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Using Voloper eMarketer (VeM) Lesson 04

 

Home Page First Webs Demos
Topics in This Lesson . . .
  • What is a Template
  • How to Access a Template
  • Examples of Standard Templates?
  • How Do I Build a New Template?
  • Other Templates for FUMC
 

What Is a Template?

A template is an HTML file which was previously designed and loaded to the VeM.  With a template, all you need to do is add your new content.  Possibly your new content is just text paragraphs, or possibly you may want to add text and images. Most anything common to Office Publishing can be added to a template.  In addition to text and images, you can add tables, insert spreadsheet files, add scripts, and more. 

When you access a template, you access Voloper's SCE (Site Content Editor).  The SCE is the same tool that is used to build or change individual web pages on the site.   If you are not familiar with the SCE, ask your IC to provide you a copy of Voloper's Site Content Editor v5.5 Manual in pdf format.  The Step 1 image below shows the SCE opened and the home page for FUMC loaded in the editor.
 

Screen Capture of Home Page Showing SCE (Site Content Editor)
Step 1, L4
Example of Site Content Editor (SCE)
 
 
 

How to Access a Template

You access the templates in eMarketer by going through the CREATE CAMPAIGN menu.  Follow these steps in order.

Step 2, L4:  Click on CREATE CAMPAIGN.  Select HTML Email Campaign from the options shown in the screen at right.

Screen Capture of Email Types Available
Step 3, L4: The Search for Subscribers screen will appear.  Scroll down to the bottom of this screen.  Click on Search.  Scroll down to the bottom of this screen.  You should have a screen like the abbreviated one shown at right.  Click on Create and Send Email.   Don't worry.  We're not going to actually send an HTML email!  These are just the steps to prepare us for sending emails.

Screen Capture Bottom of Subscriber List
Step 4, L4:  The screen should look like it does at right.  Notice the drop down box to the right of the word Template at the top of the screen.  Click on the drop down arrow.  Click on Template #2.

Screen Capture of Opening Screen for SCE
Step 5, L4:  The screen should now be open with Template #2 showing in the SCE.  Scroll down to the bottom of this screen.  You will see a bunch of information in square brackets that looks like this:
You can use the following tags to insert Database Values:
[FIRST NAME], [LAST NAME], [TITLE], [COMPANY], [ADDRESS1]
[ADDRESS2], [ZIP], [CITY], [STATE], [PHONE], [FAX], [EMAIL]
Company information:
[COMPANY NAME], [COMPANY WEBPAGE], [CONTACT EMAIL], [CONTACT PHONE]
 

Screen Capture of SCE After Selecting Template #2
   
 
 

Examples of Standard Templates?

There are 4 templates and a "no template" option offered by the VeM.  These templates may be helpful in getting you started on less complex html emails.
 

Screen Capture of No Template Option

Screen Capture of Template #1 Option

Screen Capture of Template #2 Option

Screen Capture of Template #3 Option

Screen Capture of Template #4 Option
Step 6, L4 Step 7, L4 Step 8, L4 Step 9, L4 Step 10, L4
No Template VeM Template #1 VeM Template #2 VeM Template #3 VeM Template #4
 
 

How Do I Build a New Template?

It is most likely that the standard templates offered by the VeM WILL NOT meet your needs. For branding purposes and to make your HTML email messages look like they came from your organization, you will want to integrate the look of your email campaigns with your other marketing materials. Your IC can help your recommend and design and templates for your email campaigns.

If you are familiar with HTML, you can easily build your own templates in FrontPage, Dreamweaver, or any other WYSWYG editor.  Then just paste them into the SCE using the Source Code option.  If you are an experienced MS Publisher or MS PowerPoint, you can design you own templates and save them as HTM or HTML format.  Paste then into the SCE using the Source Code option.  You can also use MS Word to build your template as a *.doc file.  Paste it into the SCE using the Paste as Word option, or save it HTML and paste into the SCE using the Source Code option. 

If you are unfamiliar with the above techniques, read the Voloper SCE Manual or one of the many HTML references available for free on the Internet.  For a nominal charge, First Webs will be happy to help you build additional templates.
 
 

Other Templates for FUMC

The additional templates below were added as part of FUMC's VeM program.  Since this is a church involved in evangelism, each ministry group could identify it's own identity by developing their own look-and-feel using a template.  Emails to general membership could have a seasonal theme integrated with the church's logos.  The possibilities for FUMC and for your own VeM programs are endless.

 

Screen Capture of Template w Litehouse and Grey Background

Screen Capture of Template That Looks Lite Introduction Page

Screen Capture of Template That Looks Like Main Page on Site
Step 11 Step 12 Step 13
Custom VeM Template; Lighthouse w Grey Background Custom VeM Template; Look-n-Feel of Introduction Web Site Page Custom VeM Template; Look-n-Feel of Main (Default.aspx) Page
 
Congratulations on finishing this lesson.  I encourage you to complete the Lesson Feedback form before moving on. 

Respectfully,
Vernon Wanner
Internet Consultant