Sending newsletters to your customers is a fantastic way to stay connected and keep them updated about your brand. If you’re looking to take your newsletters to the next level, embedding a Canva newsletter into your email can be a highly effective technique. And the best part is, it’s much simpler than it seems!
Embedding a Canva Newsletter: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process of embedding a newsletter into an email might initially seem confusing. However, let me assure you that it’s a straightforward procedure. In a nutshell, your newsletter will be presented as a PNG image within the email. When your reader clicks on any of the links in the image, they will be directed to a PDF version of your newsletter, which will contain all the embedded links. Although it may sound complicated, this is the only way to design a newsletter in Canva. Alternatively, you might have to rely on pre-made templates from your email service provider.
To embark on this exciting journey, let’s dive into the step-by-step process!
Step 1: Create Your Newsletter Template
Before embedding a newsletter into an email, you need to create the newsletter itself. Canva simplifies this process by offering a wide selection of ready-to-use newsletter templates. To find a suitable template, simply search for “Newsletter” on the Canva homepage. You’ll be presented with thousands of options to choose from. Select a template that catches your eye or start with a blank canvas.
Once you have your template, you can customize it to your heart’s content. Canva also provides additional templates that you can access by clicking on “Elements” and then the “Templates” tab. These templates can expedite your design process.
Step 2: Add Your External Links
For each newsletter you create, it’s vital to incorporate links. The purpose of designing an appealing newsletter is to guide your reader to your websites. To create a clickable link, select an element in your design (such as a shape, text block, graphic, or photo). Ideally, choose a shape with text, as it functions as a button.
Click the “Link” button in the top-right corner, and then enter the website you want the link to direct to. Once you’re done, click “Done.”
Step 3: Save Your Newsletter As a PNG
Once your newsletter design is complete, you need to download it in two different formats to embed it in an email. The first format is a PNG file.
To get started, click on the “Share” button located at the top-right corner of your screen. In the dropdown menu, click “Download.” Select “PNG” as the file type, and then click “Download.”
The PNG file will be downloaded to your hard drive, usually in the downloads folder. You also have the option to save your design as a JPG, but keep in mind that the image quality won’t be as impressive.
Step 4: Save Your Newsletter As a Standard PDF
The downloaded PNG file is simply a flat image and won’t have clickable links. To ensure your links remain functional, you need to download your design as a PDF.
To do this, click the “Share” button once again. Under “File Type,” choose “PDF Standard” (unless you plan on printing the design, in which case you can select “PDF Print”).
Once you’ve selected the file type, click “Download.” The PDF file will be saved to your hard drive.
Step 5: Upload Your PDF to Your Cloud Storage System
Now that you have the PDF version of your newsletter, it’s time to upload it to your preferred cloud storage system. This will allow you to generate a link that you can embed in your email.
Feel free to choose any cloud storage system you prefer. Google Drive is a popular choice, and this guide will demonstrate using it. You might also consider creating a dedicated folder for your newsletters to keep them organized.
To create a folder in Google Drive, click the “New” button and select “New Folder.” Name your folder and click “Create.” Now, simply drag your PDF file into the folder.
Step 6: Copy the Link
To link your embedded newsletter to the PDF file, you’ll need to copy the link to the file. Right-click the file and select “Get Link.” In the options menu, choose “Anyone With The Link” under “General Access.” This ensures that anyone with the link can open the file. Click “Copy Link” and then “Done.” The link to the PDF file is now copied to your clipboard.
Step 7: Add the PNG to Your Email
With both the PNG image and the PDF link ready, you can now compose your email. Begin by clicking the “Compose” button to create a new email. Add the email subject and an introductory message, if desired. When you’re ready, click the “Insert Photo” button.
Select the PNG file of your newsletter from your device and confirm by clicking “Open.” The newsletter PNG will appear below the email subject.
Step 8: Link the PDF File to Your PNG
To ensure your readers can access the PDF when they click on the image, you need to link the PNG image to the PDF file in your cloud storage system. First, select the image by dragging your mouse over it from within the email. Then, click the “Link” button below the image. In the “Edit Link” menu, paste the link to your PDF (copied earlier) in the second box. Make sure “Web Address” is checked. You can test the link to ensure it works by clicking the “Test This Link” button.
Step 9: Adjust the PNG Size
Before sending your email, it’s important to ensure that the image size is readable within the email. By default, when you paste the PNG into your email, it will be set to “Best Fit,” which may be too small. To change this, simply click on the image and select “Original Size” at the bottom. Although the image may initially appear large, it will be perfectly sized when your readers receive the email. Click “Send” to deliver your email.
Exporting Newsletters from Canva to Mailchimp
As your email list grows, it becomes increasingly beneficial to automate your newsletter campaigns. Mailchimp is an excellent email marketing and automation tool for small businesses. It offers convenient features and saves you valuable time. Fortunately, if you design your newsletters in Canva, you can seamlessly send them to your Mailchimp account.
To do this, click the “Share” button on Canva’s design interface. Then, click the “More” button at the bottom of the menu. Here, you’ll find various options to send your design to different apps, including Mailchimp.
If you haven’t connected your Canva and Mailchimp accounts before, follow the prompts to link them. Once the connection is established, you can easily send your newsletter to Mailchimp by clicking “Share,” “More,” and then “Mailchimp.”
When your email list expands beyond a certain size, you’ll likely need to explore other email service providers like Convertkit. However, Mailchimp serves as an affordable starting point, especially with its free plan for a limited number of subscribers. Most email service providers offer templates that you can design and customize, providing you with further options once you outgrow the Canva method.
By embedding Canva newsletters into your email and automating the process with Mailchimp, you’ll elevate your brand’s communication and efficiently engage with your audience. So, put your creativity into action and let your newsletters shine with the power of Canva!
