> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.firsttouch.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Messaging Guide

> Write and preview messaging for email and social flow steps.

Messaging in First Touch can combine structured prompts, variables, and generated content.

Use this page to keep messaging clear, personalized, and easy to review before publishing.

## The Messaging Editor

When you add an **Email** or supported social step, you can define the message content in the editor.

### Choosing Your Mode

You can switch between generated messaging and more custom prompt-driven messaging.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card color="#3c5d29" icon="sparkles" title="AI Generated (Default)">
    **Best for speed.** First Touch can generate messaging from your flow context and settings.
  </Card>

  <Card color="#3c5d29" icon="pen-nib" title="Custom Template">
    **Best for control.** Use the editor to define the structure, tone, variables, and instructions you want to use.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Build Your Prompt

In custom mode, you are defining instructions and context for the final message.

### 1. Data Variables (`{}`)

Variables pull contact, company, sender, and flow data into the message.

* **Prospect** variables for contact details
* **Company** variables for account details
* **Sender** variables for rep details
* **Flow** variables for flow-level context
* **HubSpot** variables for mapped CRM fields

<Tip>
  If you use a **Research Agent** earlier in the flow, you can reference its output in later messaging.
</Tip>

### 2. Instruction Blocks (`[]`)

Use instruction blocks to tell the system what to do with the context you provide.

Examples:

* `[Write a short opening based on their role]`
* `[Mention a relevant company detail]`
* `[Keep the message under 50 words]`

### 3. Static Text

Use plain text for anything that should stay fixed, such as sign-offs, links, or compliance language.

## Preview Before Publishing

Use **Preview** to inspect how messaging renders before publishing.

1. Open the preview tab.
2. Select a sample contact.
3. Generate the output.
4. Edit and preview again until it looks right.

## Social Messaging Tips

<Steps>
  <Step icon="user-plus" title="Connection Requests">
    Keep connection requests short and low-friction.
  </Step>

  <Step icon="comment-dots" title="Follow-up Messages">
    A follow-up social message can depend on connection state.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  Review your sending and social settings before scaling activity.
</Warning>

## Helpful Patterns

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion icon="globe" title="Leverage Web Research">
    Add a **Research Agent** before your outreach step when you want extra company or contact context.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion icon="code-branch" title="Use Conditional Splits">
    Use **Conditional Split** to send different messaging to different segments.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion icon="user-check" title="Human Approval">
    Turn on approval when you want a rep to review a message before it sends.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>