Smart content rules applying to more sections than assigned

Marketing & Content Hub Email Marketing Tool
1

To insert banner ads into a HubSpot email, I:

  • Create a new section
  • Add a html module
  • Paste ad code in the html module

In an email, I applied a Smart Content rule to the first ad html module. It worked perfectly.

However, the same Smart Content rule is inadvertently applying to a second ad html module, located much further down the email (several sections exist between the two ad html sections). I can only see that content if I am a Smart Content rule recipient.

Has anyone encountered this behavior before?

Then, when I delete the Smart Content rule, it still exists, on both ad html sections.

Then, when I delete the email and start over using no Smart Content rules, the problem still exists.

Once I applied a Smart Content rule, I can never get ride of it’s behavior for any ad html code used. It’s forever stuck.

2

Hi @FJ_richter,

From what you’re describing (smart rules applying incorrectly to sections of an email) sounds like buggy behavior. I’d recommend flagging this with HubSpot support directly, in-app via email or chat.

Best regards!

3

Hi @FJ_richter
Why does this happen?
When you copy or duplicate an existing HTML module in HubSpot especially one that contains Smart Content HubSpot may treat the duplicated modules as linked or identical behind the scenes. As a result, even if you delete the Smart Content or modify one module, the other can still retain cached or “stuck” Smart Content behavior in the background. This can lead to unexpected issues where changes don’t reflect correctly, or content appears as if it’s still dynamic when it shouldn’t be.
How to fix it:
1. Delete all affected HTML modules — including both the original and any duplicated versions.
2. Start fresh by creating new HTML modules from scratch. Avoid using the “clone” or “copy” feature for these modules, as that may reintroduce the same Smart Content caching behavior.
3. Reinsert the ad code manually into each new module to ensure clean and independent content.
4. Avoid using Smart Content unless it’s absolutely necessary. If you do need it, use it only once and in a single module to minimize risk of conflict or caching.
5. Rebuild the email manually instead of cloning an older version. Cloning emails that previously contained Smart Content or reused modules can carry over hidden data or behaviors that continue to cause issues.
Lemme know if you’ve any questions.