How Do You Send Your Newsletters?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on effective methods for sending newsletters using Microsoft Outlook and Word. Users recommend composing newsletters in Word and utilizing the mail merge feature to personalize messages while maintaining formatting. Concerns about emails being marked as spam are prevalent, with suggestions to avoid attachments and optimize image sizes to enhance deliverability. Participants share personal experiences and troubleshooting tips, emphasizing the importance of testing email delivery to ensure successful outreach.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Outlook and Word
  • Understanding of mail merge functionality in Word
  • Basic knowledge of email formatting and HTML
  • Awareness of email deliverability factors and spam filters
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Microsoft Word mail merge tutorial" for detailed instructions on creating personalized newsletters.
  • Learn about "email deliverability best practices" to avoid spam filters.
  • Explore "image optimization techniques" to reduce email size and improve loading times.
  • Investigate "HTML email design principles" for creating visually appealing newsletters.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for marketers, small business owners, and anyone looking to enhance their email communication strategies through effective newsletter creation and distribution.

P
PChefRenee
Silver Member
Messages
100
I would really like to start sending out a regular newsletter to my customers, but
I am not sure how I should do it. I don't have a problem as to what to put in it, it is really how. I use Outlook and would prefer not sending it as attachment, I would like it to display as the email is viewed (by imbedding??) - seems more professional to me. Even if I included an attachment, I guess it would have to be a PDF, because not everyone has Word. I also don't want it dumped in junk mail. So what do you all find to work best for you?
 
I copy and paste mine into an Outlook email and send it out that way. I do not send attachments b/c so many people do not like opening attachments.
 
If you're using Outlook, you can compose your newsletter in Word and use mail merge to create the message, with formatting just like the Word document. That also creates one note per address, so your contacts can't see the addresses of the other people you include.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
I was afraid making the newsletter in Word would be a problem for people that don't have Microsoft products (Mac users). Also, I wanted to have hyperlinks to my website and the PC Outlet, etc. I did one up and used a Word newsletter template to create it, it looked pretty sweet when I sent it to myself (with all the links and images), but I don't know what it would look like to other people. I am just afraid of someone getting it and only seeing "a box with a red X" IF it even gets past their spam blocker.
 
Sending it via Outlook, even though you composed it in Word, sends a formatted email, which any HTML-enabled email program can read. The only people who may have a problem are those who have HTML formatting disabled, and there's an equal chance of them being Windows users as Mac users. I run a Mac, and I did the mail merge thing for my newsletter (Word and Entourage since there's no Outlook for Mac) for a couple of years, and never had any reports of problems. One of the things to watch out for is photo size - use a photo editor to do your resizing, rather than Word, as Word will attach the original, even when you resized the picture. That will result in larger emails. Resizing the pics before you include them in the note will result in smaller emails that people are more likely to get, download, and open.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Thanks Ann, that is a lot of good info. I didn't even think about the photo size, I will be sure to watch for that.
 
The email address we use for PC is an AOL UK one, so I just use their webmail service and create the newsletter in the "new message" window. I write the text in Word first, but copy and paste it.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
chefann said:
If you're using Outlook, you can compose your newsletter in Word and use mail merge to create the message, with formatting just like the Word document. That also creates one note per address, so your contacts can't see the addresses of the other people you include.
Click to expand...
I have been playing with this all night. I tried putting the email address in Bcc...went to spam. I did a mail merge as you suggested...went to spam. I copied and pasted exactly what was in the mail merge and just put the email address in the "to" field and it went through fine. Why would it be OK that way, but mail merge sends it to spam? SO frustrating. Maybe I shouldn't care and just have everyone's email address displayed in the "to" field, but I really hate to do that. Boy, those spammers really ruined it for all of us, they have so many filters out there... I even found a website listing all of the words & phrases that these filters look for; it's amazing that anything gets through!! It's almost midnight...I have to stop for today:indif: , and back at it tomorrow.
 
I don't know why the mail merge went to spam for you. It worked for me. Don't forget that everyone's system is different, so just because it went into your spam folder that doesn't mean that it will happen to you customers' copies.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #10
Well, OK, I did a mail merge. I had myself on the list and so far I haven't received anything (not even in spam). Makes me wonder if it was successful or not. I'll have to check with a few close friends & relatives to see if they got theirs. We'll see what happens. I hoped it worked. I figured not every one would go to spam so I think maybe half will get them...hopefully.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I create a newsletter for my Pampered Chef business?

To create a newsletter for your Pampered Chef business, start by selecting a template that reflects your brand. You can use tools like Canva or Mailchimp to design your newsletter. Include sections for product highlights, recipes, upcoming events, and promotions. Make sure to personalize it with your contact information and a friendly message.

What platform should I use to send my newsletters?

There are several platforms you can use to send your newsletters, including Mailchimp, Constant Contact, and Sendinblue. These platforms offer user-friendly interfaces, customizable templates, and analytics to track your open and click rates. Choose one that fits your budget and technical comfort level.

How often should I send out my newsletters?

It's generally recommended to send newsletters once a month to keep your audience engaged without overwhelming them. However, during special promotions or events, you may want to increase the frequency. Just ensure that the content remains valuable and relevant to your readers.

Can I segment my newsletter audience?

Yes, most email marketing platforms allow you to segment your audience based on various criteria, such as purchase history, location, or interests. Segmenting helps you send targeted content that resonates more with specific groups, increasing engagement and conversion rates.

How do I measure the success of my newsletters?

You can measure the success of your newsletters by tracking key metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates. Most email marketing platforms provide analytics tools that allow you to see how your audience is interacting with your content. Use this data to refine your future newsletters for better performance.

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