MailChimp Newsletters Integration
If you would like to have newsletters driven by content from your website, TownNews can set up templates and feeds that automatically publish content from lists in Rayos to the MailChimp email platform and give you an initial training on using the template.
The initial setup of a new newsletter template set up is 18 points. This includes MailChimp template and WordPress configuration, user imports, and training.
MailChimp Template Setup
To begin the process of setting up a MailChimp newsletter integration with Rayos, you first need to create an account with MailChimp.
MailChimp charges based on the number of subscribers. If you create a MailChimp account with no import of subscribers, you will automatically be assigned to the free MailChimp plan. As you gain subscribers or import subscribers, your account will automatically jump up to one of the paid pricing tiers.
Once you have created your account, you will need to give TownNews the credentials to that account.
The email address used for the from email in the MailChimp setup process needs to be an email associated with the domain address for your website such as “news@news5.com.”
Configuration Options
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TownNEws will create MailChimp templates and integrate feeds of content from your site. To begin this process, you will need to determine the content you want in each newsletter.
When submitting a request for new newsletter setup, provide the following information for each newsletter you will be sending:
Configuration Requirements
| Newsletter Template Name | This will be the name of the newsletter in the MailChimp admin. It will appear not appear publicly. |
| Newsletter Header Image | If desired, you can add a JPG or PNG image (max width 650 pixels) to the top of the newsletter content. |
| Content Lists | The content of the newsletter will be driven by categories and lists from WordPress. For each list, or group, of content you want to appear in the newsletter, indicate:
All lists are displayed as a basic list with the image to the left. All list images will display as a 200-pixel-wide thumbnail image. |
| Order of Lists | Indicate which list should be first, second, third, fourth, etc., as needed. You can have up to six lists in each newsletter. |
| Styling | TownNews will style your newsletter fonts to approximate your website style. |
| Ads | Ads in newsletters can not be served dynamically. Ads must be created as an image that can have a click tracker from DFP added to track clicks.
Impressions should be calculated using the Mailchimp “opens” metrics. For each ad placement in the newsletter, include a starter image and a click tracker from DFP. If you need assistance setting up click trackers, file a request with TownNews Support. |
Most email clients do not support the full capabilities of modern HTML and CSS. For this reason, layout and style options for newsletter templates are limited to industry-wide email client standards.
Importing Subscribers
You can import your subscribers directly into MailChimp, or TownNews can import subscribers for you. If you would like TownNews to import your initial subscriber list, provide the data in a CSV or spreadsheet. If you have multiple subscriber lists for different purposes, each subscriber list should be in a separate file or tab in the spreadsheet; those lists will be segmented in MailChimp according to MailChimp recommendations for list management.
MailChimp’s Terms of Use outlines specific rules regarding email addresses acceptable for use in your subscriber lists in order to remain in compliance with anti-SPAM laws. Failure to adhere to these terms could result in account termination and/or legal ramifications. See more here: About Compliance for Email Management
Training
As part of the template setup, TownNews will provide a screenshare overview of how to send a campaign using the templates created during the setup. The Rayos Support Team can answer basic questions about MailChimp; however, advanced support questions may be directed to MailChimp support.
Promoting Your Newsletter
Once you have the newsletter set up, you will need to determine how to convert your website visitors into newsletter subscribers. The most effective methods of conversion involve the least amount of effort for the website visitor. For this reason, the TownNews embed will always require the website visitor to enter only their email to sign up.
If you desire a custom sign-up form, the TownNews Support Team will estimate the work to create a custom form.
Once the MailChimp sign-up form is created, you will need to indicate where the form should appear on the site. As part of the setup process, TownNews will create one promotional setup.
Below are some options for promotion, from most effective to least effective:
- Embed the sign-up form in a homepage pop-up (Note: Requires the Pop-up Plugin be previously installed. If this plugin is not installed, a new request to install the plugin will need to be filed. )
- Embed the sign-up in the right rail on some or all pages
- Embed the sign-up on a page so that you can promote/link to the page editorially and in menus
- Add an opt-in to your current contact us/contest forms (Note: Would require an ongoing manual export to move users who have opted in to MailChimp)
While pop-ups can have the most effective conversion rate, website visitors have negative reactions to the over use of pop-ups. If used, the pop-up settings should be set to display no more than once a day and should be promoted for a set period of time For example: Promote your newsletter via the pop-up for one week, four times per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
I want to use another email vendor to send my newsletters. Can I do that?
TownNews’s email vendor of choice is MailChimp. If you need Rayos to integrate with another newsletter provider, we would determine the requirements and estimate the integration as a custom project. For more information on developing a custom newsletter integration, contact TownNews Support.
I want to automate sending my newsletters. Can I do that?
At this time, MailChimp requires manual sending of newsletter campaigns.
Why am I seeing a bounce warning in MailChimp?
Once your subscriber list is initially imported, you may see warnings in the MailChimp admin regarding concerns you have stale email addresses in your list that are likely to result in bounced emails. MailChimp documentation outlines steps to remedy bounce warnings.
I want to send a newsletter that is just text. How do I do that?
This type of newsletter can be built directly in MailChimp or other newsletter vendors and does not require a CMS integration.
