Intro to Campaign Builder

Learn about our Campaign Builder, our newest feature that lets you build templated campaigns directly in the platform.

June 24th, 2026 - 3:00 PM EST (US and Canada)

Additional Resources

• Campaign Builder: User-Created Automated Messaging
• Send a Message Nudge in Campaign Manager (Quick Start)
• Update Contact Data Using Campaign Builder (Quick Start)
• Send a Multi-Part Message with Campaign Builder

Copy / Paste Library

• List of Common "Reply" Keywords for Campaign Builder

Campaign Builder Webinar FAQ

Who has access to Campaign Builder?

Campaign Builder is available to:

• Account Admins
• Program Admins

Program Admins can only access campaigns within their assigned programs. Account Admins can access campaigns across all programs.

Counselors do not currently have access to Campaign Builder.

Are keywords case-sensitive?

No. Keywords are not case-sensitive.

However, keyword matching is character-sensitive. We recommend including common variations and special characters in your keyword lists.

Examples:

• yes
• yes!
• y
• yeah
• 👍

If you previously used Message Templates, you may already have a keyword synonym list that can be reused.

What happens when a contact replies with a keyword?

If a contact replies with a configured keyword:

• The matching branch is triggered
• The automated response is sent
• The conversation moves to the No Action Needed folder

What happens if a contact replies with something that is not in my keyword list?

If a contact's reply does not exactly match one of your configured keywords:

• No automated response is sent
• The conversation appears in Active Conversations
• Staff can review and respond manually

For best results, include common reply variations and synonyms in your keyword lists.

Can I copy branching logic from one campaign to another?

Not currently.

Campaigns and branches must be recreated manually. If this is a feature you'd like to see, submit feedback through the Product Board.

Can I use imported contacts with Campaign Builder?

Yes.

Imported contacts need a shared identifier that can be used as a campaign condition.

Many institutions create a campaign-specific field during import and then use that field to target the campaign audience.

Example:

• orientation_2026 = TRUE
• fafsa_followup = TRUE

How do I send a branching campaign to contacts from a CSV file?

When importing contacts, include a common data field that identifies everyone who should receive the campaign.

After the import:

1. Create a campaign rule using that field.
2. Build your branching campaign as normal.
3. Send only to contacts who meet the campaign condition.

If your file does not already contain a shared identifier, consider using a campaign field during import.

Will Campaign Builder affect my messaging limits?

No.

Campaign Builder follows the same messaging limits and contract terms that already apply to your Message account.

If you have questions about your institution's specific limits, contact your account manager.

How can I see how many contacts will receive a campaign?

Use the Count Recipients button while building the nudge.

Keep in mind that recipient counts reflect contacts who meet the campaign conditions at that moment.

For ongoing campaigns, recipient counts may change as contact data changes.

Can Modern Campus still build campaigns from templates?

Yes.

Campaign Builder allows institutions to create and manage campaigns themselves, but Modern Campus can still assist with campaign setup and provide guidance when needed.

How are nudges sorted in Campaign Builder?

By default:

• Rolling messages appear at the top
• Other nudges are sorted by send date

Can existing Message Templates be imported into Campaign Builder?

No.

Existing template-based campaigns cannot currently be imported directly into Campaign Builder.

Many institutions choose to recreate their most frequently used workflows in Campaign Builder so they can manage and update them directly within the application.

Where can I find a keyword library?

The Message Support Center includes a keyword reference guide with common reply variations and examples.

Using a broad list of keywords helps ensure responses are captured correctly and routed to the appropriate branch.