Creating and using email templates

Email templates allow you to maintain a professional and consistent format for recurring community communications, such as weather alerts, newsletters, or meeting notices.

How to Create an Email Template

1. Log into the site with an administrator account and navigate to Administer Site.
2. In the left-hand menu, click Modules and select Messaging.
3. Select the Templates tab located at the top of the module page and click the Create button.
4. Enter a Template Name (e.g., "Weather Updates") so it is easily identifiable in your dropdown menu during future use.
5. Design your layout in the body editor, ensuring you follow the placement tips below.
6. Click Save to add the template to your library.

Tips for Creating an Effective Template

• The Dynamic Placeholder: When designing a template, you must include the [%newsletter%] tag. This acts as a placeholder where your specific email message content will be injected.
• Optimal Tag Placement: For the best visual results, always place the [%newsletter%] tag on its own line. If the tag is placed on the same line as other text, your email content will run directly into your template titles or headers.

How to Use a Template

1. Navigate to Administer Site > Modules > Messaging.
2. Click the Create Message button to draft a new email message.
3. Compose your specific message in the content editor.
4. Locate the Template name dropdown menu found below the main message text area.
5. Select your desired template and click Save.
6. Preview and Verify: It is highly recommended that you click the Preview link on the following page before sending the blast. This allows you to verify exactly how your message looks once nested inside the chosen template.