This article covers common questions about using Onsite Messaging (OSM) in Voyado Engage. Whether you're just getting started or looking to optimize your setup, you'll find practical answers and tips to help you get the most out of the feature.

We’ll continue to update this page regularly, so check back for new insights. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help!

How can I show a message only on a specific URL structure and exclude subpages (e.g., include URL contains /SOMETHING, but exclude URL with /SOMETHING/214124.html)?

To target a specific URL while excluding its subpages, go to the Additional targeting and behaviour settings and select URL path (instead of just URL) for more precise control.

For example, if you set the path to mydomain.com/SOMETHING, the message will only be shown on that exact URL. It will not be triggered on subpages like mydomain.com/SOMETHING/214124.html.

This is useful when you want the message to appear only on a specific page and avoid showing it on related subpages or dynamic URLs.

If a data field (like birthdate) already exists in the system, will the contact update pop-up still show it? Will it be hidden, pre-filled, or still editable?

The short answer is: you decide. If the visitor can be identified and we already have some of their contact information, those fields will be pre-filled in the pop-up. If all the requested fields are already completed in their contact card, the pop-up won’t be shown at all—unless you configure it otherwise.

In the general settings, you can choose whether members who don’t have any missing preferences should still see the message.

Additionally, at the bottom of the Maximized settings page, you can define if visitors are allowed to update fields that already have existing values—giving you full control over the behavior of the form.

How do I create custom fields or columns like "What is your interest?" or "City"?

In the Maximized settings page, under the Data Collection section, you'll find standard fields like Email, Phone Number, and Name. You’ll also see an option called Custom Field.

This allows you to include any additional fields that exist on the contact card in Engage—such as preferences, location, or other custom data points. For example, you can add a question like “What is your interest?” and display a dropdown with the interest options you want to collect.

How does the 'preview' script tag work in OSM? Does it only show for the creator, and how is it removed after testing?

To test a campaign without showing it to all visitors, you can use a special preview version of the script tag. For example, instead of using cornerwidget, you would use cornerwidget-preview and then publish your message. This allows you to view the campaign on your site without exposing it to the public.

Once the campaign is published, you'll see a link labeled "Onsite message URL" in the message settings. This link takes you directly to the message in preview mode and can be shared with others who need to review it before going live.

When you're done testing and ready to launch the campaign publicly, simply remove -preview from the script tag so it switches back to the standard version.

What script-tag options are available besides "cornerwidget", especially for more customized use cases?

There are several script tag options available depending on where and when you want your message to appear:

• cornerwidget – shows the campaign across the entire site
• login – displays the message when a user is logged in
• checkout – shows the message after a purchase is completed

For more customized use cases, you can create your own script tag with a name of your choice. For example, in the webinar we demonstrated how to trigger a follow-up message after another one is completed. In that case, you can name the custom script tag (e.g., summer) and use it to display a message based on a specific action.

When setting up the follow-up message, simply use your custom script tag (like summer) in the configuration, and it will be triggered accordingly.

Is there a live preview feature planned for building OSM messages so we can see them as we create them?

While there isn’t a live, on-site editor preview as you build the message, there are a few ways you can preview your OSM campaigns:

• Use the Preview button (top right, next to the phone and computer icons) for a quick visual check of the design. This preview doesn’t render the message on your actual site but is helpful for layout and styling.
• For a true on-site preview, see previous questions above regarding the use of the -preview script tag. This allows you to test your message in a real environment before publishing it live.

A tip: once you’ve generated your preview URL, you can continue using the same link even after making design updates—just re-publish and refresh the page.

And if you’ve already completed the flow and the message doesn’t reappear when refreshing, simply add ?voyado-clear to the end of the URL to clear stored states and trigger the message again.

Can I have multiple CTAs in one message, each redirecting to a different page?

Unfortunately, it's not currently possible to include multiple CTAs in a single message that each redirect to different pages.

If you’re running multiple onsite promotions, we recommend creating separate messages for each CTA. You can manage their visibility using message priorities, so once one message has been shown or interacted with, a different one can appear the next time the visitor qualifies—creating a smooth promotional flow.

How do I test targeted messages correctly? How can I tell if the message is showing because we are identified or meet the criteria, or because we forced the preview to appear when we are testing?

Using the onsite message URL together with a preview script tag (like cornerwidget-preview) is useful for testing layout and design, but it doesn’t always reflect the actual targeting behavior.

To test targeted messages more accurately without showing them to live visitors, one approach is to temporarily add a very specific URL-targeting condition, and then switch back to the regular script tag. For example, add a targeting rule such as: URL | contains | testingmyonsitemessage20250712 (or any other unique string not likely to appear in real URLs).

Then, revert the script tag to cornerwidget, go to your site, and manually add the URL parameter—e.g., mydomain.com/dresses/?testingmyonsitemessage20250712
This will make the “URL contains” condition true. If you also meet the other targeting criteria, the message should now appear.

Important: Make sure your targeting conditions are combined with the ALL operator—not ANY—to avoid false triggers.

Additionally, when testing a message that targets a specific audience segment, make sure your test user actually belongs to that audience and is identified when visiting the site.

Will OSM support persistent top banners for general promotions, without needing customer-specific data?

Yes! Your message doesn’t need to rely on any customer-specific data. To display a general promotion as a persistent top banner, use the Onsite Promotion preset and, under the Minimized settings, select the Top banner placement.

Do I need to create a separate message per locale to ensure the right audience sees the right message on the right page?

It depends on how your site is set up. If you have separate sites or environments for different languages or markets, then yes—you’ll need to create individual onsite messages for each locale.

A recommended approach is to first create one message, then duplicate it and adjust the site targeting and language as needed. This ensures each audience sees the correct message in the right context.

The need for multiple site setups is often addressed during the implementation phase, so check if this was already configured for your account.

How can I analyze and report the performance of my live OSM messages?

Currently, performance reporting isn’t available directly in Engage. However, you can access detailed insights by logging into the OSM Manager here:
 https://manager.onsite.voyado.com/

Under the Insight Reports tab, you'll find performance data for your messages. These insights will also be available directly in Engage soon.

Article last reviewed 26 June 2025 13:52