A recent Google update has added two new features in Gmail for sending branded emails. The first feature is the Gmail Layout tool that includes a number of predefined email templates that are easy to use and customize. The second feature is the Gmail multi-send tool, which is not enabled on our University accounts for sending to external recipients. While these new features will not replace Extension’s use of Salesforce Marketing Cloud or Smore for sending newsletters or mass emails, they can be used for other communication purposes.
Using Gmail layouts
The new layouts option allows you to select from a set of predefined email templates and customize them with Extension brand colors, the Extension wordmark, images, buttons, links and footer text. You can change the settings to always use Extension brand colors and the wordmark when you select a template. Here are the guidelines for Extension branding.Customize templates with Extension brand colors
To access the layouts feature, you need to start a new email in Gmail by clicking the Compose button on your Gmail home screen.You’ll see two new icons on the bottom menu. Click layouts.
Click Default Styling in the bottom left corner of the layouts window:
There are three different categories for customizing the design of the template: Logo, colors and fonts; Footer details; and Links.
Step 1: Add the Extension Wordmark
NOTE: Extension Wordmarks can be found on the Extension Intranet under Communications. Download the wordmark from the intranet to your computer.Click Upload a logo and select the wordmark from your computer.
Step 2: Add Extension colors
1. Click on the HEX code below “Choose your color palette”
2. Click the + at the bottom of the palette to add a custom color
3. Add the Hex number for one of the primary Extension color(s). Do not use any other colors. Click Save after adding the color:
Maroon: #7a0019
Gold: #ffcc33
Step 3: Add a footer
On the left, click Footer details.Insert the Extension footer with the correct year and phone number for your Center/Unit (see Extension core brand elements).
Step 4: Links
Add links that are most appropriate for your communications. Choose from email, website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.Working with layouts
After you have updated your default styling, you can select a layout to insert into your email.
- You can add text and images or remove sections you don’t want.
- If you include a button, make sure you set a link for the button.
- If you add images, include alt text in case an image is not rendered. Alt text also helps people who use screen readers better understand your email.
- To change an image in an email template:
- Click the image > Change image
- Select an image and crop the image as needed
- Click Insert
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