Difference between revisions of "Communications Basics"

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[[File:Unsubscibe URL.jpg|center]]</div>
 
[[File:Unsubscibe URL.jpg|center]]</div>
  
===='''<span style="color:#800080">What happens when a group email recipient opts out'''</span>====
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===='''<span style="color:#800080">What Happens When an Email Recipient Opts-out'''</span>====
 
----
 
----
  
The unsubscribe message you have configured in your settings (See '''[[Communications_Basics#Configure_your_Unsubscribe_Message|Configure your Unsubscribe Message]]''') is appended to all emails sent to groups.  
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When you send out emails to your lists/committees or send mass emails, the unsubscribe message you have configured in your settings (See '''[[Communications_Basics#Configure_your_Unsubscribe_Message|Configure your Unsubscribe Message]]''') is appended to those emails. A recipient can set '''restrictions''' on the use of the email by clicking the link included in the message.
  
If the recipient wishes to unsubscribe, by clicking the link they are presented with the dialog box shown below:
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[[File:GZ Unsubscribe CP.jpg|800px|center]]
  
[[File:GZ Unsubscribe CP.jpg|frame|center]]
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The recipient can set the following restrictions:
  
The recipient can make the following choices:
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* '''Continue Receiving Emails from {Your Organization Name}''': Selecting this option does '''NOT''' unsubscribe the recipient from the group email list.
 
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*''' Unsubscribe me from {Group Name}''': Selecting this option will mark the recipient email as '''Do Not Email''' within the group. '''NOTE''': It will '''NOT''' remove the recipient from the group. An email will be sent to those staff members who have subscribed to the '''
* '''Continue Receiving Emails from {Your Organization Name}''': Selecting this option does '''Not''' unsubscribe them from the group email list.
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* '''Do not email me at this address''': If this option is selected, the email will be marked as '''Only Transactional Emails'''. This ensures that the recipient does not receive any mass emails (including from your lists/committees as well as any mass emails you may be sending to dynamically created groups). However, any "transactional" type emails that you send, for example - invoices, will continue to be sent. This will unsubscribe the member from '''ALL''' group communication. The recipient is '''NOT''' removed from the group.
*''' Unsubscribe me from {Group Name}''': Selecting this option will mark the recipient as '''DO NOT CONTACT''' within the group. It will '''NOT''' remove the recipient from the group. An email will be sent to those staff members who have subscribed to the '''
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* '''Update my preferences''': When this option is selected, the recipient will see a list of the groups that they are currently subscribed to. They can select or deselect the lists/committees that they wish to receive emails from. The recipients email address will be marked as '''Do Not Email''' for those groups de-selected.
* '''Do not email me at this address''': If this option is selected, the email used for sending the group email will be marked as do not contact. This will unsubscribe the member from '''ALL''' group communication. The recipient is '''NOT''' removed from the group.
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[[File:GZ Update Preferences.jpg|800px|center]]
* '''Update my preferences''': When this option is selected, the recipient will see a list of the groups that they are currently subscribed to.  
 
[[File:GZ Update Preferences.jpg|frame|center]]
 
 
::The recipient may deselect the check-boxes for the groups they no longer wish to be subscribed to.  The recipient will be marked as '''Do Not Contact''' within the group, but will '''NOT''' be removed from the group.
 
::The recipient may deselect the check-boxes for the groups they no longer wish to be subscribed to.  The recipient will be marked as '''Do Not Contact''' within the group, but will '''NOT''' be removed from the group.
  
 
After making choice, click '''Submit'''. A confirmation of changes will be displayed.
 
After making choice, click '''Submit'''. A confirmation of changes will be displayed.
  
[[File:Optout Success.jpg|frame|center]]
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'''Special Considerations'''
 +
*If the recipient wishes to un-subscribe from a list/committee that you have configured as '''Dis-allow Opt-out''', this setting will trump the recipient's preference.
 +
*When a recipient unsubscribes from a group, they are '''NOT''' removed or inactivated in the group, the email is simply set to '''Do Not Email'''.
 +
*Only staff can set an email address as '''Do Not Contact'''. When this is set '''NO''' emails, including transactional emails will be sent to the email address.
 +
*If you have integrated to Constant Contact or Mail Chimp, when someone unsubscribes to all messages in Constant Contact or Mail Chimp, the the contact’s email address will be set to '''No Mass Emails''', in the appropriate lists/committees.
  
 +
===='''<span style="color:#800080">Change the Restrictions set on an Email Address'''</span>====
 +
----
 +
From the back-office, staff can update the restrictions that have been set on an email address.
 +
 +
#Select the '''Profile''' tab for the desired organization/individual.
 +
#:[[File:Profile tab edit email.jpg|800px|center]]
 +
#Click the [[File:Cp orange pencil.jpg|25px]] icon, next to the email address you wish to update.
 +
#:[[File:Change status of email.jpg|800px|center]]
 +
#From the '''Restrictions''' list, select the desired status:
 +
#*'''None''': There are no restrictions, the email address may be used for mass emails and individual emails.
 +
#*'''Do Not Contact''': No emails can be sent to this email address.
 +
#*'''Only Transactional Emails''': Only individual, transaction type (i.e. invoices, event confirmations, etc.), can be sent to this address. Specifically, this address will not receive emails sent to:
 +
#**Lists/Committees
 +
#**Dynamic Lists/Committees selected when you choose the '''...''' option (next to the '''To''') in sending an email.
 +
#**When emails are sent to more recipients than the Email Bulk Mode Threshold (Setup > Communications > Email Settings)
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#Click '''Done'''.
 +
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
|
 +
[[File:One Row.png|25px]]
 +
| style="width: 100%"| '''IMPORTANT''' The restrictions set will be set anywhere this email address is used. For example, if this individual is on any of your lists/committees, the email will be set to the restriction that you have set here. Additionally, If an email is synced to Constant Contact and is set to Only Transactional Emails by a staff user, the email will be unsubscribed  from Constant Contact immediately.
 +
|}
  
 
==='''<span style="color:#800080">Logging Messages sent via Outlook (or other email service)'''</span>===
 
==='''<span style="color:#800080">Logging Messages sent via Outlook (or other email service)'''</span>===
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| Meeting Proposal Update|| None || IN DEV
 
| Meeting Proposal Update|| None || IN DEV
 
|-
 
|-
| Membership Has Expired || None || Applies to memberships configured for '''Renewal Notifications''' only. This email will be sent • the day after the end of the Grace Period (or the day after Expiration if no Grace Period days are defined).
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| Membership Has Expired || None || Applies to memberships configured for '''Renewal Notifications''' only. This email will be sent • the day after the end of the Grace Period (or the day after Expiration if no Grace Period days are defined). See '''[[Membership_Management#Membership_Type_with_Renewal_Notifications_.28Coming_Soon.29|Membership Type with Renewal Notifications]]''' for further information.  
 
|-
 
|-
| Membership Is Expiring || Membership Expires Soon Email Template || Applies to memberships configured for '''Renewal Notifications''' only. This email notification is sent three days before the expiration date of the membership.
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| Membership Is Expiring || Membership Expires Soon Email Template || Applies to memberships configured for '''Renewal Notifications''' only. This email notification is sent three days before the expiration date of the membership. See '''[[Membership_Management#Membership_Type_with_Renewal_Notifications_.28Coming_Soon.29|Membership Type with Renewal Notifications]]''' for further information.
 
|-
 
|-
| Membership Renewal Reminder || Membership Renewal Reminder Email Template|| Applies to memberships configured for '''Renewal Notifications''' only. On the Renewal Notification Date the Membership Renewal Reminder Email will be sent.  This notification is sent to Active and Courtesy members that will be billed an amount for their upcoming renewal.
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| Membership Renewal Reminder || Membership Renewal Reminder Email Template|| Applies to memberships configured for '''Renewal Notifications''' only. On the Renewal Notification Date the Membership Renewal Reminder Email will be sent.  This notification is sent to Active and Courtesy members that will be billed an amount for their upcoming renewal.   See '''[[Membership_Management#Membership_Type_with_Renewal_Notifications_.28Coming_Soon.29|Membership Type with Renewal Notifications]]''' for further information.
 
|-
 
|-
| Membership Renewal Thank You || Membership Renewed - Thank You Template ||  Applies to memberships configured for '''Renewal Notifications''' only. This notification is sent once the member chooses one of the renew options.
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| Membership Renewal Thank You || Membership Renewed - Thank You Template ||  Applies to memberships configured for '''Renewal Notifications''' only. This notification is sent once the member chooses one of the renew options.  See '''[[Membership_Management#Membership_Type_with_Renewal_Notifications_.28Coming_Soon.29|Membership Type with Renewal Notifications]]''' for further information.
 
|-
 
|-
 
| New First Time Tenant || New Account Activation || GrowthZone use only.
 
| New First Time Tenant || New Account Activation || GrowthZone use only.
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#*'''Name''': This is the name that will appear in template selection drop-downs.
 
#*'''Name''': This is the name that will appear in template selection drop-downs.
 
#*'''Description''': (Optional)  
 
#*'''Description''': (Optional)  
#*'''Category''': Select the appropriate category for the email template. This option drives which data base fields are available to include in your template '''AND''' where the template is available for use in the software.
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#*'''Category''': Select the appropriate category for the email template. This option drives which data base fields are available to include in your template '''AND''' where the template is available for use in the software. '''IMPORTANT''': The Category of an email template can '''NOT''' be changed after a merge field has been placed in and the template has been saved. This will help prevent merge fields that only work in certain categories to be unintentionally used elsewhere.  
#*'''Subject''': Default subject for the template, this may be changed as needed when the template is used.
 
 
#*'''Template Text''': Customize font and paragraphs using the standard word-processing icons such as bolding, italicizing, underlining, etc. You can also insert hyper-links, Youtube videos, images and merge fields. '''NOTE''': The merge fields available are based on the '''Category''' you have selected.
 
#*'''Template Text''': Customize font and paragraphs using the standard word-processing icons such as bolding, italicizing, underlining, etc. You can also insert hyper-links, Youtube videos, images and merge fields. '''NOTE''': The merge fields available are based on the '''Category''' you have selected.
 
#*'''From Email Address''': This is the default from email address. It may be over-ridden when using the template.  
 
#*'''From Email Address''': This is the default from email address. It may be over-ridden when using the template.  

Revision as of 14:54, 9 January 2020

Email Settings


Configure your Default From Email Address


Your GrowthZone software is setup to send automated messages. For Example: An automated message is sent when a new application is submitted on-line. To set the default From address for these messages:

  1. Select Setup in the Navigation Panel
  2. Click Email Settings in the Communications section.
    Default From.jpg
  3. In the Default From Email Address field, enter the address to be used by default when emails are sent from your organization.
  4. Click Done.

Configure your Unsubscribe (Opt-out) Message


  1. Select Setup in the Navigation Panel
  2. Click Email Settings in the Communications section.
    Unsub settings.jpg
  3. A default unsubscribe message is included in your database. You can customize this as needed.
  4. Click Done.

When the user clicks the link, they will be presented with the Email Subscriptions screen. See What happens when a group email recipient opts out for further information.

NOTE: This unsubscribe message is ONLY appended to group emails sent from lists/committees and should not be copied into individual emails.

If you wish to add the unsubscribe message to individual emails or emails sent to multiple members, include the Unsubscribe URL merge field in your signature or in text at the bottom of an email.

Unsubscibe URL.jpg

What Happens When an Email Recipient Opts-out


When you send out emails to your lists/committees or send mass emails, the unsubscribe message you have configured in your settings (See Configure your Unsubscribe Message) is appended to those emails. A recipient can set restrictions on the use of the email by clicking the link included in the message.

GZ Unsubscribe CP.jpg

The recipient can set the following restrictions:

  • Continue Receiving Emails from {Your Organization Name}: Selecting this option does NOT unsubscribe the recipient from the group email list.
  • Unsubscribe me from {Group Name}: Selecting this option will mark the recipient email as Do Not Email within the group. NOTE: It will NOT remove the recipient from the group. An email will be sent to those staff members who have subscribed to the
  • Do not email me at this address: If this option is selected, the email will be marked as Only Transactional Emails. This ensures that the recipient does not receive any mass emails (including from your lists/committees as well as any mass emails you may be sending to dynamically created groups). However, any "transactional" type emails that you send, for example - invoices, will continue to be sent. This will unsubscribe the member from ALL group communication. The recipient is NOT removed from the group.
  • Update my preferences: When this option is selected, the recipient will see a list of the groups that they are currently subscribed to. They can select or deselect the lists/committees that they wish to receive emails from. The recipients email address will be marked as Do Not Email for those groups de-selected.
GZ Update Preferences.jpg
The recipient may deselect the check-boxes for the groups they no longer wish to be subscribed to. The recipient will be marked as Do Not Contact within the group, but will NOT be removed from the group.

After making choice, click Submit. A confirmation of changes will be displayed.

Special Considerations

  • If the recipient wishes to un-subscribe from a list/committee that you have configured as Dis-allow Opt-out, this setting will trump the recipient's preference.
  • When a recipient unsubscribes from a group, they are NOT removed or inactivated in the group, the email is simply set to Do Not Email.
  • Only staff can set an email address as Do Not Contact. When this is set NO emails, including transactional emails will be sent to the email address.
  • If you have integrated to Constant Contact or Mail Chimp, when someone unsubscribes to all messages in Constant Contact or Mail Chimp, the the contact’s email address will be set to No Mass Emails, in the appropriate lists/committees.

Change the Restrictions set on an Email Address


From the back-office, staff can update the restrictions that have been set on an email address.

  1. Select the Profile tab for the desired organization/individual.
    Profile tab edit email.jpg
  2. Click the Cp orange pencil.jpg icon, next to the email address you wish to update.
    Change status of email.jpg
  3. From the Restrictions list, select the desired status:
    • None: There are no restrictions, the email address may be used for mass emails and individual emails.
    • Do Not Contact: No emails can be sent to this email address.
    • Only Transactional Emails: Only individual, transaction type (i.e. invoices, event confirmations, etc.), can be sent to this address. Specifically, this address will not receive emails sent to:
      • Lists/Committees
      • Dynamic Lists/Committees selected when you choose the ... option (next to the To) in sending an email.
      • When emails are sent to more recipients than the Email Bulk Mode Threshold (Setup > Communications > Email Settings)
  4. Click Done.

One Row.png

IMPORTANT The restrictions set will be set anywhere this email address is used. For example, if this individual is on any of your lists/committees, the email will be set to the restriction that you have set here. Additionally, If an email is synced to Constant Contact and is set to Only Transactional Emails by a staff user, the email will be unsubscribed from Constant Contact immediately.

Logging Messages sent via Outlook (or other email service)


Logging Messages sent via Outlook (or other email service)

In the Email Settings you will find and Archive Email Address. In order for your database to track emails that you have sent from Outlook (or other email service such as GMail), you will want to include this email address in the BCC line of the email. A copy of the email will then be sent to the archive address for evaluation. If the system can associate the contact to whom you sent the email to a contact in the database, your outlook email will be displayed on the communications tabs.

  1. Select Setup in the Navigation Panel
  2. Click Email Settings in the Communications section.
Archive Email.jpg

View Un-Matched Outlook (or other email service) Emails


As described above, if the archive email address is included in the BCC line of emails sent via Outlook, a copy of the email will be sent to the archive address. If the database is able to associate the email to a contact in your system it will do so. Emails that could not be matched may be viewed under the Communications module:

  1. Click Communications in the Navigation Panel.
  2. On the Browse tab - click the Customize Results button.
    Commuication Filter.jpg
  3. Click the Has An Unmatched Email address checkbox.
  4. Click Done.

The list of emails will now filtered to those with an unmatched emails.

Setup Sender Policy Framework (SPF) Record


An SPF record is a type of Domain Name Service (DNS) record that identifies which mail servers are permitted to send email on behalf of your domain. The purpose of the SPF record is to ensure that your emails are received successfully.

Below are the steps to set-up the SPF record:

  1. Verify whether you have an SPF Record. Third party software tools, such as MxToolbox can be used for this verification. Click here to see how this is done.
  2. If you have an SPF Record, add include:clientemailspf.growthzoneapp.com to the record right after the v=spf1. Make sure there is a space before and after it.
    OR
  3. If you do not have an SPF Record, work with your email administrator to obtain one. The SPF record can be created using software third party software, such as MxToolbox. Click here to see how this is done. After generating the SPF record, complete step 2 above

Automated Messaging


Automatic messages may be configured to be sent in response to certain actions. For Example, an automated message may be sent to a new member when they have completed the Member Application Form, or, an automatic thank you message may be sent when someone registers for the event. Your database is pre-configured with automatic messages, which you may use "as-is" or customize to meet your needs.

The table below describes the automated messages available.

Event Default Template to Send Description
Auto Payment Receipt Auto Payment Receipt Sent when an automated payment has been applied to an invoice.
Certification Admin Review None This notification is sent so certification executives can do a final review and sign off prior to the cert going active. It will be sent when a certification status is set to Admin Review.
Certification Application Denied None This notification is sent when staff sets certification status to Denied.
Email Member Login Added Member or Representative On-line Access Added This notification is sent when an existing login is added to your database. See Add Staff Member with Access to Multiple Databases.
Email Member Login Info Member or Representative Online Access Send an email notifying a contact that they can create their log-in credentials.
Email Member Login Instruction New Member Access This email will be sent when you select to send log-in instructions to a contact. See Setting up Individual's Info Hub Access.
Event Approved Event approved by staff This notification will be sent to the contact who submitted an event, once staff has approved the event.
Event Reminder Event Reminder This notification will be sent, 48 hours prior to the event, to all event registrants. This notification will only be sent if Send Reminder Email to Registrants 48 hours Prior is enabled for the event. See Setup an Automatic Event Reminder for instructions.
Forum Comment Added None This notification will be sent, to those who have subscribed, when a new comment has been added to a forum, as staff who have subscribed to the notification. See Set Preferences for Forum Notifications.
Forum Topic Added None This notification will be sent, to those who have subscribed, when a new topic has been added to a forum, as staff who have subscribed to the notification. See Set Preferences for Forum Notifications.
Fundraising Donation Summary None N/A
Fundraising Pledge Added None This email is automatically sent to thank a donor, after they have submitted a one-time donation or setup a pledge. A default is not assigned, however, the Fundraising/Donation/Pledge Thank You Template is a great starting point for your thank you letter.
Gateway Verified By Customer Service None
Growth Zone Pay Account Update Complete Growth Zone Pay Account Updated
Growth Zone Pay Account Updated Growth Zone Pay Account Updated
Growth Zone Pay Charge Dispute Growth Zone Pay Charge Dispute This notification is sent when a GrowthZone Pay charge is disputed, It will be sent to the staff member you have identified under the gateway setup Credit Card Account/Dispute Notifications Email.
Growth Zone Pay Charge Failed Growth Zone Pay Charge Failed This notification is sent when a GrowthZone Pay charge fails. It will be sent to the staff member you have identified under the gateway setup Credit Card Account/Dispute Notifications Email. See Configure Gateway Notifications for Disputes/Charge Failures.
Invoice Payment Received Member Invoice Payment Received This notification is sent to staff when an invoice is paid on-line.
Mail Chimp API Connection Failed None
Meeting Proposal All Responded None IN DEV
Meeting Proposal Final None IN DEV
Meeting Proposal Invite None IN DEV
Meeting Proposal Suggestion None IN DEV
Meeting Proposal Suggestion To Host None IN DEV
Meeting Proposal Update None IN DEV
Membership Has Expired None Applies to memberships configured for Renewal Notifications only. This email will be sent • the day after the end of the Grace Period (or the day after Expiration if no Grace Period days are defined). See Membership Type with Renewal Notifications for further information.
Membership Is Expiring Membership Expires Soon Email Template Applies to memberships configured for Renewal Notifications only. This email notification is sent three days before the expiration date of the membership. See Membership Type with Renewal Notifications for further information.
Membership Renewal Reminder Membership Renewal Reminder Email Template Applies to memberships configured for Renewal Notifications only. On the Renewal Notification Date the Membership Renewal Reminder Email will be sent. This notification is sent to Active and Courtesy members that will be billed an amount for their upcoming renewal. See Membership Type with Renewal Notifications for further information.
Membership Renewal Thank You Membership Renewed - Thank You Template Applies to memberships configured for Renewal Notifications only. This notification is sent once the member chooses one of the renew options. See Membership Type with Renewal Notifications for further information.
New First Time Tenant New Account Activation GrowthZone use only.
New Form Response None This notification is sent to the individual(s) identified to receive form Response Notifications for a form. See Create a Form.
New Imported Contacts New Contacts Created December 2018 - IN DEV
New Member Application Membership Application Confirmation Email This email is sent to an applicant after they have completed the membership application form.
New Representative New Contacts Created This email is sent to staff when new contacts are added by a member, via the Info Hub OR when a new contact is added from the back-office. The email is sent to those staff members subscribed to the New Person Added to an Existing Membership notifications. See Configure User Notifications for information on subscribing to notifications.
New Staff Added New Staff Added
New Staff Login New Staff Invite This email is sent to a staff member you have newly added to your system. Within the email will be a link for the staff member to setup credentials to the database. See Add Staff Member.
New Tenant New Account Activation GrowthZone use only.
New User Application New User Activation
Online Payment Receipt Online Payment Receipt This notification is sent to the contact when they pay an invoice on-line. A link to the paid invoice is included in the email.
Recurring Charge Failed Automatic Payment Failure This notification is sent to the contact when an automatic recurring charge fails. Within the email is a Please retry payment for the invoice link.
Registered Event Attendee Registered Event Attendee This email is sent to an event registrant after completion of event registration form.
Registered Event Exhibitor Registered Event Exhibitor This email is sent to an event exhibitor after completion of the exhibitor registration.
Renewal Emails Sent Renewal Emails Sent Applies to memberships configured for Renewal Notifications only. This email is sent to staff subscribed to the Renewal Emails Sent notification, when renewal emails are sent to members. See Configure User Notifications.
Request Magic Link None
Send Event Attendee Itinerary Event Session Itinerary Confirmation
Subscription Confirmation None December 2018 - UNDER REVIEW
Task Assigned Task Assigned This email is sent to the assignee, when a task has been assigned to them.
Tell a Friend None
Unregistered Event Attendee Unregistered Event Attendee This email is sent to an event registrant when his/her registration is cancelled.
Task Assigned Task Assigned This email is sent to the assignee, when a task has been assigned to them.
Web Content Approved None This notification email is sent after a staff member approves the user's web content. This notification will go to the user that submitted the content. See Approving Web Content Submissions.
Web Content Pre Expiration Notice Web Content Pre Expiration Notice This email is sent out, to the contact who submitted web content, three days prior to the expiration of the content. The email contains a link directing the contact to log-in, and extend dates if desired.
Web Content Publish Notice Web Content Published This email is sent out to those who have subscribed to web content notifications, when new web content is published.

Configure Automated Messaging



  1. Click Setup in the navigation panel
  2. In the Communications section, click Automated Messaging. A list of the available options for automated messages is displayed. See table below for further details.
    Auto Messages 19.jpg
  3. You may change the default message sent for each of the available options.
  4. You may also click the Do Not Send check-box for any messages, if you do not wish to be included in automatic messaging.
  5. If changes are made, click the Save button to save your changes.

Smallest.png

NOTE: Refer to Create and Manage Email Templates for details on working with email templates. When a template is selected for an automated message, the Orange edit.jpg edit icon will be displayed, allowing you to access the template for editing.

Disable Individual Automated Messages


If you do not wish to send one or more of the available automated messages:

  1. Click Setup in the navigation panel
  2. In the Communications section, click Automated Messaging. A list of the available options for automated messages is displayed. See table below for further details.
    Auto Messages 19.jpg
  3. Click the Do Not Send check-box for any messages of the messages you do wish to send.
  4. Click Save.

Configure Communication Categories


Communication Categories provide a way for you to organize and filter email communications. Reports such as the Communication Report can be filtered by category to allow you to get a better understanding of the communications that are being sent.

  1. Click Setup in the navigation panel
  2. In the Communications section, click Communications Categories. A list of the current categories in the database will be displayed.
  3. Click the Add button to add a new category. The Add/Edit Communications Category dialog box will be displayed.
  4. Enter a Name for the category. This name will be displayed when you are selecting communication categories within the software so it should be descriptive and reflect the purpose of this category.
  5. N/A at this time
  6. Click Done to save the new category.

Create your Signature


Creating your signature will save time when sending email correspondence. You can design your signature with both text & graphics, and easily select it when sending email correspondence.

  1. Click Setup in the navigation panel
  2. In the Communications section, click Signatures
  3. Click the Add Button.
  4. Provide a Name for the signature. You can create multiple signatures, so you will wish to provide a name that allows you to differentiate between signatures.
  5. In the Signature HTML text box you can customize your signature by adding your organization name, an image, a link, etc. Common word processing icons make it easy to format your signature as you desire.
  6. When completed, click Done.

Send an Email


Clicking directly on an email address will open a new email message in your email program (Outlook). This is fine, but the communication will NOT be recorded in the Communication tab of the receiver.

To send a message that WILL be recorded, initiate it through any of the built-in Send Email functions:

  • In the Quick Actions menu in the Header, QuickActionsButtontoEmail.jpg
  • In the Actions Ribbon when viewing a Contact Record, ActionsRibbontoSendEmail.jpg
  • On the Communication Tab of a Contact Record, SendEmailButton.jpg
  1. In the Send Email window that appears, fill in the relevant and appropriate fields:
    EmailMessage.jpg
    • From Required. This is a drop-down containing staff users
    • To Required. If you initiate the email from within a Contact Record, this will already be populated. You can add recipients by clicking in the Add To field and typing the name you want. The system will search on-the-fly and you can select the user when it appears in the list
    • Add Cc Begin typing in this field to select the user you want to Cc on the email.
    • Add Bcc Begin typing in this field to select the user you want to Cc on the email.
    • Exclude Sending to Contacts on List: If you have selected a list from the Address Book and you wish to exclude certain contacts on the list from receiving the email, enter the desired email addresses.
    • Subject Required.
    • Category Select a Category if desired. Refer to Communication Categories for details.
    • Template Select a Template if desired. Refer to Create and Manage Email Templates for details.
    • Drafts If you are continuing a draft, you can select it here
  2. Enter the text of the message. You have editing capabilities and are able to insert database fields if desired.
  3. Click Attach Files if necessary. See Send an Email Attachment for best practice information.
  4. Enter the Project name in the Project field if appropriate (requires the Projects/Tasks module.) This will record the email in the Communication Tab of the selected Project.
  5. Enter a Date/Time in the Delay Delivery Until field if appropriate. This allows you to compose an email at your convenience but not have it sent until the day you select.
  6. If you need to finish the message later, click Save Draft
  7. If you are ready to send, click Send

The message will be recorded in the Contact's Communication Tab as well as the Communication Module

Preview an Email


If you have created an email with multiple images, merge fields, etc. you may wish to send a preview of the email to yourself or others. In the upper right-hand corner of the Send Email screen, you will find the Send Preview button.

Send Preview.jpg

Clicking this, opens up simple email address input screen that allows you to easily sent a test of your email to yourself, or others.

Quick Email Preview.jpg

Smallest.png

NOTE: If you are testing merge fields, you will want to ensure you have an individual in the TO field of the email (even if temporary). This allows the database to have information to merge from.


Send an Email Attachment


It is best practice to include links to documents, rather than attach files. Attachments may cause emails to be blocked, and there may be maximum file sizes allowed by some email providers preventing your attachments from reaching the final destination. Your GrowthZone software includes a Cloud, to which you can easily upload documents and create sharing links to include in your email. See Working with Documents in the Cloud for further information.

Send an Email to Multiple Recipients


You initiate an email to multiple recipients exactly the same way as for a single recipient. The only difference is how you select the recipients.

Manually Enter Multiple Recipients


  1. In the Add To field of the email message, type the name of the first recipient. The system will type ahead. Select the recipient when the name appears.
  2. Repeat until all recipients are added.

Select Multiple Recipients Based on Criteria


  1. Click on the Ellipse icon to the right of the Add To field, EllipseIcon.jpg
  2. From the Address Book that appears, select the group or groups you want to send to
    GZ Email Multiple.jpg
    • Different types of groups are present:
    • Group--a List or Committee you created
    • Category--based on Categories a contact is associated with
    • Membership Status--based on the Membership Status of the contact
    • Membership Type--based on the Membership Typeof the contact
    • You can scroll through the list or use the Search field at the top
  3. Click Done

Refer to Sending An Email for additional details.

Create and Manage Email Templates


Email templates provide an easy way to respond to standard email tasks. For example, you may wish to send a thank you email to all those who have attended an event. You can create (or customize a default) template that can be used consistently for all of your events. This will allow you to efficiently send emails, and increase productivity. Email templates may also include database fields.

There are a variety of default email templates populated in the database that you may us to meet your business needs. You may view the existing templates, edit copies of the existing templates, or create your own. To do any of these actions:

  1. Click Setup in the navigation panel
  2. In the Communications section, click Email Templates. A list of the default email templates will be displayed.
EmailTemplateList.png

View a Default Email Template


From the list of templates, (Setup > Communication > Email Templates),

  1. Click the name of the email template you wish to view or modify. The Edit Email Template dialog box will open. The following fields are displayed for your review:
    Name - The name of the template is displayed for selection when you are sending emails. Additionally, the name of an email may be used for filtering and reporting.
    Description - This field allows you to provide more details about this template. Visible internally only.
    Category-The category field allows you to associate this template to specific email categories, and may also be used for filtering. Internal only.
    Subject-The subject is the subject line of the email.
    Template Text-The template text is the body of the email.
    Make available to all users- when viewing a default template this checked box will indicate if the template is available to all users.
  2. Click the Done button when finished viewing

Edit a Default Email Template


  1. Click Setup in the left-hand navigation panel.
  2. Click Email Templates in the Communication section.
  3. Click the Edit icon (CopyTemplateIcon.png) to the far right of the template name. NOTE: The system is actually making a copy for you to edit. Original templates themselves cannot be edited or deleted.
  4. Make changes in the Edit Email Template window that appears. See View a Default Email Template above for description of available fields.
    EditEmailTemplate.png
    Name - If you do not change the name, the system will add the word "Copy" to the end of it.
    Description
    Category
    Subject Database fields (indicated by {{ }} ) cannot be added by the user to the subject line. If the subject line of the template you are editing contains a database field that you don't want, simply delete it (you cannot edit it).
    Template Text In the body of the email database fields are in double brackets and also highlighted in yellow. The field contents will not be highlighted in the sent message. Also, only make cosmetic or location changes to these fields (do not edit the names). See below for how to add fields to the template.
    From Email Address-select the staff address from the dropdown that will be used if the email is sent automatically
    Make available to all users- check this box if you want this template to be available. If unchecked the template will only be available to the person who created it
  5. Click Done

Add Database Fields to a Template


  1. Put your cursor where you want place the data base field.
  2. Click on Insert Merge Field in the editing bar.
  3. Scroll through the list of available fields (or use the Search feature at the top of the list)
    • Not every field in the database is available to merge.
    • "Tenant" refers to your organization
  4. Click on the field you want to enter
  5. Click the Save & Close button
InsertMergeFields.png


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NOTE: Event-related fields will only populate correctly if sent from within an event.

Add a New Email Template


  1. Click Setup in the left-hand navigation panel.
  2. Click Email Templates in the Communication section.
  3. Click the Add button in the top right corner.
    Email template.jpg
  4. Configure the available fields: See View a Default Email Template above for description of available fields.
    • Name: This is the name that will appear in template selection drop-downs.
    • Description: (Optional)
    • Category: Select the appropriate category for the email template. This option drives which data base fields are available to include in your template AND where the template is available for use in the software. IMPORTANT: The Category of an email template can NOT be changed after a merge field has been placed in and the template has been saved. This will help prevent merge fields that only work in certain categories to be unintentionally used elsewhere.
    • Template Text: Customize font and paragraphs using the standard word-processing icons such as bolding, italicizing, underlining, etc. You can also insert hyper-links, Youtube videos, images and merge fields. NOTE: The merge fields available are based on the Category you have selected.
    • From Email Address: This is the default from email address. It may be over-ridden when using the template.
    • Make Available to Other Users: Select this option if you wish the template to be available to all of your staff members. If deselected, it will only be available to you.
  5. Click Done.

Outlook Add-on


The Outlook Add-on provides the ability to attach e-mails, sent via Outlook, to a contact's general communication tab and/or to a project.

Install the Outlook Add-on


Download the Outlook Add-On to start tagging incoming or sent emails:

  1. Click Setup.
  2. Click Outlook Add-on in the Software Add-Ons section. NOTE: The Outlook Add-on must be installed on all pc's, laptops, etc. that will require its use.
    Run File.jpg
  3. Run the Windows Installer Package as directed.
    Once you have completed the installation of the Outlook Add-on, open your Outlook program. In the menu bar, you will be able to see a GrowthZone option.
    GZ for Add-on.jpg
  4. Click the GrowthZone link.
    GZ Link.jpg
  5. Click Settings.
    Settings for Outlook Add-on.jpg
  6. Click Connection.
  7. Enter or confirm your GrowthZone user name and password.
  8. Click Connect.
  9. Click Save.

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NOTE: Connection settings will be saved for all future use and you will not need to re-enter your credentials.


Attach emails to contacts/projects with the Outlook Add-on


This functionality will allow you to attach the communication to the original recipient(s) and sender. Additionally, you can select contacts from your database (or create new contacts) who may not have been initial recipient(s)/sender of the email. You can also attach the communication to your existing projects, or create a new project to which the communication can be associated.

  1. In Outlook, open the email that you wish to attach to a contact/project.
    Attach icon.jpg
  2. Click the Attach icon located on far right in the menu bar.
    Attachnmet.jpg
  3. In the Contact(s) section, a list of the to/from contacts of the email will be listed. To attach the initial recipient(s)/sender of the email:
    • By default all contacts are selected, which would result in the communication being attached to all. You can deselect any of the to/from contacts if you do not wish to attach to their communication log.
    • If the email address is associated to a Contact in your database, the name of the contact will be displayed in the last column.
    In the example below, the system was able to match the first email to a contact, but not to the others.
    Attach contacts.jpg
    • If there are multiple contacts associated to the same email address, --select Contact-- will be displayed. Double-click on --select Contact-- to select the appropriate contact name. In the example below, multiple contacts were associated to the email address.
    Select from list.jpg
    • If there are no matching contacts in the database, no selections will be available when clicking --select Contact--. If you wish to add the contact to your database, click the Add button adjacent to the appropriate row. The Add Contact dialog box will be displayed. Enter contact information, and click Save.
    Add attach contact.jpg
  4. Attaching the communication to other contacts (not the original recipient(s)/sender of the email: Begin typing the name of the contact in the Additional Contacts text box. A list of contacts matching your text will be displayed. Select the desired contact and click the Add to List button.
    Additional Contact.jpg
    • If no match is found in your database to the information you have typed in the Additional Contacts text box, you may add a new contact to the database by clicking the Create New Contact button.
  5. Select a communication Category. This is optional, but allows you to classify your communications for ease in filtering and reporting.
  6. Attaching the communication to a Project: If you are using the GrowthZone Projects module, you can also attach communications to projects. Begin typing the name of the project in the Projects text box. A list of projects matching your text will display. Select the desired project. If the project to which you wish to attach the communication does not exist, you can add a new project by clicking the Add button.
  7. Click Attach.

Communications Module

Review All Communications

You may review and manage all communications in the Communications module. (Select Communications in the Navigation Panel). On the Communications module Browse tab, you will be able to review ALL communications. This list includes emails, notes and logged phone calls. You may easily search the list, or filter/customize the result using the options on the top of the screen.

Communication Module.jpg
NOTE: You can review communications to individual contacts on the contact's communication tab.

View Email Delivery Statistics



The Communication Delivery Stats will help you understand the effectiveness of your email communications. You will be able to gauge the success of your email campaigns by looking at open rates, reviewing whether an individual recipient received/opened the message. This allows you to see who did not receive the communication based on a delivery failure so that you can determine possible list/contact cleanup then redistribute.

  1. Click Communications in the left-hand navigation panel.
  2. On the Browse tab, click the Del Stats.jpg in the Actions column for the desired email.
    Comm Del Stats2.jpg


The Communications Delivery Stats screen will display:

  • Total Recipients: The total number of recipients to whom the email was sent.
  • Recipients Who Opened: Number of recipients who opened the email.
  • Open Rate: The total number of times your users opened your emails, divided by the total number of Delivered messages.
  • Total Delivery Failures or Bounces: Total number of emails that were not delivered.
  • Number of Bounces: Total number of bounces. A bounce occurs when the receiving server could not or would not accept the message.
  • Bounce Rate: Total number of bounces, divided by the total recipients. Bounced emails hurt your reputation as well as GrowthZone's so it’s important to keep your bounce rate low (ideally as close to 0% as possible).
  • Number of Distinct Clicks: The number of unique individuals that have clicked the links in your emails.
  • Total Number of Clicks: The total number of times your users have clicked on the various links within your emails.
  • Recipients That Have Clicked: The number of recipients who have clicked links in your emails.
  • Click Through Rate: The number of unique clicks divided by the number of unique opens. For Example: Let's say that you send out an email to 1000 recipients, and of those 1000 messages you register 300 unique opens. Then, out of those 300 unique opens, you record 100 unique clicks. This would give you a click-through rate of 33.3%, since 100 clicks divided by 300 opens equals 0.333 multiplied by 100.
  • Open Events: This section will display a list of all recipients who opened the email.
  • Sending Times: This section will display when the email was sent, and when sending was completed.
  • Click Events: This section will display a list of links that were clicked. Each of the links is unique, as the links in your email are converted for tracking purposes. Click into the link to view which recipient clicked.

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NOTE: Communication Delivery Statistics are not available for automated messages.

Send Newsletters

On the Communications module Newsletters tab, you can be easily created and send newsletters. Default Newsletter templates have been setup in your system that may be used as designed or you may customize them to meet your needs. Refer to Create and Manage Email Templates to view the default templates.

You can send the newsletter to individual contacts and/or a list/committee by entering the contact name in the To box.

Newsletter.jpg

The content of the Newsletter can be edited, by clicking into the different sections of the letter and using the style editor functions to format text, add links, images and so on.

Newsletter2.jpg
NOTE: Only the default templates we have provided in the software may be edited. If you have created your own newsletter templates, you will not be able to edit these in the Communications Newsletter module.

Click the Send Preview button to send the newsletter to yourself or others for review prior to sending the newsletter out.

Preview Newsletter.jpg

View Email Drafts

When you have created and email and clicked Save Draft, you can view the drafts on the Email Drafts tab of the Communications module.


Email Drafts.jpg


You can edit or delete the Email Draft on the Email Drafts tab. Additionally, but clicking the subject of an email, the Send Email screen will be displayed, and you can send the email.

NOTE: All emails that you have started but not sent (cancelled), will be saved as draft.

Sending Your Draft Emails

If you wish to send a draft email, you can select it from the Drafts list on any Send Email screen.

Draft.jpg

NOTE: Once a draft email is sent, it is no longer listed on the Email Drafts page, nor will it be visible in the drafts drop-down list when sending emails. It is not a template.

View/Edit/Delete Scheduled Emails


On the Communications module Scheduled Emails tab, you can be view, edit and delete scheduled emails.

Scheduled Emails.jpg

Click the Edit Email Edit Email.jpg icon to view and edit the scheduled email. Click the Delete Delete Scheduled Email.jpg icon to view and edit the scheduled email.

Communications Reports


A variety of reports are available for managing and analyzing communications. See Communications Reports.