Note: This video was created in 2020 and some functions have changed. For updated instructions to accompany the video, check out this blog post: www.melissazimmermannva.com/post/how-to-edit-a-canva-newsletter-template-and-insert-it-into-a-gmail-email
@MelissaZimmermannVA thank you so much. I was going to use constant contact, but I didn't feel it was very easy to use. I already have a canva pro account. I appreciate your help
Hello! I've tried this method and it does look nice on the PC but on the mobile phone app it looks super blurry and almost unreadable. ¿What can I do to fix that? Thanks in advance!
@@pablodomenech1911 It's an image so you could see if changing the size & resolution of the PNG helps. However, ultimately, your best option for mobile responsiveness is to use a proper email marketing platform, like FloDesk.
Hi Melissa -- oh my gosh!!! Your video was a LIFESAVER. I spent about two hours trying to figure this out -- downloaded chrome extensions that didn't work, was fooling around with HTML under the "inspect" tab in the email, you name it, I did it. I was about ready to give up when I found your video. It works perfect for my purpose and I am SOOOOO grateful. I know the video is three years old, but just wanted you to know that it's still so valuable - thank you!! 💗
TYSM Melissa, this was very helpful! I've always wondered how these email marketing templates are added to an email. I'm also glad you mentioned to use the png file instead of a large pdf print file.
You are BRILLIANT! No one else knows how to do this but you and you showed us who's boss! OMG I love it!! Yay!! Thank you so much for this video. I knew it was possible but didn't exactly know how to do it. Your step-by-step made it so easy. You are a blessing! Woo hoo!!
Hi Emma! I haven't had an issue, however, I always build my email lists with organic connection before sending newsletters, so my email address is familiar to their inbox.
Thanks, that was helpful up to a point but the finished email shows the link to google drive, and the newsletter itself is only clickable if people first click the link. So the actual email is not live for clicks plus there's a clumsy-looking link.
Hi Rose, unfortunately within Gmail, this is the only way I've found to have a pretty newsletter that is clickable. I do include instructions for making it clickable without showing the link. If you're looking for a different platform to send beautiful newsletters that have multiple clickable parts, I'd suggest a mail client like FloDesk or MailChimp. You can use my link for 30 days of free FloDesk and 50% off subscriptions if you'd like to try it out: flodesk.com/c/MZVA2020
@@MelissaZimmermannVA Thank you for your video. I do not see instructions for making the PNG clickable. When I upload the link to the PDF file it creates a link to the PDF file. The PNG file is not clickable only the link.
Hey Melissa- thanks for the video! I was wondering if you could point me in the direct me to a tutorial (if you've done one or have the info) for creating this email using html code and the canva pdf?
Hi LaDonna! Sorry, I just am now seeing this comment! I'm not sure I full understand what you're looking to do. Can you send me an email and I can try to help: melissazimmermannva@gmail.com
I really wish we had better functionality within email providers, like Gmail, but unfortunately, until that happens, this is our free work around. Of course, you could subscribe to a mail client like FloDesk and create a newsletter directly in there but it is not a free option.
Hi Melissa, thank you for posting. Is there a way for a hyperlink to go directly to a website rather than to the Google Drive PDF where it has to be clicked again before it goes over to website? I'm looking for any free option whether it Canva or another design system to send a promotional email with a link that goes directly to a website. Thank you so much. I really appreciate your help. 🙏🏼
So sorry for the reply delay. You would just link the png graphic, that you're inserting into the email, to your website instead of the Google Drive PDF.
So sorry for the reply delay. You would just link the png graphic, that you're inserting into the email, to your website instead of the Google Drive PDF.
Hi Melissa - followed all your suggestions, however I'm struggling with a couple of aspects - the final email sent to my customers includes a pdf attachment; secondly when I click the PNG pic instead of taking me directly to my website, it's taking me to Google Drive where it opens the pdf copy, then I can click anywhere to get to my website! Could you please help me resolve these issues...much appreciated Audrey
Sorry for the delay, Audrey. The PDF shouldn't show as an attachment on the email at all as you're not attaching it. You're including the PNG as a graphic/photo and linking that png to wherever your PDF is hosted. If you have it hosted in Google Drive, that's where it will take them. If you have it hosted on your website, that's where it will take them. The PDF then has the multiple individual links in it. Hope that makes sense!
It seems like a lot of work to email it to them only to have them have to click somewhere to take them to another page to use the CTA buttons. Is there a video where I can embed the file into the email and the CTA buttons work right from the open email in front of them?
Sorry for the delay, Amanda. Unfortunately, there is not a way to do that in a free email system like gmail. However, you can absolutely do that in a paid service like MailChimp or FloDesk. This tutorial is meant to be a sort of work-around in order to stay within gmail, which is free.
Sorry for the delay, Rose. Unfortunately, there is not a way to do that in a free email system like gmail. However, you can absolutely do that in a paid service like MailChimp or FloDesk. This tutorial is meant to be a sort of work-around in order to stay within gmail, which is free.
For the purposes of the video, I left "FNAME" in there but, if wanting to change it with this method, it would need to be manually changed for each email. If you want to use functionalities like that, you'd need to either use Google Streak and have a basic email OR a newsletter building platform like FloDesk.
Hi Melissa thanks for sharing! I'm experiencing trouble when I put the link in the png, the link is added at the end of the image in the email, I have tried several times selecting the image, ctrl+K, adding the link, but it is added at the bottom then when people receive the file, it comes as a regular image with the link to the file in drive at the bottom line... not sure what am I doing wrong :(
Hmm, that's odd. I just triple checked and I'm still able to select the graphic and use cmd+K (mac) to link. Can you maybe try from a different browser? If it's still not working, feel free to email me: (melissazimmermannva gmail com) and we can maybe hop on a video chat to figure it out
@@MelissaZimmermannVA Hi Melissa and Andy Fit, First off, thank you for the tutorial. Unfortunately, I have the exactly same issue as Andy. The PNG file will not link to anything, which is odd. The only option is for a link below the picture (to the google drive pdf). Working on a windows with both Google + Microsoft Edge. No idea what I am doing wrong...Any further thoughts, please?
Thanks for your patience with my reply. Make sure you're clicking on a line above the graphic, then hold and drag down to select the entire graphic. (Not just clicking on the image) It will be blue highlighted when selected. Then, either click the link icon or CMD+K (or CTRL+K) and paste your link in the web address box then click OK. If it's worked correctly, you can tap on the image and you will see the link show up at the bottom. I just double checked in my own gmail and it works properly for me so let me know if there is something else we're missing. I'm happy to help troubleshoot further.
Sorry for the delay in my reply, Teri! Did you get it to work? My suggestion would be to try dragging to select, if that makes sense. Versus clicking to select. Let me know and feel free to email me at melissazimmermannva@gmail.com if you are still stuck.
Great video. You mention you'll show how to change/add the name of the recipient but then don't do it - how do you do this please? I'm saving it as PNG and then *|FNAME|* comes up :( please help
Sorry Justin, just seeing this now. When using the Canva template in gmail, you will not be able to change the "FNAME" within the png unless doing it manually for each one. You COULD do a mail merge, within Gmail Streak, and have the person's name added in the email body, above the image. However, if you want it right in the newsletter, that will need to be done in a newsletter system like MailChimp or FloDesk.
Hey Melissa, sorry for the delay in my reply. I hope you've been able to figure it out since your comment but if not, send me an email can we can troubleshoot together.
Sorry, Ciara. I'm just seeing this now. We know that, with using this method, a click on the png in the email would open what you linked it to (in my suggestion, a PDF in your google drive) so maybe check the link you added to it?
Oh my gosh, thank you so much! I've been trying to figure this out for work. It makes so much sense once you describe the process, but I was stumped. Of course, I'd love the links in my newsletter to be directly clickable, but this is better than nothing.
So sorry for the delayed reply. This video is a bit on the old side now so the button name may have changed. You're just looking for the Share option and then grabbing the link that allows anyone with the link to view.
Hi. Great tutorial, thank you. However, the pdf did not work as well when tested. When I added the link, it required text to be displayed, so I added "September Newsletter." When I received the test file, you actually have to click on the "September newsletter" link or open the attached pdf file to utilize the workable links. If you click on the actual newsletter graphic it just opens the .png file. Did I do something wrong?
Hi Melissa, Your video was quite interesting....Well I would appreciate if you could let me know how to send a newsletter through an official email ID (not the gmail ID)...? Regards, Uday Padhye
Hi Uday -- sorry for the delay. Can you tell me more about what you mean by sending "through an official email ID"? Do you mean a different platform than Gmail?
Hi Melissa this is very helpful, thanks! The issue I'm having is around saving the PNG as one file (it's saving as multiple pages right now, not a combined image like in your template). Any thoughts on how to fix this? Does it have to be only one PNG doc?
Sorry, Giovana! Just seeing this now! To have it created as one, long graphic, you need to start with the Canva project as one file. I use approx 600 x 3000 px. Hope that helps!
Hi Melissa, thanks for your video. I have a question: how do you do in order to emded designs with a html codes? I tried it with gorgias extension but when I compose an email through the gmail, the desing can´t be viewed.
Sorry, I just am now seeing this comment! I'm not sure I understand the question? Can you send me an email and I can try to help: melissazimmermannva@gmail.com
Hi Tony, Thanks for your patience with my reply. Make sure you're clicking on a line above the graphic, then hold and drag down to select the entire graphic. (Not just clicking on the image) It will be blue highlighted when selected. Then, either click the link icon or CMD+K (or CTRL+K) and paste your link in the web address box then click OK. If it's worked correctly, you can tap on the image and you will see the link show up at the bottom. I just double checked in my own gmail and it works properly for me so let me know if there is something else we're missing. I'm happy to help troubleshoot further.
Don't HTML templates allow links in the actual email? Seems the extra step to go to the google drive version will throw people off - what's presented as a link (ex facebook icon) doesn't take the user to where the icon is communicating the user will go to.
An HTML template would be most ideal, of course. However, the vast majority of my clients (who this video was initially intended for) have no familiarity with HTML or using such within gmail. This is meant to be a work around "hack" for those not wanting to invest in a mail client yet.
This is generally helpful, thanks! I am using to send an eight-page newsletter I did in Canva. Everything works beautifully, for the most part. The only issue I've encountered is the .png is downloading out of Canva as individual pages (not a single file). The .pdf doesn't do this, only the .png. Is there a workaround for this? Thanks again!
Hi there! Glad it could help! Because PNG is a photo file format, it's always going to download as separate pages. Your work around would be to create it in one very long graphic OR to utilize PDF. However, of course, then it wouldn't work right in Gmail the same. Another option for newsletters of that size might be a mail client like FloDesk or MailChimp. (I have a discount code for FloDesk -- if you're interested, email me: melissazimmermannva@gmail.com. You can also try it free for 30 days!)
Unfortunately you can't :( For the newsletter, it's just one larger PNG canva file. (PS I follow you on IG and have some of your stickers on my water bottle!)
@@MelissaZimmermannVA Omg small world much! That is awesome! I was so stoked when I came across your vid haha :) I will check out the newsletter option! I was juts adding pages oops lol. Thanks for responding so quickly! You are awesome!
Hi Melissa, I appreciate your tutorial and did all of the steps, but gmail keeps saying "oops something went wrong" and check your network and not letting me send the email, even though I can send other emails and nothing appears to be wrong with the network. Do you have any advice on what might be going on or how to fix it so I can send this beauty out at last?
Hey Laine, sorry for the delay in my reply. I hope you've been able to figure it out since your comment. I'm not sure why it would be doing that. My advice would be to do the ol' close out of everything, clear cache & cookies, then try again.
This was so helpful, thank you. Do you have any tutorials about doing exactly this but embedding video? I tried the exact method with the mp4 but it wouldnt load and it popped up as a mp4 player and I was unable to scroll like a typical newletter.
Sorry for the delay! Unfortunately, in an email, you won't be able to embed a video. A free workaround would be uploading a screenshot of the video play screen and linking that to the actual video (that would be uploaded elsewhere, like Drive)
Hey Valeria, sorry for the delay in my reply. I hope you've been able to find a solution since you commented. If not, I would ask what the size is of your image, first.
@@pablodomenech1911 It's an image so you could see if changing the size & resolution of the PNG helps. However, ultimately, your best option for mobile responsiveness is to use a proper email marketing platform, like FloDesk.
Hey Ann, sorry for the delay in my reply. I'm not sure why it wouldn't show you a shareable link. You could try using the "Share" option instead and copy the link from there (making sure that you change the permissions from restricted to anyone with link) however, if you're using a Google suite from within a business with very high safeguards, that might be preventing you from sharing outside your organization.
When I tried to link the PDF it forced me to have text displayed - I couldn't link it with the PNG (even when I had the PNG clicked / highlighted). Any suggestions?
Shoot, sorry Cassie, I'm just seeing this now. Were you able to figure it out? If not, send me a DM on instagram (@melissazimmermannva) and I'll see if I can help you out!
this was not helpful i literally followed this video to an exact T and google says the PNG format is not supported. so not sure why everyone else had gotten results except me.
Hm, that's really strange. Maybe it was something in the file name of the png? It definitely still works for me. This may be something you need to contact Gmail Support for directly.
I'm sorry Ashley, I'm not sure! That seems strange. Did you find a solution? If not, feel free to email me at melissazimmermannva@gmail.com and I'll try and help you troubleshoot.
Hey Melissa! I loved your video and I loved how easy all this was however, I was trying to upload the PNG to my email that I was sending however, it was saying that the file was not supported, and I was wondering what I should do?
Hm that's strange. Make sure the file actually was saved as a .png and maybe try again? You could also clear your browser cache and give it another shot. If that doesn't work, I'd contact Gmail support. PNG files are absolutely supported.
Anyone else experiencing that the Mobile version is blurry? It looks super nice on the computer version - but doesnt at mob. I tried cropping in all the different versions - JPG, PNG. Same same. Dont want it as an attached PDF file. But directly in the mail when they open. Just created my own canvas in size, and then put in pictures and text. Very basic and simple. No links, videoes etc.
Hey Maria -- what size & resolution did you use for your graphic? It's possible that, because you're not using it as a PDF, some of the quality is being reduced. Maybe try saving the graphic as a PDF and doing a test send to see if that shows up as clear.
Hi Melissa! Thank you for this. However, I am having concerns as to why can't my newsletter be readable when using a mobile phone and also, the pdf with clickable links always appear as an attachment. I am wondering how can I optimize the newsletter so that it would appear to be friendly to all mobile devices. I am using a surface pro laptop btw. Thanks in advance for helping me out.
Sorry for the delay in my reply. Unfortunately, with this method you're essentially just adding a PNG graphic to the body of the email and linking it to a PDF version in a Google Drive (or similar cloud system). It's a free alternative to having to subscribe to an actual newsletter system so it won't be optimized for mobile readability. If you want to have an email newsletter that is mobile friendly, you'll need to subscribe to a system like FloDesk (check the video description for discount code to sign up). Regarding the PDF part -- go back through the video again. You're actually inserting an IMAGE and linking it to a PDF that is housed somewhere else. Hope this helps answer your questions!
Sorry for the delay in my reply. Unfortunately, with this method you're essentially just adding a PNG graphic to the body of the email and linking it to a PDF version in a Google Drive (or similar cloud system). It's a free alternative to having to subscribe to an actual newsletter system so it won't be optimized for mobile readability. If you want to have an email newsletter that is mobile friendly, you'll need to subscribe to a system like FloDesk (check the video description for discount code to sign up). Regarding the PDF part -- go back through the video again. You're actually inserting an IMAGE and linking it to a PDF that is housed somewhere else. Hope this helps answer your questions!
Hi Stephanie! Sorry for the delay! I haven't used Outlook for a number of years but you *should* be able to use it the same way -- inserting the .png file as a main line photo in the email and linking it to an externally hosted PDF version.
Hi, my VA is creating a template for a newsletter for me , where should I put it so I can access it? Then I will send it out to my data base which is in my crm
My understanding is that you will download both a PNG version and a PDF version of the template. Then you paste the PNG into the email and link it to the PDF. The reasoning it seems is that if your newsletter will have different links to different things in it, that it is far more difficult to do the linking to each of them right in the email. So you would have the PDF that has all the links embedded. Like she said, using the image in the email guarantees that no matter how the recipients open the email, it always looks the same. Then when they open the PDF (which may look different depending on how they access it) they can access and use the different links. Hope I haven't muddy the waters more for you.
Note: This video was created in 2020 and some functions have changed. For updated instructions to accompany the video, check out this blog post: www.melissazimmermannva.com/post/how-to-edit-a-canva-newsletter-template-and-insert-it-into-a-gmail-email
@MelissaZimmermannVA thank you so much. I was going to use constant contact, but I didn't feel it was very easy to use. I already have a canva pro account. I appreciate your help
Hello! I've tried this method and it does look nice on the PC but on the mobile phone app it looks super blurry and almost unreadable. ¿What can I do to fix that? Thanks in advance!
@@lancejones9320 FloDesk is a platform similar to Constant Contact but MUCH more user friendly.
@@pablodomenech1911 It's an image so you could see if changing the size & resolution of the PNG helps. However, ultimately, your best option for mobile responsiveness is to use a proper email marketing platform, like FloDesk.
You are a GODDESS. I literally waste 27hours trying to do these. Thank you soooo muchhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!.
Oh girl, I'm so glad it helped! You're so welcome!
same
Hi Melissa -- oh my gosh!!! Your video was a LIFESAVER. I spent about two hours trying to figure this out -- downloaded chrome extensions that didn't work, was fooling around with HTML under the "inspect" tab in the email, you name it, I did it. I was about ready to give up when I found your video. It works perfect for my purpose and I am SOOOOO grateful. I know the video is three years old, but just wanted you to know that it's still so valuable - thank you!! 💗
My reply is so delayed but YAY! I'm so glad this was helpful for you!
I've been panicking over canva not importing the links since an hour , thank YOU very very much for this, this was so helpful 😭💗
Omigosh I'm so glad this helped you!
You are awesome, your voice is attractive when you said 'oh boy ' it's really magnetic and makes me eager to see you. nice tutorial , thank you
hahaha random, but thanks? Glad you found the tutorial helpful.
TYSM Melissa, this was very helpful! I've always wondered how these email marketing templates are added to an email. I'm also glad you mentioned to use the png file instead of a large pdf print file.
Glad it was helpful!
thank you! this video helped me a lot!
I'm so glad, Donna! Thanks for leaving this note :)
I send our newsletter out every 6 months and I have watched this video every 6 months for the past 3 years haha :)
LOVE this! (Sorry for the reply delay)
Omgosh thank you sooooooo much!!!! Literally been up for hours trying to sort this out
You're so welcome!
Same!!! I've been up for days trying to figure out how to do this! Thanks so much!
girl- i have been looking for this answer for so long. thank god for you. blessings. blessings. blessings. wow.
So glad it could help!
You are BRILLIANT! No one else knows how to do this but you and you showed us who's boss! OMG I love it!! Yay!! Thank you so much for this video. I knew it was possible but didn't exactly know how to do it. Your step-by-step made it so easy. You are a blessing! Woo hoo!!
Good gawsh, friend! You sure made my day with this comment!! Sorry my reply is so delayed.
I'm glad it could help!!
THANK YOU SO SO SO MUCH!!!!! REALLY APPRECIATE IT !!! YAYYAYYAYAYYYY!!!
Oh you are so welcome! I'm glad to help!
Hi Melissa,
Aren’t you concerned about the spam filter being triggered because your email is a full length image?
Hi Emma! I haven't had an issue, however, I always build my email lists with organic connection before sending newsletters, so my email address is familiar to their inbox.
@@MelissaZimmermannVA Ok thanks.
Thanks! You're a business owner's dream!
Omigosh you're so sweet! You are welcome!
Thank you! This really helped me.
Oh I'm so glad!!
Thank you! I've been searching and searching for this type of easy to follow, to the point info!
Glad it was helpful!
Awesme Melissa!!
Thanks! Glad it was helpful!
thanks you saved me. after 1 hour of trying finally you helped me to find what I was looking for.
So glad it was useful for you!
Wowww... Wonderful. amazing. it is working perfectly. Thanks a Ton
Oh I'm so glad it was helpful!
thats it! thanks 4 real
You're so welcome! Glad I could help!
Hi Melissa, thank you so much for this!
You are so welcome! I'm glad it helped!
Wooow, thank you so much Melissa🥺🥺🥺😘😘😘👍👍👍
You're so welcome!
Girl! This is a great and super helpful video!!
Awesome! I'm so glad it helped you!
Thank you!!! Great help 😀
Glad it helped!
Thanks, that was helpful up to a point but the finished email shows the link to google drive, and the newsletter itself is only clickable if people first click the link. So the actual email is not live for clicks plus there's a clumsy-looking link.
Hi Rose, unfortunately within Gmail, this is the only way I've found to have a pretty newsletter that is clickable. I do include instructions for making it clickable without showing the link.
If you're looking for a different platform to send beautiful newsletters that have multiple clickable parts, I'd suggest a mail client like FloDesk or MailChimp. You can use my link for 30 days of free FloDesk and 50% off subscriptions if you'd like to try it out: flodesk.com/c/MZVA2020
Hi Melissa thank you. where are the instructions for getting rid of the link at the bottom of the page?Many thanks Sarah
@@MelissaZimmermannVA Thank you for your video. I do not see instructions for making the PNG clickable. When I upload the link to the PDF file it creates a link to the PDF file. The PNG file is not clickable only the link.
Thank you so much for this Melissa 😍
You're so welcome!
This helped me so much. Was like magic when it worked, thank you x
Yay! So glad it helped!
muchas gracias!!! 11 de noviembre 2021 desde Panama. muchisimas gracias
De nada. Feliz año nuevo desde Canadá.
You are literally the best! I was looking for a way to do this for so long and you made it so easy! Thank you so much
Aw you made my day! Glad I could help!!
Wow that was very helpful!
You are welcome!
Thank you for putting together such an excellent step by step method. Really useful.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you, thank you. This is so clear and helpful !
Awesome! I'm glad it helped!
Awesome!! Thank you! :)
You are so welcome!
Hey Melissa- thanks for the video! I was wondering if you could point me in the direct me to a tutorial (if you've done one or have the info) for creating this email using html code and the canva pdf?
Hi LaDonna! Sorry, I just am now seeing this comment! I'm not sure I full understand what you're looking to do. Can you send me an email and I can try to help: melissazimmermannva@gmail.com
Hey mate thanks a lot for sharing this pretty much helpful tutorial video. Cheers 🤓 🤟🏼 _...PA_ 💙
You're so welcome!
Thank you so, so much Melissa!
You're so welcome! Glad it could help!
Thank you so much for a very helpful video Melissa!
You're so welcome, Dhairya!
Thank you so much !
You are so welcome! Glad it could ehlp!
This is so helpful, thanks for making this tutorial!
So glad it could help you!
Thank you for the video, how do i retain the quality of my PNG?
You may just need to save it in a large enough size to retain quality when it's enlarged/sent. What size are you downloading the PNG in?
It’s not like I imagined, but it’s really helpful. Thank you
I really wish we had better functionality within email providers, like Gmail, but unfortunately, until that happens, this is our free work around. Of course, you could subscribe to a mail client like FloDesk and create a newsletter directly in there but it is not a free option.
Hi Melissa, thank you for posting. Is there a way for a hyperlink to go directly to a website rather than to the Google Drive PDF where it has to be clicked again before it goes over to website? I'm looking for any free option whether it Canva or another design system to send a promotional email with a link that goes directly to a website. Thank you so much. I really appreciate your help. 🙏🏼
My question as well. Do you have any solution to this, yet?
So sorry for the reply delay. You would just link the png graphic, that you're inserting into the email, to your website instead of the Google Drive PDF.
So sorry for the reply delay. You would just link the png graphic, that you're inserting into the email, to your website instead of the Google Drive PDF.
How did you save your Canva newsletter in one png? Currently, I have 4 separate pages.
Sorry Arpana, just seeing this now. You have to create the Canva graphic as one, large graphic. Approx 600 x 3000 px in size.
Very helpful. Thank you.
So glad I could help!
This was very helpful, thank you!!
You're so welcome, Morghan!
Hi Melissa - followed all your suggestions, however I'm struggling with a couple of aspects - the final email sent to my customers includes a pdf attachment; secondly when I click the PNG pic instead of taking me directly to my website, it's taking me to Google Drive where it opens the pdf copy, then I can click anywhere to get to my website! Could you please help me resolve these issues...much appreciated Audrey
Sorry for the delay, Audrey. The PDF shouldn't show as an attachment on the email at all as you're not attaching it. You're including the PNG as a graphic/photo and linking that png to wherever your PDF is hosted. If you have it hosted in Google Drive, that's where it will take them. If you have it hosted on your website, that's where it will take them. The PDF then has the multiple individual links in it. Hope that makes sense!
Hello! My newsletter is doing this exact thing.. now it’s 1:00 in the morning and I still can’t figure out how to fix it. PLEASE HELP!!!
Thank you so much for your help. It is just what I was looking for
Happy to help!
It seems like a lot of work to email it to them only to have them have to click somewhere to take them to another page to use the CTA buttons. Is there a video where I can embed the file into the email and the CTA buttons work right from the open email in front of them?
I would like to know this too.
Sorry for the delay, Amanda. Unfortunately, there is not a way to do that in a free email system like gmail. However, you can absolutely do that in a paid service like MailChimp or FloDesk. This tutorial is meant to be a sort of work-around in order to stay within gmail, which is free.
Sorry for the delay, Rose. Unfortunately, there is not a way to do that in a free email system like gmail. However, you can absolutely do that in a paid service like MailChimp or FloDesk. This tutorial is meant to be a sort of work-around in order to stay within gmail, which is free.
Well explained, So about the FNAME does that not change? Any suggestions on what we do about that?
For the purposes of the video, I left "FNAME" in there but, if wanting to change it with this method, it would need to be manually changed for each email.
If you want to use functionalities like that, you'd need to either use Google Streak and have a basic email OR a newsletter building platform like FloDesk.
This is a great solution! Thank you!
Very helpful thank you :)
You're welcome!
Woow Thank you very much for this tutorial. It's super helpful
Great! Glad it was helpful for you!
Hi Melissa, Using this approach can the email still be responsive so it will work properly on any viewing platform....desktop, tablet, phone?
Hey Barb, sorry for the delay in my reply. Yes, they should be just as much as any image added to gmail is.
Thank you!!!
You're so welcome!
Thank you Melissa!
You are welcome!
Hi Melissa thanks for sharing! I'm experiencing trouble when I put the link in the png, the link is added at the end of the image in the email, I have tried several times selecting the image, ctrl+K, adding the link, but it is added at the bottom then when people receive the file, it comes as a regular image with the link to the file in drive at the bottom line... not sure what am I doing wrong :(
Hmm, that's odd. I just triple checked and I'm still able to select the graphic and use cmd+K (mac) to link. Can you maybe try from a different browser? If it's still not working, feel free to email me: (melissazimmermannva gmail com) and we can maybe hop on a video chat to figure it out
@@MelissaZimmermannVA Hi Melissa and Andy Fit, First off, thank you for the tutorial. Unfortunately, I have the exactly same issue as Andy. The PNG file will not link to anything, which is odd. The only option is for a link below the picture (to the google drive pdf). Working on a windows with both Google + Microsoft Edge. No idea what I am doing wrong...Any further thoughts, please?
Thanks for your patience with my reply. Make sure you're clicking on a line above the graphic, then hold and drag down to select the entire graphic. (Not just clicking on the image) It will be blue highlighted when selected. Then, either click the link icon or CMD+K (or CTRL+K) and paste your link in the web address box then click OK. If it's worked correctly, you can tap on the image and you will see the link show up at the bottom.
I just double checked in my own gmail and it works properly for me so let me know if there is something else we're missing. I'm happy to help troubleshoot further.
I had the same problem! MELISSA!! This was the magic trick to make it work! THANK YOU!!!!@@MelissaZimmermannVA
Thank you so much.. this video helped me a lot.
So glad! You're welcome!
great video!
Thank you!
Problem - I click the image in the email, go to add link but then it unselects the image and just adds a link below the image????
Sorry for the delay in my reply, Teri! Did you get it to work? My suggestion would be to try dragging to select, if that makes sense. Versus clicking to select. Let me know and feel free to email me at melissazimmermannva@gmail.com if you are still stuck.
Great video. You mention you'll show how to change/add the name of the recipient but then don't do it - how do you do this please? I'm saving it as PNG and then *|FNAME|* comes up :( please help
Sorry Justin, just seeing this now. When using the Canva template in gmail, you will not be able to change the "FNAME" within the png unless doing it manually for each one. You COULD do a mail merge, within Gmail Streak, and have the person's name added in the email body, above the image. However, if you want it right in the newsletter, that will need to be done in a newsletter system like MailChimp or FloDesk.
My pdf file didn't have the "click sharable link" when I uploaded to google drive. Do you know why?
Hey Melissa, sorry for the delay in my reply. I hope you've been able to figure it out since your comment but if not, send me an email can we can troubleshoot together.
This helped so much! Thank you!
Glad it helped!
Thank you for this Melissa!
You're so welcome, Abigail!
Hi Melissa! I'm having trouble with the template sizing and formatting. what dimensions are these templates?
Sorry Erin, just seeing this now! I'm using approx 600 x 3000 px
What a coincidence that font is the one I just used for a logo
haha nice! Would love to see your logo! They're my favourite thing to create :D
It’s not working for me. Anytime a link is clicked, another window opens and says “png server cannot open…”.
Anyone have any advice!?
Sorry, Ciara. I'm just seeing this now. We know that, with using this method, a click on the png in the email would open what you linked it to (in my suggestion, a PDF in your google drive) so maybe check the link you added to it?
Very useful thanks!
You are so welcome!
Thank you soo much!!! This really helped me!!!!
So glad! You're so welcome!
Oh my gosh, thank you so much! I've been trying to figure this out for work. It makes so much sense once you describe the process, but I was stumped. Of course, I'd love the links in my newsletter to be directly clickable, but this is better than nothing.
So glad it helped! If you’re looking to step up the newsletter game, check out FloDesk. I linked a discount code in the description of this video!
This is a great video! Thanks for this tutorial. But what if you don't see the 'Get Sharable Link' option?
So sorry for the delayed reply. This video is a bit on the old side now so the button name may have changed. You're just looking for the Share option and then grabbing the link that allows anyone with the link to view.
Great information
Hello! Do you have the tutorial where you explain how to customize mass emails with a name???
Hi Marcela, I don’t but if you email me I can send you some instructions or a little video. melissazimmermannva@gmail.com
@@MelissaZimmermannVA May I also get that little instructive video?
Hi. Great tutorial, thank you. However, the pdf did not work as well when tested. When I added the link, it required text to be displayed, so I added "September Newsletter." When I received the test file, you actually have to click on the "September newsletter" link or open the attached pdf file to utilize the workable links. If you click on the actual newsletter graphic it just opens the .png file. Did I do something wrong?
It sounds like you may have done the steps backwards. The PNG goes into the email and links to a PDF housed elsewhere (like a Google Drive).
Hi Melissa,
Your video was quite interesting....Well I would appreciate if you could let me know how to send a newsletter through an official email ID (not the gmail ID)...?
Regards,
Uday Padhye
Hi Uday -- sorry for the delay. Can you tell me more about what you mean by sending "through an official email ID"? Do you mean a different platform than Gmail?
Hi Melissa this is very helpful, thanks! The issue I'm having is around saving the PNG as one file (it's saving as multiple pages right now, not a combined image like in your template). Any thoughts on how to fix this? Does it have to be only one PNG doc?
Sorry, Giovana! Just seeing this now!
To have it created as one, long graphic, you need to start with the Canva project as one file. I use approx 600 x 3000 px.
Hope that helps!
Hi Melissa, thanks for your video. I have a question: how do you do in order to emded designs with a html codes? I tried it with gorgias extension but when I compose an email through the gmail, the desing can´t be viewed.
Sorry, I just am now seeing this comment! I'm not sure I understand the question? Can you send me an email and I can try to help: melissazimmermannva@gmail.com
Thank you Melissa however the the link to the PDF file did not attach to the PNG. I have a PNG picture and a link at the bottom.
Hi Tony, Thanks for your patience with my reply. Make sure you're clicking on a line above the graphic, then hold and drag down to select the entire graphic. (Not just clicking on the image) It will be blue highlighted when selected. Then, either click the link icon or CMD+K (or CTRL+K) and paste your link in the web address box then click OK. If it's worked correctly, you can tap on the image and you will see the link show up at the bottom.
I just double checked in my own gmail and it works properly for me so let me know if there is something else we're missing. I'm happy to help troubleshoot further.
Don't HTML templates allow links in the actual email? Seems the extra step to go to the google drive version will throw people off - what's presented as a link (ex facebook icon) doesn't take the user to where the icon is communicating the user will go to.
An HTML template would be most ideal, of course. However, the vast majority of my clients (who this video was initially intended for) have no familiarity with HTML or using such within gmail. This is meant to be a work around "hack" for those not wanting to invest in a mail client yet.
Very helpful, thank you!
You're so welcome! Happy to help!
This is generally helpful, thanks! I am using to send an eight-page newsletter I did in Canva. Everything works beautifully, for the most part. The only issue I've encountered is the .png is downloading out of Canva as individual pages (not a single file). The .pdf doesn't do this, only the .png. Is there a workaround for this? Thanks again!
Hi there! Glad it could help! Because PNG is a photo file format, it's always going to download as separate pages. Your work around would be to create it in one very long graphic OR to utilize PDF. However, of course, then it wouldn't work right in Gmail the same. Another option for newsletters of that size might be a mail client like FloDesk or MailChimp. (I have a discount code for FloDesk -- if you're interested, email me: melissazimmermannva@gmail.com. You can also try it free for 30 days!)
How on earth do you download more than one page as a PNG without it being a zip file? I am so confused. lol Help please haha :)
Unfortunately you can't :( For the newsletter, it's just one larger PNG canva file. (PS I follow you on IG and have some of your stickers on my water bottle!)
@@MelissaZimmermannVA Omg small world much! That is awesome! I was so stoked when I came across your vid haha :) I will check out the newsletter option! I was juts adding pages oops lol. Thanks for responding so quickly! You are awesome!
I'm astounded that you can't export it as HTML from within Canva to just copy paste into Gmail with links - would be so good. There has to be a way...
Hi Melissa, I appreciate your tutorial and did all of the steps, but gmail keeps saying "oops something went wrong" and check your network and not letting me send the email, even though I can send other emails and nothing appears to be wrong with the network. Do you have any advice on what might be going on or how to fix it so I can send this beauty out at last?
Hey Laine, sorry for the delay in my reply. I hope you've been able to figure it out since your comment. I'm not sure why it would be doing that. My advice would be to do the ol' close out of everything, clear cache & cookies, then try again.
This is beautiful! Does it look great on mobile and on desktop?
Thanks!! As far as I've seen, yes!
Better in internet
Ummm... your welcome? lol
This was super helpful and easy to follow! Worked perfectly and was a trick I'm sure to use again. Thank you!
Yay!! So happy to hear that! Glad it helped!
This was so helpful, thank you. Do you have any tutorials about doing exactly this but embedding video? I tried the exact method with the mp4 but it wouldnt load and it popped up as a mp4 player and I was unable to scroll like a typical newletter.
Sorry for the delay! Unfortunately, in an email, you won't be able to embed a video.
A free workaround would be uploading a screenshot of the video play screen and linking that to the actual video (that would be uploaded elsewhere, like Drive)
hey melissa! Everything worked neautifully except when we open the email on mobile, the PNG image is blurry. Is there any way to fix this? thanks!
Hey Valeria, sorry for the delay in my reply. I hope you've been able to find a solution since you commented. If not, I would ask what the size is of your image, first.
@@MelissaZimmermannVA same thing is happening to me. Looks good in a PC but awfully blurry on a phone. What can I do?
@@pablodomenech1911 It's an image so you could see if changing the size & resolution of the PNG helps. However, ultimately, your best option for mobile responsiveness is to use a proper email marketing platform, like FloDesk.
Hey Melissa :) In my Google Drive I don´t have a Get Shareable Link. What do I do? Thank you
Hey Ann, sorry for the delay in my reply. I'm not sure why it wouldn't show you a shareable link. You could try using the "Share" option instead and copy the link from there (making sure that you change the permissions from restricted to anyone with link) however, if you're using a Google suite from within a business with very high safeguards, that might be preventing you from sharing outside your organization.
When I tried to link the PDF it forced me to have text displayed - I couldn't link it with the PNG (even when I had the PNG clicked / highlighted). Any suggestions?
Shoot, sorry Cassie, I'm just seeing this now. Were you able to figure it out? If not, send me a DM on instagram (@melissazimmermannva) and I'll see if I can help you out!
Hi!! I'm having the same problem. Any tips??
Thank you a lot! Gain so much time for working efficiently because of this video :)
Oh you are so welcome! I'm glad it's helped you have more time!
this was not helpful i literally followed this video to an exact T and google says the PNG format is not supported. so not sure why everyone else had gotten results except me.
Hm, that's really strange. Maybe it was something in the file name of the png? It definitely still works for me. This may be something you need to contact Gmail Support for directly.
Hi Dally, I wanted to follow up and see if you were able to find a solution for your PNG issue?
The links are working only on a desktop, but not on a mobile. Do you know why?
I'm sorry Ashley, I'm not sure! That seems strange. Did you find a solution? If not, feel free to email me at melissazimmermannva@gmail.com and I'll try and help you troubleshoot.
Hey Melissa! I loved your video and I loved how easy all this was however, I was trying to upload the PNG to my email that I was sending however, it was saying that the file was not supported, and I was wondering what I should do?
Hm that's strange. Make sure the file actually was saved as a .png and maybe try again? You could also clear your browser cache and give it another shot. If that doesn't work, I'd contact Gmail support. PNG files are absolutely supported.
@@MelissaZimmermannVA Thank you so much! And I will definitely try this! :)
Anyone else experiencing that the Mobile version is blurry? It looks super nice on the computer version - but doesnt at mob.
I tried cropping in all the different versions - JPG, PNG. Same same. Dont want it as an attached PDF file. But directly in the mail when they open.
Just created my own canvas in size, and then put in pictures and text. Very basic and simple. No links, videoes etc.
Hey Maria -- what size & resolution did you use for your graphic? It's possible that, because you're not using it as a PDF, some of the quality is being reduced. Maybe try saving the graphic as a PDF and doing a test send to see if that shows up as clear.
Hi Melissa! Thank you for this. However, I am having concerns as to why can't my newsletter be readable when using a mobile phone and also, the pdf with clickable links always appear as an attachment. I am wondering how can I optimize the newsletter so that it would appear to be friendly to all mobile devices. I am using a surface pro laptop btw. Thanks in advance for helping me out.
I have the same problem
Sorry for the delay in my reply. Unfortunately, with this method you're essentially just adding a PNG graphic to the body of the email and linking it to a PDF version in a Google Drive (or similar cloud system). It's a free alternative to having to subscribe to an actual newsletter system so it won't be optimized for mobile readability. If you want to have an email newsletter that is mobile friendly, you'll need to subscribe to a system like FloDesk (check the video description for discount code to sign up).
Regarding the PDF part -- go back through the video again. You're actually inserting an IMAGE and linking it to a PDF that is housed somewhere else.
Hope this helps answer your questions!
Sorry for the delay in my reply. Unfortunately, with this method you're essentially just adding a PNG graphic to the body of the email and linking it to a PDF version in a Google Drive (or similar cloud system). It's a free alternative to having to subscribe to an actual newsletter system so it won't be optimized for mobile readability. If you want to have an email newsletter that is mobile friendly, you'll need to subscribe to a system like FloDesk (check the video description for discount code to sign up).
Regarding the PDF part -- go back through the video again. You're actually inserting an IMAGE and linking it to a PDF that is housed somewhere else.
Hope this helps answer your questions!
Is there anyway to add a Canva newsletter into Outlook?
Hi Stephanie! Sorry for the delay! I haven't used Outlook for a number of years but you *should* be able to use it the same way -- inserting the .png file as a main line photo in the email and linking it to an externally hosted PDF version.
Noo...i need to be able to have people to click the link IN the email..ugh
Hi Lea! Your best option, then, is to seek out a mail client like FloDesk or MailChimp.
Hi, my VA is creating a template for a newsletter for me , where should I put it so I can access it? Then I will send it out to my data base which is in my crm
Hi I have a doubt... you suggested to download a PDF. But while uploading you said png. Can you clarify please.
My understanding is that you will download both a PNG version and a PDF version of the template. Then you paste the PNG into the email and link it to the PDF. The reasoning it seems is that if your newsletter will have different links to different things in it, that it is far more difficult to do the linking to each of them right in the email. So you would have the PDF that has all the links embedded. Like she said, using the image in the email guarantees that no matter how the recipients open the email, it always looks the same. Then when they open the PDF (which may look different depending on how they access it) they can access and use the different links. Hope I haven't muddy the waters more for you.
Sorry for the delay! Gator Growl's response is exactly right!
@@gatorgrowl7325 Thanks so much! I missed this comment originally and you answered perfectly!