If I insert the merge field tag into the body of the email then link it to my external url, it works. However the merge field displayed in the delivered email is very long and not meaningful. This reference (https://www.salesforceben.com/the-drip/pardot-email-preference-center-best-practices-updated-2020/) under stap #3 indicates I can edit the vanity url, but that function doesn't seem to be working in my instance and doesn't appear to allow for an external url anyway.
If I make an href with the merge field as the link, it will only go to the Pardot preference page.
4 answers
Kathi, If you go to the section of your email where your custom unsubscribe link will be, you can place a link without text in the HTML editor. This will allow you to send the email, while still using your custom page link. Here is what the code might look like:
<a href="%%email_preference_center%%"></a>
Embedded in the HTML editor: