Skip to main content

Creating Scheduled Emails

This feature available on the Pro Plan

 

Scheduled emails let you communicate with your audience at a specific time or send them immediately. This guide walks you through creating scheduled emails, editing them, and complying with email regulations.

For other email types, check out these help docs:

Accessing the Email Builder

You can access the Email Builder through three methods:

1. Via the Emails Manager

  1. Log in to ShortStack.
  2. Click Manage > Emails in the top navigation bar.
  3. Click New Email and select Scheduled Email.

2. Via the Campaign Builder

  1. Open the campaign you’d like to attach a scheduled email to in the Campaign Builder.
  2. Click the envelope icon in the top-right corner.
  3. Click New Email next to the appropriate list.
  4. Select Scheduled Email.

Setting Up a Scheduled Email

Step 1: Choose a Company Profile

A Company Profile is required for compliance with the CAN-SPAM Act. It includes your business name, address, and industry.

Options for Managing Company Profiles

  • Set Up a New Profile:

    1. Click Create a Company Profile.
    2. Enter your details and click Save & Select.

  • Use the Current Profile:

    1. Verify the details displayed and click Continue.

  • Update the Current Profile:

    1. Click the profile name and update the details.
    2. Click Select and then Continue.

  • Choose a Different Profile:

    1. Click the profile name > All Profiles.
    2. Select a profile and click Select.

Step 2: Select a List

  1. Select the list(s) to send your email to by checking the corresponding boxes.
    • The recipient count will display in the bottom-left corner.
  2. Use the Select All Lists option to toggle all lists.
  3. Click Continue.

Note: If you choose multiple lists, only shared fields will appear as merge fields during email design.

Step 3: Add Codes (Optional)

  1. Attach a single code or code list.
  2. Refer to the Adding Codes to Emails doc for details.
  3. Click Continue.

Step 4: Choose an Email Template

  1. To skip templates, click Continue.
  2. To use a template:
    • Hover over the desired template and click Use This Template.

Step 5: Customize the Email

Use the WYSIWYG editor to personalize your email with text, images, and merge fields.

Adding Content

  • Add Text: Click the text box and start typing.
  • Add Images:
    1. Click the Insert/edit image icon.
    2. Upload or paste the image URL. Adjust dimensions as needed and click OK.
  • Add Merge Fields: Select a field from the Available Merge Fields section to personalize the email.
  • Add Custom HTML: Use the Source Code icon to input HTML.

Click Continue when finished.

Step 6: Add Email Details

  1. Fill in the following fields:
    • Email Name
    • Email Subject
    • Sender Name
    • From Email Address

Note: Due to DMARC restrictions, you cannot use @gmail.com, @yahoo.com, or similar addresses.

  1. Click Continue.

Step 7: Schedule the Email

You can send the email immediately or schedule it for a later time.

Send Now

  1. Select Send Now under When would you like to send this email?
  2. Click Continue.

Schedule for Later

  1. Select Schedule under When would you like to send this email?
  2. Enter the date and time in the Schedule At box (use the calendar and clock icons).
  3. Adjust the time zone (default is UTC).
  4. Click Continue.

Step 8: Review and Send

  1. Review all email settings and content.
  2. Send a test email by clicking Send Test Email, entering a recipient address, and clicking Send Email.
  3. Once satisfied, click Save & Send/Schedule.

Filtering Recipients (Optional)

You can filter recipients by entry date, approval status, or image presence.

  1. On the Review page, click FILTER next to the list name.
  2. Enable and configure filters:
    • Date Received: Specify a date range.
    • Approval Status: Include or exclude approved entries.
    • Image Presence: Include or exclude entries with images.
  3. Click Continue.

Managing Scheduled Emails

Editing a Scheduled Email

You can edit emails that haven’t been sent yet.

  1. In the Emails Manager, click the email name.
  2. Update the desired content.
  3. Click Save & Schedule.

Deleting a Scheduled Email

From Emails Manager:

  1. Find the email in the Emails Manager.
  2. Click the down arrow next to it and select Delete.
  3. Confirm the deletion.

From Campaign Builder:

  1. Click the envelope icon in the Campaign Builder.
  2. Click the trash can icon next to the email.
  3. Confirm deletion.

Compliance with the CAN-SPAM Act

In order for emails to be in compliance with the CAN-SPAM Act, they must include:

  • A valid business name and address (via the Company Profile).
  • An opt-out (unsubscribe) link at the bottom.

Troubleshooting Spam Issues (DMARC)

If emails are going to spam/junk folders:

  1. Update your DMARC policy to p=none to prevent quarantine.
  2. Use ShortStack’s default no-reply addresses:
    • no-reply@campgn.page
    • no-reply@lndg.page
    • no-reply@shortstack.page

 

Was this article helpful?