Mailchimp Quick Tip: How to Test Your Merge Tags Before Sending

Posted by SpikeHQ Mailchimp Experts
mailchimp - Mailchimp Quick Tip: How to Test Your Merge Tags Before Sending

Ever sent an email that starts with “Hi *|FNAME|*“?

Doh! Let’s make sure that never happens again.

Here’s how to test your Mailchimp merge tags properly — so you can be confident your emails are personalised and professional.

Step-by-Step: Preview Merge Tags in Mailchimp

  1. Go to Preview Mode 
    In your Mailchimp campaign, click the **Preview** button at the top.
  2. Enable Live Merge Tag Info
    On the right-hand panel, toggle **“Enable live merge tag info”**. This pulls in actual contact data — so if you’re using `*|FNAME|*`, you’ll see the recipient’s real first name (e.g. “Hi Karl”) in the preview.
  3. Check It Over
    Scroll through your email and ensure everything looks correct — particularly if you’re using fallback values or custom fields.

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Why This Matters
Personalisation works — but only when it works correctly. Previewing with live merge tag data ensures your message feels personal and relevant, not like a mass send. It’s a small step that can make a big difference to your open and click-through rates.

Need help improving the look and performance of your Mailchimp emails? Get in touch.