Salesforce Marketing Cloud | Email Communication Resume Sending Checklist

1. Prioritize Resends: Identify "High-Value" communications, that are single sends and not Journeys, that were sent before January 21, 2026. Email communications from SFMC will require an "Updated Link" and proper testing before resending. Be sure to also test email built in the last few days as well.
   1. Resend only important communications that require action.
   2. We are not speaking to newsletters that contain only stories.
2. Audit Active Multi-Step Journeys:  You must refresh the content blocks with updated links before restarting a paused journey.
   1. When updating links in a Journey that is currently paused, it is often safer to "Create a New Version" of the Journey. This allows you to audit all steps and ensure the "Entry Source" is still valid before publishing the corrected version.
3. Verify Data Extensions: Ensure your audiences are still current if they have been sitting in a "Paused" state for over 48 hours. This does not apply to single journey sends.
4. Footer Verification: Ensure the Content Builder OSU branded footer used in your templates contains the correct, up-to-date contact information for your college/unit. The new "expired link" landing pages will direct users to this footer.

1. Content Builder: The Link Refresh

Because all links created before January 21, 2026, have expired, they must be manually refreshed.

• Resource: How to Edit Content Area in SFMC
• [ ] Test URLs: Open your email template. Do not just "look" at the links—Be sure to test all the links in the preview and test pane and within your inboxes. Replace the links if there are any issues.
• [ ] Check the Footer: Ensure your email footer contains the correct, up-to-date contact information (Email/Phone).
  • Note: Our new "Link Expired" landing page directs users to find this specific contact info.
• [ ] Save Content: Ensure the content block or the email itself is saved and checked in.

2. Journey Builder: Updating the Path

Resuming a Journey does not automatically update the email content inside it.

• Resource: Journey Pause and Resume SFMC article
• [ ] Update Email Activities: For any active or paused journey, click on the Email Activity → Select Email → Re-select the updated version of the email.
• [ ] Check Versioning: If the Journey is complex, consider Creating a New Version rather than resuming an old one. This ensures all system triggers are fresh.
• [ ] Review Entry Sources: Confirm that the Data Extension or API entry hasn't "timed out" or become stale during the pause.

3. Quality Assurance (The Click Test)

Standard "Test Sends" are not enough for this recovery, a contact needs selected to properly test

• Resource: SFMC Email Testing
• [ ] Subscriber Preview: Use the Subscriber Preview and Test tool in SFMC.
• [ ] Live Click Test: In the preview window, click through every link in the email as a specific subscriber to ensure they redirect correctly to the intended destination.
• [ ] Test Mobile Links: Ensure that links are also working on mobile devices, as security filters (like Safelinks) often behave differently across devices.

4. Sending Strategy

Avoid "Email Fatigue" after the pause.

• [ ] Prioritize: If you have multiple sends queued up, release high-priority/time-sensitive communications first.
  • We are not speaking to newsletters that contain stories. Resend only important communications that need action.

5. Support Readiness

Be prepared for the "Self-Service" flow.

• [ ] Verify Support Info: Double-check that the phone number or email in your footer is staffed and ready for inquiries.
• [ ] If you see a 404 error or a Redirect Loop, stop immediately. This usually means the SFMC Tracking Alias is still pointing to an old link. Re-save the email and try a new Subscriber Preview.

Questions or Issues? Reach out via the Email Community of Practice Teams channel or contact the OTDI Buckeye360 Team and Email Marketing.