Emails
      Back to home
      1. Help Center
      2. Contacts & Emailing
      3. Emails

      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 import your contact list from your existing newsletter tool, consult this video.
      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.