Feeds in settings
Feed-backed settings connect a module to external content instead of relying on fully manual entry. This is useful when the content already exists in a product feed or another structured source.
When to use a feed-backed setting
Use a feed-backed setting when:
- the content comes from an external catalog or feed
- marketers should select or work from imported items
- the same module should stay aligned with structured source data
Examples:
- product modules
- article or content recommendation modules
- offer pickers
- catalog-driven layouts
How it differs from repeatable settings
Both patterns can power lists, but they solve different problems:
- Repeatable settings are best for manual authoring inside Better Email.
- Feed-backed settings are best when the data should come from an external source.
If the content is entered by hand, use a repeatable setting. If the content should come from imported feed data, use a feed-backed setting.
Setting options
When a setting uses a feed, make sure these pieces are intentional:
- Feed: the connected source that should power the setting
- Item name: the label that makes sense for one feed item in the editor
Feed-backed settings and repeatable settings are separate modes. In practice, that means you should decide whether the setting is manual-repeatable or feed-backed, not both.
TODO: Add a screenshot of the setting configuration showing the Use Feed toggle and feed selector.
Authoring advice
- Keep the structure of the module aligned with the shape of the feed data.
- Use clear naming so marketers understand what they are selecting.
- Make sure the module still looks good when feed content varies in length.
- Think through missing images, long titles, and incomplete descriptions before you ship the template.
Good defaults still matter
Even with feeds, the first editor experience matters. A module should still feel understandable when someone opens it for the first time. That usually means:
- a clear setting name
- a clear item label
- a predictable layout
- a preview that makes the relationship to the feed obvious
TODO: Add a video of a feed-backed module updating in preview after selecting items from a feed.