Newsletters are created and sent through the Communications tab on the Dashboard.
Step 1 - Create a Communications List
- Go to the Communication Lists tab / add list.
- Email addresses can be added to a list manually.
- Email addresses can be added to a list using the Auto-Subscribe feature.
Step 2 - Create a Newsletter/Choose a Template
When creating a newsletter, there are 5 template options to choose from.
- Go to the Newsletters / Draft Newsletters tab / add newsletter.
- Select a template.
Option #1 - The Basic Email Template
- Single block for text, images and links.
- Example:
Option #2 - Two Column Left Rail
- Basic Email template with a full-width header, a main content area, and a left rail.
- This is the most difficult of the templates to format and use.
- Example:
Option #3 - Gray 2/3 Column
- Gray 2 and 3 Column newsletter with placeholders for graphics, blocks for headers and other formatted sections.
We recommend the Gray 2/3 Column Template - It is the easiest to format and has the most options for presentation.
- Example:
Option #4 - Fixed Width Basic
Option #5 - Full Width Basic
These templates are mobile responsive and feature:
- more options for customizing design colors
- additional blocks including a pre-formatted button block and a captioned image block
- the ability to toggle between desktop and mobile view
- go to Communications > Email & Newsletters > Draft Tab > Create Email Newsletter
For best presentation on these templates it is recommended to only add images in the designated image blocks rather than within a content block.
Step 3 - Attach the Communications List to the Newsletter
In the Send Settings Pop Up Box:
- Select which Communications List the newsletter should go to. You can select more than one list.
- From Name - A friendly name users will recognize.
- Reply-to-Address - An email that will receive and respond to replies.
- Subject - What the newsletter is about.
- Schedule to Send at - When should the newsletter be sent? (The newsletter won't automatically go out at the time selected unless you "release" it. See below.)
- Save.
Step 4 - Edit the Newsletter Content
The newsletter is configured in blocks. Each template has one or more blocks pre-loaded. You can add, delete, and rearrange the blocks.
- To edit a block, click on the text or image inside of it. A content editor toolbar will pop up and allow you to format your information.
- Using the guidelines for the size of your graphics that ares given when you add the various blocks will help keep everything lined up.
- It is also really important when you copy and paste content that you remove all of the formatting for that text.
- Do not use the Grammarly Plug In for your browser with newsletters. It drops in code that is NOT compatible with email clients.
- More Tips for Newsletters
Step 5 - Test the Newsletter
It is a really good idea to test your newsletter before you send it out to your entire communications list. You can send a Test Copy to one or more email addresses. Have your "testers" check any links to be sure they are working properly.
Step 6 - Release the Newsletter
You must "Release" a newsletter before it will be sent to your communications list. (even if you have selected a date/time in the Send Settings) Releasing the newsletter will allow you to schedule when it will be sent if you haven't previously set this.
After a newsletter has been released, it will appear under the Scheduled Newsletters tab.
- You can duplicate the newsletter to use again.
- You can un-schedule the newsletter to make changes.