Overview
When setting your CSV file with the data to be imported, add 2 more fields named custom field 1 and custom field 2 and populate both rows with the information you want. For example, blog post title or their recent LinkedIn post, or even the type of technology they use, that is totally up to you.
NOTE: the custom variables must be included in the CSV file at the moment you are uploading the contacts. Also, make sure the custom field 1 and 2 are always the 4th and 5th column. Changing the order of these two specific columns may cause inconsistencies in the messages like recognizing custom field 1 as custom field 2.
When setting your messages or autoresponders you will be able to see the Custom Variables when creating the Follow-Up messages.
When you select Custom 1, the system will take the information located in the Custom 1 column and place it in the message.
Example
Custom field 1 = DotSimple
Message set like the image below
Will send a message like: Hi Peter, I noticed you are in charge of the sales team at DotSimple.
When inserting the custom field, you will be prompted to add a fallback message. This is to replace the text in case the system doesn't find something in the custom field column. Using the example above, if the system doesn't find a custom field for the contact, the message would be like: Hi Peter, I noticed you are in charge of the sales team at your company.
How to insert a custom field
Head to the message sequences section of the campaign
Select where you want to add the custom field, in a connection message or Follow-Up message
Start typing your message, and click the Custom 1 or 2 button to place the custom field where you would like to insert it
The fallback text window will appear. Place the fallback text, click insert and the custom field will be placed in the message.
Click save