize and customize messages efficiently. In the context of AXLE, variables are particularly useful for scalable communication, such as sending the same message to multiple recipients with specific information tailored to each location. Here’s how variables are used in your communications:

1. Templates for Scalable Communication: Variables allow you to create templates or message drafts that can be used across your organization or franchisees. Instead of creating unique messages for each location, you create a template with placeholders for specific data that vary between locations.
2. Variable Spreadsheet: In your AXLE system, you will typically have a variable spreadsheet. This spreadsheet is a Google sheet that contains columns labeled for different pieces of information that you need to send to clients. This information could include social media handles, studio email addresses, pricing links, and more.
3. Swapping Information: When you insert a variable into an automation or message template, the system knows to replace that variable with the actual data from the spreadsheet when the message is sent. Whatever information is in the corresponding column of the spreadsheet will be inserted in place of the variable for the appropriate location.
4. Using Variables in Automation: When creating an automation in AXLE, you have the option to use variables to personalize messages. You can do this in two ways:
   1. Merge Tags: You can click on “merge tags” where you will see a drop-down menu of variables. These merge tags are named according to the top column in the spreadsheet.
   2. Manually Inserting Variables: Alternatively, you can manually insert variables by typing {dictionary.______} and inserting the variable name, which can be found in the green row of each column in the spreadsheet. Make sure to use the correct brackets { }, and remember that variable names cannot have spaces or numbers.

Using variables in your communications streamlines the process of sending personalized messages to a large number of recipients, ensuring that each recipient receives the relevant and customized information. This is particularly useful for franchises and organizations looking to maintain consistency while personalizing their communications.