TL;DR
Before launching: Click Preview in your campaign sequence to see how messages appear to recipients (variables show as actual values like names). Run Check spam score to verify inbox delivery, send a test email to check layout/links/formatting, and preview LinkedIn messages on desktop and mobile. Once verified, go to Launch section to confirm leads and start campaign.
Why Preview Matters
Previewing catches typos, broken links, and design issues before reaching leads. Ensures emails bypass spam filters and land in inbox. Helps fine-tune content and layout for maximum engagement.
Step-by-Step Preview
1. Open your campaign and go to the Sequence
From the left sidebar, click Campaigns, then select the campaign you want to review from the list.
In your campaign, click the Sequence tab.
2. Preview an email step
In the sequence, click the email step you want to check, then click Preview.
✅ Verify: The preview window displays your message as the recipient will see it.
3. Check variable rendering
Variables like #{{firstName}}, #{{companyName}} display as actual values.
Example: #{{firstName}} shows as "John" not #{{firstName}}.
Verify all custom variables render correctly.
✅ Verify: All variables show real data, no #{{brackets}} visible.
4. Run spam check
In the preview window, click Check spam score and review the spam score details (including authentication checks like SPF/DKIM/DMARC).
✅ Verify: Spam score is low (ideally under 5) with no major red flags.
5. Send test email
In the preview window, enter a test email address (your email or a colleague's).
Click Send email test.
Check the test email in your inbox:
Layout displays correctly
Links work
Images load
Variables render properly
No formatting issues
✅ Verify: Test email received and looks professional.
6. Preview LinkedIn messages
In the sequence, click the LinkedIn message step you want to check, then click Preview.
In the LinkedIn preview window, review how the message appears to recipients.
Check:
Message length appropriate
Formatting clean
Links work (if included)
Personalization renders correctly
✅ Verify: Message looks good on both desktop and mobile.
7. Review all sequence steps
Preview each step in sequence:
Initial email
Follow-up emails
LinkedIn messages
Any other steps
Ensure consistent tone and formatting across all steps.
✅ Verify: All steps previewed and approved.
Common Issues to Check
Variables not rendering:
Verify custom variable names match exactly
Check lead has data for that variable
Test with real lead data
High spam score:
Remove spam trigger words (FREE, ACT NOW, etc.)
Reduce excessive caps or punctuation
Check link reputation
Ensure proper authentication (SPF, DKIM)
Broken links:
Test all links in test email
Verify tracking links work
Check custom domain configured (if using)
Formatting issues:
Check on different email clients (Gmail, Outlook)
Verify mobile responsiveness
Test with images enabled and disabled
LinkedIn preview issues:
Character count within limits
No formatting that breaks on mobile
Links shortened if needed
Before Launching
Once preview looks good:
Go to Launch section
Review leads to be contacted
Confirm schedule settings
Click Launch Campaign
✅ Verify: Campaign launched successfully, leads entering sequence.
Best Practices
Preview every step - Don't assume follow-ups look good, check each one
Test on multiple devices - Check email on desktop and mobile
Send test to different email clients - Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo render differently
Get colleague feedback - Fresh eyes catch mistakes you might miss
Check spam score before every campaign - Content changes affect deliverability
Verify personalization - Ensure variables have data for all leads
Test all links - Click every link in test email
Confirm It's Working
✓ Preview shows message exactly as recipients will see it
✓ All variables render as actual values (names, companies, etc.)
✓ Spam check shows low score with no major issues
✓ Test email received with correct layout, working links, proper formatting
✓ LinkedIn preview looks good on both desktop and mobile
✓ All sequence steps reviewed and approved
Escalate If Unresolved
If the preview is not working correctly:
Provide campaign name
Screenshot of the preview issue
Specific step having problems
Expected vs. actual appearance
Whether the test email sends successfully
Contact lemlist support with this information.