Draft reminders in Dapple are automated emails sent to creators who started a submission but didn't finish. Set them up in Project Settings → Messages and Reminders → Add Reminder. Pick send immediately or schedule for a future date, choose a template or write custom copy, and Dapple sends the nudge to every creator with an unfinished draft. Especially valuable for paid programmes where uncompleted drafts are revenue you'd otherwise lose.
Why use draft reminders?
Creators get distracted. Tabs close. Life happens. Draft reminders help you:
Recover incomplete submissions before the deadline.
Increase overall submission numbers.
Reduce last-minute deadline panic.
Keep your project top of mind for creators juggling multiple opportunities.
Improve the creator experience with helpful, low-pressure nudges.
For paid programmes especially, every recovered draft is income you'd otherwise leave on the table.
Step 1: Open the reminders panel
Open the project → Project Settings.
Open the Messages and Reminders tab.
You'll see any previously sent or scheduled reminders.
Click Add Reminder.
Step 2: Choose immediate or scheduled
Option | When to use |
Send immediately | One-off catch-up nudge — e.g. 'We noticed you started — finish in the next 48 hours' |
Schedule for future | Build a cadence — Day 1 after draft started, 7 days later, 48 hours before deadline |
Depending on your plan, you can stack multiple reminders to create a sequence — gentle progressive nudges instead of one big push.
Step 3: Pick a template or write custom copy
Choose either:
Template — pick from your Message Templates library. Best for consistency across projects.
Custom — write a one-off message specific to this reminder. Add a subject line and body.
Use merge tags (/CreatorName, /OrganisationName) for personalisation. Note: message templates need to be created in Organisation Settings first. See: How to Create and Use Message Templates
Step 4: Send yourself a test
Before scheduling, send a test:
Click Actions → Send me a test email.
Open the test email in your inbox.
Check the formatting, merge tag resolution, links, and tone.
Adjust the template/custom copy if anything looks off.
Test emails are especially important when scheduling — you can't edit a scheduled message after it's been queued.
Important: scheduled messages can't be edited
Once you schedule a reminder, it's locked in. If you need to change the copy, the only way is to cancel the scheduled message and create a new one. Always test before scheduling.
Best practice for draft reminders
Keep reminders short and friendly — they're nudges, not chase emails.
Include the deadline clearly so creators know how much time they have.
Don't overwhelm — 2–3 reminders across the open window is plenty.
Send a final reminder 24–48 hours before closing — last-call urgency works.
Tone matters — 'You're nearly there!' lands better than 'You haven't finished.'
Space reminders out — back-to-back nudges feel spammy.
Pair with a clear CTA — the email link should take creators straight back into their draft.
A solid 3-reminder cadence
When | Subject | Tone |
Day 1 after draft started | Picking up where you left off? | Friendly, helpful — 'we saved your progress' |
7 days later | Your draft is still waiting | Gentle reminder, mention deadline |
48 hours before deadline | Last call — deadline closing in 48 hours | Clear urgency, no guilt-tripping |