# How to Build Referral Campaigns in EmailOctopus with GrowSurf

> Use GrowSurf merge tags in EmailOctopus campaigns and automations so every contact gets their own referral link.

- URL: https://growsurf.com/integration-guides/emailoctopus-referral-email-campaigns/

---

[← View All Guides](/integration-guides/)

Merge tags put each contact’s own referral link into a single EmailOctopus campaign or automation.

Want the full setup walkthrough?

Use these docs for exact setup steps, supported fields, and troubleshooting.

[GrowSurf EmailOctopus tutorials](https://docs.growsurf.com/integrations/emailoctopus/tutorials) [EmailOctopus merge tag guide](https://help.emailoctopus.com/article/70-how-to-insert-a-merge-tag)

Once GrowSurf is syncing to an EmailOctopus list, each contact’s referral link and progress are custom fields. EmailOctopus merges them into campaign content with double curly braces, so one send gives every reader their own link.

The same merge tags work in automation emails, which reach each new contact on their own timeline rather than everyone at once.

## Integration Steps

### Check the fields are populated

The EmailOctopus API key field in the GrowSurf Program EditorEmailOctopus lives in Program Editor > 4. Options > Integrations.

Open a synced contact in EmailOctopus and confirm the GrowSurf fields carry values before you build the campaign.

### Insert the referral link

Use `{{GrowSurfShareURL}}` as both the href and the visible text. A URL the reader can see is a URL they can paste into a message.

### Add progress where it helps

`{{GrowSurfTotalReferralCount}}` and `{{GrowSurfNextMilestone}}` turn a generic ask into a specific one. Keep the sentence readable for someone at zero, because most of the list is.

### Move the prompt into an automation

An automation email keeps asking every new contact after signup, where a campaign asks once. Change the reward in GrowSurf and the next sync updates the values.

## Code Snippets

**The referral link**

```
<p>Share your referral link:</p>
<a href="{{GrowSurfShareURL}}">{{GrowSurfShareURL}}</a>
```

**Progress and next milestone**

```
<p>You have made {{GrowSurfTotalReferralCount}} referrals so far.</p>
<p>{{GrowSurfNextMilestone}}</p>
```

**A share button**

```
<a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url={{GrowSurfShareURL}}">Share on X</a>
```

## Tips

#### Double braces around the field tag

The field tag alone does not merge. `{{GrowSurfShareURL}}` does.

#### Write for zero referrals first

Most of your list has not referred anyone. Make the default sentence work for them, then add the progress line.

#### Test with a synced contact

A preview against someone who is not a participant renders blanks and tells you nothing.

Recommended Guides

[EmailOctopus logo How to Sync GrowSurf Referral Data to EmailOctopus One API key, one list, and every contact carries their referral link as a custom field. View Guide →](/integration-guides/emailoctopus-referral-contact-sync/) [MailerLite logo How to Add Referral Links to MailerLite Campaigns MailerLite variables put each subscriber’s own referral link into a single campaign or automation. View Guide →](/integration-guides/mailerlite-referral-email-personalization/) [Mailchimp logo How to Build Mailchimp Referral Email Campaigns with GrowSurf Sync GrowSurf merge tags into your Mailchimp Audience so every referral email can show the right share link, progress update, and reward message. View Guide →](/integration-guides/mailchimp-referral-email-campaigns/)

## FAQ

#### What is the merge syntax?

Double curly braces around the field tag, for example `{{GrowSurfShareURL}}`.

#### Do merge tags work in automations?

Yes, the same as in campaigns.

#### Why is my referral link empty?

The contact has not synced yet, or the field tag is misspelled.

## Turn word of mouth into steady growth from your customers

Launch a refer-a-friend or affiliate program that lowers your acquisition costs and builds customer loyalty, with little engineering work.

[Launch Your Program](https://app.growsurf.com/signup)

14-day free trial No credit card required

Trusted by marketing and product teams that grow through customer, user, and partner referrals.

## Built for lean teams, scaled for category leaders

Thanks. You're signed up.

Something went wrong. Please try again.