Integration Guide

How to Build SendGrid Referral Email Templates with GrowSurf

Name: GrowSurf
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Author: GrowSurf

Sync participants into a SendGrid marketing list, then use GrowSurf referral fields inside reusable email templates.

Want the full setup walkthrough?

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

GrowSurf SendGrid setup guide GrowSurf SendGrid email tutorials

GrowSurf's native SendGrid integration keeps your SendGrid contact list updated with each participant's referral link, referral status, referrer details, and progress counts.

Use this guide when you want to build reusable SendGrid templates for referral launches, newsletters, or lifecycle emails. Once the sync is connected, you can pull those values directly into your template blocks instead of hand-editing referral copy for every send.

Integration Steps

Connect SendGrid before you import participants

SendGrid integration settings in the GrowSurf campaign editor — Connect SendGrid first so GrowSurf can create the referral custom fields and keep future contact updates in sync.

Create a SendGrid API key with full Marketing access, then paste it into Campaign Editor > Options > Integrations in GrowSurf. GrowSurf's SendGrid docs note that the contact sync only starts after the integration is connected, so it is best to connect the integration before you import or add participants.

Choose the SendGrid list you want GrowSurf to update

Connected SendGrid integration with an active sync inside GrowSurf — After you save the integration, GrowSurf can add or update contacts in the SendGrid list you selected.

Pick the SendGrid list you want to keep current. GrowSurf will add or update contacts whenever a participant joins or gets referred, and it will automatically create the custom fields you can use in your templates.

Add the referral fields that matter most in your template

For most referral template blocks, start with these fields:

growsurf_share_url for the participant's personal referral link
growsurf_total_referral_count when you want to show progress or social proof
growsurf_referral_status when your message changes after a conversion event
growsurf_next_milestone when your campaign uses milestone rewards and you want the next reward to feel timely

In SendGrid Marketing Campaigns, these placeholders are used as custom fields. Keep the field names exactly as GrowSurf creates them so your template preview resolves correctly.

Start from a proven referral layout

Example referral email template from the GrowSurf SendGrid tutorials — GrowSurf's SendGrid tutorials include ready-made layouts that already place the share link and CTA in a clear referral block.

The GrowSurf tutorial examples are a strong starting point when you want a complete referral section instead of just a plain text link. Keep the message focused on one main action: share the link, invite a friend, or open the referral portal.

Preview with a real synced contact before you send

Use an existing participant record that has already synced to SendGrid and confirm the share link, milestone text, and counts all render the way you expect. SendGrid's Marketing Campaigns guidance also recommends waiting until contact uploads finish updating before you send a campaign to that list.

Code Snippets

Use a simple reusable block like this inside your SendGrid template:

<p>Share your referral link:</p>
<a href="{{growsurf_share_url}}">{{growsurf_share_url}}</a>
<p>You currently have {{growsurf_total_referral_count}} referrals.</p>
<p>{{growsurf_next_milestone}}</p>

Use growsurf_next_milestone only when your GrowSurf campaign has milestone rewards with Next Milestone text configured.

Tips

Keep the field names exactly as GrowSurf created them

SendGrid custom fields and handlebars names work best with letters, numbers, and underscores. Because GrowSurf already creates the fields for you, the safest path is to reference the exact names from the integration docs.

Always include the participant's share link

If you only add one GrowSurf field to a template, make it growsurf_share_url. That is the fastest path from email open to referral action.

Wait for list updates to finish before sending

SendGrid's current Marketing Campaigns guidance notes that recent contact updates can still be processing in the background. Give the list time to finish updating before you launch a Single Send or automation email.

FAQ

Does GrowSurf create the SendGrid custom fields automatically?

Yes. Once the SendGrid integration is connected and a list is selected, GrowSurf creates the referral custom fields and keeps those values updated on synced contacts.

Which GrowSurf field should every SendGrid referral template include?

growsurf_share_url is the most important one. It gives every participant a ready-to-use referral link and makes the CTA immediate.

Can I show referral counts or milestone text in the same template?

Yes. GrowSurf's SendGrid docs list growsurf_total_referral_count and growsurf_next_milestone as available fields, so you can combine progress messaging with the main share CTA in one template.

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How to Build SendGrid Referral Email Templates with GrowSurf

Integration Steps

Connect SendGrid before you import participants

Choose the SendGrid list you want GrowSurf to update

Add the referral fields that matter most in your template

Start from a proven referral layout

Preview with a real synced contact before you send

Code Snippets

Tips

Keep the field names exactly as GrowSurf created them

Always include the participant's share link

Wait for list updates to finish before sending

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How to Personalize Klaviyo Referral Emails with GrowSurf

FAQ

Does GrowSurf create the SendGrid custom fields automatically?

Which GrowSurf field should every SendGrid referral template include?

Can I show referral counts or milestone text in the same template?

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deepen your bond with customers

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scaled for unicorns

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Customer Examples