Getting Started With AMPscript

Prerequisites

In order to use the information in this guide, you should understand basic information related to general logic and AMPscript in specific. AMPscript is not a full-fledged object-oriented programming language like C++, C#, or Java, but you do need to be familiar with some programming concepts to make full use of AMPscript's feature. Read over these prerequisites to familiarize yourself with the knowledge you'll need to proceed with this guide.

AMPscript Prerequisites

Scenario

Northern Trail Outfitters maintains a monthly newsletter distributed to previous customers. Their mailing list contains the following information on these customers:

• A unique customer ID number
• First Name
• Last Name
• Preferred Name
• Street Address
• City
• State
• ZIP Code
• Email Address
• Preferences

The monthly newsletter contains updates about the company as well as content tailored specifically for the customer. As new items come in and different sales are announced, the customer receives a customized email including content targeted to their particular interest. Links in the email send the customer to a landing page that features items they might be interested in and incentives to encourage a purchase. The customer can also forward these offers to their friends and family, encouraging more sales and gathering more information about the customer for Northern Trail Outfitters to use in their marketing campaigns.

AMPscript 101-401

The following articles demonstrate with more progressively advanced AMPscript examples how to manage the example mailing list and use it in different email sends. You can review the information in each section and use it in your own AMPscript code.

• AMPscript 101
• AMPscript 201
• AMPscript 301
• AMPscript 401