preparing an email newsletter that people can signup for off my site?

[trevorsaint]

Hello all. I have never set up an email based newsletter, in which people can subscribe if they so wish.

I have come to the conclusion that the newsletters are developed with HTML, just like ordinary web pages, but in terms of the user subscribing, how would I achieve this. What required processes would I need to achieve a successful newsletter. Also proving the user with the option to un-subscribe at any time.

Can someone please set me off in the right direction

thank you in advance

Trevor Saint

[awligon]

sure, you can html the letter, but you need to have a scripting lang, and a db to store info and process user req's. either php or asp w/ mysql or access respectively. Got one?

[trevorsaint]

Thank you so much for the reply.

Basically I work for a company mainly aimed with print and graphic design, whilst also catering for web design. My job is the web design side of things, and I have never actually set up such a task, which is why I left this message. But they are interested in the topic of image signatures in emails and the ability of email newsletters, i.e email marketing. I am not fully knowledgable on the subject, which is why I am here.

The database side of things is not my area, but the company has people who will deal with that side of things, but my job would be to design and prep the initial and linkage to the database, which I might add daunts me at the moment, unless you can fully enlighten me that is :).

cheers

Trev

[awligon]

What do you need? Sure I can do it all for you in an hour or so but it'll cost ya :beam: As for help, ask away.

[trevorsaint]

Thanks. Basically think of me as a beginner. I have a design created in in HTML format. Obviously this will be maybe updated and again uploaded to the server. Can this be done without any other parties, i.e add services? For example I from time to time get newsletters, and looking at the code there linked to something like : http://www.get.TrafficMultiplier.com.

Which I am not fully sure why?, is this because they dont actually have a database? Interesting. I have only just started working for the company so get to see the database and coding expert next week, so it would be cool if I was fully aware of the possibilities of such a setup prior. if you get the idea.

If you can help that would be cool, if you can spare the time I would love to through my questions at you, but via email, as I will fill this section up very quickly, awaiting reply. And thanks

[awligon]

Sure, you need your host to provide php and mysql support. php is the scripting language most commonly used to perform such queries, and mysql is a great freeware database application that stores your information. You'll need to write a php script that will take an email addy from a form to register for the mailer, and add that email to the database, then you'll need to create a script to select all the emails from that database and send them an email which will be done by the server. You'll need to include a link in this email that will allow them to unsubscribe from the email database which will execute yet another php script that will delete their email from the database. Simple process. Memorize that, and tell it to the guy and if you can get all that out, just bull **** the rest of it.

[trevorsaint]

Thanks for the information and sorry I never got back immediately, I will get it sorted. Cheers for the help awligon. I am sure we will manage it. In terms of an email signature, basically an image that would contribute to the company email, is this possible, well I know it is, but could we do this with ease. I am guessing the image could be on our server right? and just attached via the href linked image right?

Is there any chance you could sum up a quick example of an email signature that allows obviously type etc?

I would be most greatful for the help and support if you casn spare the time.

Trev

[awligon]

it would have to be an html email or just an email with the file attatched and then linked in it.

[trevorsaint]

Hi well I built some silly little email html file for test and found that the problem was that the user could select i.e the table that was made and modify it, also the ability to select the image.

There must be a better way of doing this ???

Trev

[awligon]

Please explain your previous post, I'm not sure at all what you mean.

[trevorsaint]

Hi awligon - my problem was really from within sending the email, it was possible to edit the html design. Upon sending and recieving a sample you could not edit the design. Basically if our company was to design a template for other companies, we would really ideally like it so that it is simple for them to use, i.e like a standard signature email would be if you follow?

[awligon]

You could create a form that people can go to and put in the email what they need to then use php and a template to format the email and send it to the db users.