How to create a newsletter on Zeffy?

A step-by-step guide to creating and sending professional newsletters using Zeffy's email editor.

To learn how to send emails to all or a segment of your contacts, consult this article.

Step 1: Access the Newsletter Editor

  1. Log into your Zeffy account
  2. Navigate to the Contacts section in the left-hand menu
  3. Click on Emails 
  4. Click New Email in the top right corner

Step 2: Choose Your Starting Point

You have two options:
  1. Start with a Template:
     
     
    • Click the Template button
    • Select Zeffy templates
    • Choose from options like:
      • Newsletter templates
      • Fundraising appeals
      • Event recaps
      • Invitations
      • Follow-up templates
  2. Start from Scratch:
    • Design your own layout and save it as a template so you can use it in the future!

Step 3: Build Your Newsletter Content

Use the left-hand menu to add elements:

  1. Add Content Elements:
    • Click Content section
    • Add elements by dragging and dropping:
      • Text boxes
      • Headings
      • Images
      • Buttons (for donation forms or event links)
      • Dividers
      • Social media icons
      • Videos
      • HTML content
  2. Add Structure:
    • Click Blocks section
    • Choose your layout:
      • Full-width blocks
      • Two-column layouts (50-50 split)
      • Other custom arrangements
  3. Add Images:

  • Click Images section
    • Either:
      • Search for images using keywords
      • Upload your own images
  • Drag selected images into your newsletter

Step 4: Customize Design

In the Body section:
  1. Select your font style
  2. Choose text colors
  3. Set background colors
  4. Adjust content width
  5. Align content
  6. Customize other typography settings

Step 5: Personalize Your Content

In the text box, you can add personal touches by clicking on "Variables":
  1. Use variables for personalization:
    • First name
    • Last name
  2. Add your organization's branding
  3. Include relevant links and calls-to-action

Step 6: Mobile Optimization

  1. Click the mobile preview option

  2. Review how your newsletter looks on mobile devices
  3. Make adjustments if needed

Step 7: Prepare for Sending

  1. Click Next in the top right corner
  2. Set up sending details:
    • Write your subject line
    • Set sender name (visible to recipients)
    • Note: Replies will go to your Zeffy account email
  3. Add recipients:
  4. Add file attachements 
    • Please note that the maximum file size is 20MB. 

Step 8: Test and Send

  1. Click "Send Test Email" to preview
  2. Review:
    • Layout
    • Links
    • Content
    • Personalization
  3. Make any final adjustments
  4. Send to your recipient list OR schedule it to send at a later time

Pro Tips

  • Save your custom designs as templates for future use
  • Keep your layout clean and organized
  • Use images thoughtfully
  • Test all interactive elements before sending
  • Monitor newsletter performance in the Emails section

Remember: After sending, you can track opens and clicks through the Emails section of your Zeffy account.