You are currently in step 3 Create an engaging message of the Get started checklist. In this step, you’ll create a simple email message that helps you reach your goal: sending traffic to your website. You’ll create a newsletter with one content block that links to your preferred URL, for example a blog post or a campaign page on your website.
You’ll work in the Messages module, and use:
- One header
- One footer
- One visual content block that includes an image, short text and a button. All link to the same page. That way, your readers have one clear action to take.
Example of a newsletter with a button that links to a white paper download:
You can reuse a brand template or start from scratch. The video below introduces the basics of building and testing a message.
In the video you saw the different steps you need to take to create a message. Follow the following steps:
Step 1. Prepare your content
Before you create your message, make sure you have the following ready:
- A blog post or landing page you want to promote
- A short intro text
- An image that matches the content
- A clear call to action, for example Read more or Discover now
Need help writing your message? Keep it short, clear and focused on one goal. The AI function in the Messages editor can help you create texts. ➡️ Generative AI in the Messages editor
Step 2. Create your message
To create a new message, go to the Messages module and click New message. The next steps are:
- 2.1 Set properties of your message
- 2.2 Set your inbox fields
- 2.3 Choose a template or start from scratch
- 2.4 Apply or set up Brand manager
- 2.5 Insert a content block and link to landing page
2.1 Set properties of your message
When you enter the New message submenu, you can choose your message properties, the name, message type, in this case Email, and unsubscribe package. Select the relevant Unsubscribe package.
You need to create one. Before you can send an email, your account must have permissions set up and linked to an unsubscribe package. This is not optional:
- Without permissions and an unsubscribe package, your newsletter cannot be sent. This ensures that your recipients always have a way to manage their subscriptions and that you remain compliant with email regulations.
- The unsubscribe link in the footer of your newsletter will use the unsubscribe package settings you select here.
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2.2 Set your inbox fields
Add a subject line and sender details that match your message and brand.
Do not forget to think about a snippet that matches your subject line.
💡 Three subject line tips
- The imperative form often appears in subject lines, it relates to the action the verb conveys, make, visit, view, discover, let.
Example: 🏋️ Unlock your fitness potential, Free white paper inside - If it suits your company’s communication style, use personalization or emojis to stand out in the inbox.
- Keep the subject line short. It will get cut off in various email clients. Always test your email and check in your own inbox how the subject line and preview text appear.
📚 Need more guidance
- How do I add a snippet to my message
- How do you add a symbol to your subject line
- How do I personalize a subject line
2.3 Choose a template or start from scratch
Go to the next step and open the Messages Editor. First check if your account already has a reusable template or saved blocks. If you are new in an existing account, a colleague may have set this up already. In new accounts a template may have been delivered as a service by Spotler or a Spotler partner.
Open the Template library. It pops up when you create a new message and is also available via the icon at the top of the editor. Under Saved you find existing templates. In the editor itself, you also find custom content blocks in the Content tab on the left. In our example these are the Citadel blocks. Use the dropdown to select Saved blocks.
If you do not see saved templates or saved blocks, you only have the standard templates and standard blocks.
Select your saved template and use it as the base for your message. This is the fastest route to a consistent newsletter.
Choose a standard template that fits your branding, or choose Empty page to start from scratch.
Then insert a standard header and footer block. Go to Content on the left side of the editor, drag a header and a footer on the canvas. Insert your logo or brand header and update the footer with your company details.
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2.4 Apply or set up Brand manager
Next check if a brand is already configured in the Brand manager. You find the icon at the top of the editor:
Click the Brand manager icon to see if a brand exists or if you need to create one. This is efficient, because all elements will follow your branding automatically.
Apply your brand to the current message. Go to the General settings of your message, select your brand under Update branding, and confirm the selection so it is applied to this message.
Set up your brand once, then reuse it for all future messages. This is efficient, because all blocks will follow your branding automatically.
Open the Brand manager, enter your company details, choose your brand colors, and upload your logo. Save your brand.
Then go back to the message General settings, select your new brand under Update branding, and confirm so it applies to this message.
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2.5 Insert a content block and link to landing page
Now insert a content block with:
- An image that links to your landing page
- A short text that explains why this content is relevant
- A button that links to the same page
Example
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Step 3. Test your message
Once your message is ready, send a test mail to yourself and your colleagues. Make sure the links work and your message looks good.
- Use the Test center to check the newsletter based on our best practices and common mistakes
- Send a test message to test in your or your colleagues mailbox
Once everything looks good, save your message and change the status to Active.
You are now ready for the next step, sending your message in the Mailings module.
👉 3️⃣ Go to Step 3, Send out your first newsletter