đź’ˇ To get this feature - request it through your CSM
Closed Beta: this capability is currently in Closed Beta and not be available to all customers
Data Connections lets you pull real-time content from any external data source directly into your marketing templates. This means your campaign messages always stay personalized, and up-to-date — without needing to create multiple versions.
With Data Connections, you can:
- Fetch content from external sources before sending a campaign,
- Use one dynamic template across multiple campaigns,
- Access real-time data beyond batch processing, customer data, or inventory,
- Bring in AI-powered product recommendations from Opti-X to Optimove channels in a non-image format.
How It Works:
- Create Data Connection - connect the source where to pull content from.
- Use Data Connection in your template - define how to pull the content.
Supported in:
- OptiMail
- OptiMobile Push
- OptiText
- Web Push Notifications
Example of using Data Connections
Create Data Connections
Manualy through the Opti-X admin Interface
From the “Data Connections” section under the “Data” menu you have the ability to create new and edit existing Data Connections.
Supported Data Connection source types from this method include:
- Uploading CSV or JSON files
- Creating a Data Connection powered by an existing Opti-X Placement if you are licensed with Recommend
Using API methods
For more automated and extended capabilities, you are able to use API calls to create and update Data Connections.
Supported Data Connection data types from this method include:
- Uploading or automated uploading CSV or JSON files
- Connecting to a 3rd party API
For more details on creating Data Connections via API please see here.
Use Data Connections
Supported Channels
You can use Data Connections in Native Channels:
- Optimail
- OptiMobile Push
- Web Push Notifications
- OptiText SMS
Main methods for using Data Connections
Once you have Data Connections set up in your account you will be able to start using them. To use a Data Connection in your channel template or Opti-X Banner you have two options:
- Using the Data Connection Formula Builder in template editor and banner builder.
- Typing in the formula inline in your template (similar to Optimail’s conditional language or typing a personalisation tag). Read more here.
Data Connections API Documentation
For further information on the use of Data Connections via API, see the following documentation:
- Data Connections API
- Using your Data Connections
- Walkthrough example for an Upload Data Connection
- Managing Data Connections
FAQ
Will Data Connections work with third-party channels?
No, Data Connections will not support third-party channels. At launch, it will be available for OptiMail, Mobile Push, Web Push, and SMS within Optimove’s native channels.
What is the difference between Data Connections and Data Ingestion?
Data Ingestion: Designed to import customer attributes (e.g., email, location) for personalization and segmentation.
Data Connections: Designed to integrate external content (e.g., images, jackpots, promo’s) directly into campaign templates.
Why do we need Smart Content in Opti-X if we have Data Connections?
While Data Connections lets you pull external content into your campaigns, Smart Content in Opti-X provides additional flexibility for creating personalized and dynamic content in Smart Banners. Smart Content allows you to build more complex designs and handle advanced use cases.
Since Smart Banners in OptiMail are delivered as images that update when the email is opened (unlike static text), this approach gives you greater control and precision for highly dynamic content and tailored experiences.
Do you need access to the Opti-X platform to use Data Connections in channels?
Yes, we will create an Opti-X account for you to use Data Connections. However, you do not need a full Opti-X license. You’ll have access to the Data Section specifically for creating and managing your Data Connections.