DotDigital Integration
PatronSend uses DotDigital to send document emails to your patrons via the Transactional Email API. Since all Spektrix customers have DotDigital accounts, you can use your existing credentials.
It is your responsibility in your email templates to ensure that you are not using transactional email for marketing purposes.
Connecting DotDigital
Prerequisites
- DotDigital API User (format:
apiuser-xxx@apiconnector.com) - DotDigital API Password
- Your DotDigital region (r1, r2, or r3)
Finding Your API Credentials
- Log in to DotDigital
- Go to Settings > Access > API Users
- Create a new API user or use an existing one
- If creating a new user, keep the existing email, enter PatronSend in the description, create a new secure password, and keep rate limiting and status the same.
- Copy the API user email and password
- Note the region in the URL at the top of the page
Connection Steps
- Go to Settings > Email
- Enter your API User
- Enter your API Password
- Select your Region
- Click Test Connection
- If connection was successful, you'll see a success message
- Enter your default from email and name
- If everything works, you will see DotDigital connected!
Delivery Tracking
PatronSend automatically registers a webhook with DotDigital to track email delivery. This lets you see:
- When emails are sent
- When emails are delivered
- When emails are opened
- If emails bounce or fail
View delivery status on any receipt's detail page.
Email Templates
You have two options for email templates:
1. PatronSend Templates (Default)
Use our built-in template. Customize the content in Templates > Email Templates.
2. DotDigital Triggered Campaigns
Use your own DotDigital triggered campaigns for full design control:
- Create a triggered campaign in DotDigital via Automation > Triggered email
- In PatronSend, go to Templates > Email Templates
- Create a new template and select "DotDigital Campaign"
- Choose your campaign from the dropdown
Personalization Variables
Use these variables in your DotDigital templates:
| Variable | Description |
|---|---|
@RECEIPT_NUMBER@ | The receipt number |
@DONOR_FIRST_NAME@ | Donor's first name |
@DONOR_LAST_NAME@ | Donor's last name |
@GIFT_DATE@ | Date of the donation |
@ISSUED_DATE@ | Date receipt was issued |
@GIFT_AMOUNT@ | Donation amount |
@ELIGIBLE_AMOUNT@ | Tax-eligible amount |
@DOWNLOAD_URL@ | Link to download PDF |
@ORGANIZATION_NAME@ | Your organization name |
@REGISTRATION_NUMBER@ | Your CRA registration |
Email Deliverability
For best deliverability, ensure your sending domain has proper DNS records:
- SPF - Authorizes DotDigital to send on your behalf
- DKIM - Signs emails cryptographically
- DMARC - Defines how to handle failed authentication
Contact DotDigital support for help setting up these records.
Troubleshooting
Connection Failed
- Verify your API User is in the correct format
- Check your password is correct
- Confirm your region selection
Emails Not Sending
- Check your DotDigital account is active
- Verify sender email is verified in DotDigital
- Check the receipt status for specific errors
Low Open Rates
- Ensure SPF/DKIM/DMARC are configured
- Check if emails are going to spam
- Review your subject line and sender name