USING MAILCHIMP FOR DONOR COMMUNICATION ANDREW LEDWITH DIRECTOR OF COLLEGIATE COMMUNICATIONS

WHY UPDATES? Easy for you and your supporters A higher frequency of updates feels acceptable to supporters No postage or other mailing expenses Opportunities to use other media (e.g. videos, social media)

WHY MAILCHIMP? Your subscriber list can sync with your TntConnect database You know how many people are opening your s (and even who is opening) You can segment your mailing list for targeted messages (for instance, a segment of people who live in a certain city) It’s free and easy to use!

SYNC WITH TNTCONNECT Syncing MailChimp with TntConnect means you will only have to maintain a list of addresses once as opposed to in two different locations. (Note: If a person unsubscribes from your updates their address is not deleted from TntConnect.)

SYNC WITH TNTCONNECT Before we begin, create a list in MailChimp for your newsletters (you don’t need to add anyone to it). In MailChimp, click “List” in the top navigation, then “Create List” on the right side of the screen. Fill in the default information (it can be changed later).

SYNC WITH TNTCONNECT Tools  Sync with MailChimp

SYNC WITH TNTCONNECT Select your supporter list

SYNC WITH TNTCONNECT Click “What’s my API key?” (Make sure you’re logged into MailChimp)

SYNC WITH TNTCONNECT Copy your unique API key…

SYNC WITH TNTCONNECT …and paste it in the blank in TntConnect.

SYNC WITH TNTCONNECT Select the list you made for your supporters.

CREATE A DEFAULT TEMPLATE Creating a default template will allow you to reuse the same newsletter design with a single click.

CREATE A DEFAULT TEMPLATE

Use a single column template for your updates. It will be easier for your supporters to know what to focus on as they read.

CREATE A DEFAULT TEMPLATE Use the “Content” tab to add sections to your . You can fill in example content if you’d like.

CREATE A DEFAULT TEMPLATE Use the “Design” tab to set up fonts, color schemes, and other styling options for your message.

CREATE A DEFAULT TEMPLATE To use your template, when creating a campaign select “Saved Templates” from the menu of options.

BEST PRACTICES Q: How long should my be? A: Keep them short. Aim for 300 words or fewer plus one photo. If you have more to say, consider a video update or posting to a blog.

BEST PRACTICES Q: Should I include a donate link? A: Do not include prominent links to your giving page in your s. It’s tacky to have a giving button on each of your messages. You can have a small link to your giving page in the footer of your along with your address and subscription info.

BEST PRACTICES Q: When should I send updates? A: Schedule your s to be sent at 6:00 AM eastern time. Your supporters will read it first thing at the start of the day. Send your updates earlier in the week if possible (Monday or Tuesday is ideal).