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How Do I Set Up a Newsletter on Squarespace?

Setting up a newsletter on Squarespace can be a straightforward process, but it involves several steps to ensure that you have everything configured correctly. Below are detailed instructions to help you get started:

1. Sign Up for an Email Campaigns Plan

  1. Login to Squarespace: Access your Squarespace account.
  2. Navigate to Email Campaigns: Click on "Marketing" in the left-hand side menu, then select “Email Campaigns.”
  3. Select a Plan: Choose an email campaigns plan that fits your needs. Squarespace offers various plans, ranging from personal use to advanced business features.

2. Collect Email Subscribers

To send newsletters, you need subscribers. Here’s how to collect email addresses:

  1. Create a Form:
  2. Go to the page where you want to add the form.
  3. Click on an insertion point and select “Form” from the block menu.
  4. Name your form (such as "Newsletter Signup").
  5. Customize the form fields (e.g., Name, Email). The email field should be mandatory.

  6. Under “Storage,” connect the form to an email marketing service (Mailchimp, Google Sheets) or directly to Squarespace Email Campaigns.

  7. Add the Form to Your Site:

  8. Place the form in a prominent location - such as the homepage, footer, or a dedicated landing page.

3. Create a Mailing List

Organize your subscribers into a mailing list:

  1. Access Your Mailing List:
  2. Go to “Marketing,” then click on “Email Campaigns.”
  3. Navigate to “Mailing Lists” and click on “Create a Mailing List.”
  4. Name and Configure the List:
  5. Give your mailing list a name (e.g., “Monthly Newsletter Subscribers”).
  6. Import any existing contacts if applicable. You can upload a CSV file with your subscriber data.

4. Design Your Newsletter

Time to create the content and design for your newsletter:

  1. Navigate to Campaigns:
  2. Go to “Marketing,” then select “Email Campaigns.”
  3. Click on “Campaigns,” then “Create” to start a new email campaign.
  4. Choose a Template:
  5. Squarespace provides various templates. Choose one that aligns with your brand’s aesthetic.
  6. Customize the Template:
  7. Add your logo, brand colors, and other design elements.
  8. Insert text, images, links, buttons, and other content blocks.
  9. Use the drag-and-drop editor to rearrange elements as needed.

5. Add Content

Craft engaging content for your subscribers:

  1. Write Compelling Headlines:
  2. Start with attention-grabbing headlines to entice readers.
  3. Personalize the Content:
  4. Personalize the email, if possible, using merge tags (e.g., [First Name]).
  5. Include CTA (Call to Action):
  6. Have clear and compelling CTAs, such as “Read More,” “Shop Now,” or “Join Us.”
  7. Proofread:
  8. Double-check for spelling and grammatical errors.
  9. Test all links to ensure they work.

6. Preview and Test

Before sending your newsletter:

  1. Preview:
  2. Use the preview option to see how your email will appear on both desktop and mobile devices.
  3. Send a Test Email:
  4. Send a test email to yourself or a colleague to ensure everything looks good and works as expected.

7. Send Your Newsletter

Once you are satisfied:

  1. Select Your Mailing List:
  2. Choose the mailing list you created earlier.
  3. Schedule or Send Immediately:
  4. Decide whether to send the email immediately or schedule it for a later date and time.
  5. Click on “Send” or “Schedule” accordingly.

8. Monitor and Analyze

After your newsletter is sent, monitor its performance:

  1. Access Analytics:
  2. Go to “Marketing,” then “Email Campaigns,” and navigate to “Campaigns.”
  3. Click on the specific campaign to view its analytics.
  4. Track Performance:
  5. Monitor metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, unsubscribes, and bounces.
  6. Use this data to refine future newsletters.

Considerations and Limitations

  • Compliance: Ensure your sign-up form and email campaigns comply with legal requirements such as GDPR and CAN-SPAM legislation.
  • Spam Filters: Avoid spammy language and adhere to best practices to ensure your emails reach the inbox.
  • Template Limits: While Squarespace offers customizable templates, you may find them less flexible than using an advanced email marketing platform.
  • Subscriber Limits: Be aware of your plan’s subscriber and email send limits to avoid additional charges.

By following these steps, you can effectively set up and manage a newsletter on Squarespace, helping you engage with and grow your audience.