How do I understand merge field syntax and output?

Knowing how merge field codes translate to visible text helps you create effective emails. 

1. Recognize the merge field structure 

   1. Merge fields follow this pattern: {{OfficialType_NameFormat_ContactInfo}} 

   2. Example: {{UsSenators_Prefix_FullName_Phone_Twitter}} 

2. Interpret the components 

   1. First part indicates the official type (e.g., UsSenators, StateGovernor) 

   2. Middle part shows name format (e.g., Prefix_FullName, Prefix_LastName) 

   3. Last part indicates contact info (e.g., Phone, Twitter, Phone_Twitter) 

3. Anticipate the output format 

   1. For single officials: "Sen Elizabeth Warren at (202) 224-4543" 

   2. For multiple officials: "Sen Elizabeth Warren at (202) 224-4543 and Sen Ed Markey at (202) 224-2742" 

   3. With multiple contact methods: "Sen Warren at (202) 224-4543 or at @SenWarren" 

4. Reference output examples 

   1. Full name with phone: "Sen Elizabeth Warren at (202) 224-4543" 

   2. Last name with Twitter: "Sen Warren at @SenWarren" 

   3. No name, phone only: "(202) 224-4543" 

   4. No name, both contacts: "(202) 224-4543 or at @SenWarren" 

5. Test your email 

   1. Send a test email to yourself to verify how the merge fields appear 

   2. Check that the right officials display for different test addresses