Sending emails out of Microsoft Dynamics CRM is something a lot of CRM users do daily. Since sending emails is an integral part of most users' days, it makes sense that CRM emails should have the capability to easily make the email messages look slick and modern using HTML and not just plain-text, right? – Not entirely. The out-of-box email message in Microsoft Dynamics CRM has limited design capabilities. If users are looking to send plain-text emails out of CRM, then they can easily create and send that email from CRM. But what if that isn't your cup of tea and you want your emails to be a little more pleasing to the eye? No problem! All you'll need is a MailChimp account and you'll be able to create a CRM email message with a beautiful, HTML rich design. If you're already using PowerObjects' bulk email integration into Dynamics CRM – PowerMailChimp – then you already have a MailChimp account. Otherwise, visit MailChimp directly to create your account.
Using MailChimp Templates to create HTML-rich CRM Email Messages
-
First, log into your Microsoft Dynamics CRM and go to the email message you would like to edit. This could be an individual email message, an email that's sent through a workflow, or even an email template.
-
Then, log into your MailChimp account and go into your templates area and create a new email template.
-
MailChimp offers lots of great email templates to choose from. You can choose from pre-designed email templates, or start with a basic template and design it yourself!
-
Once you've chosen an email template to start with, use MailChimp's super handy drag-and-drop editor to design the templates, and customize the content of your email.
-
Once you are satisfied with the email message, then get ready to copy and paste this email template into your CRM email message. First, save your email template. Then click on Preview and Test. Choose to either enter preview mode, or send a test email.
-
If you choose enter preview mode, you will be directed to a new window that will read test preview mode on the top left of your screen, next to the MailChimp icon. From this window, simply select the entire email template (or just the content you want for your email template) and copy the email and template by holding down (CRTL + C) on your keyboard.
Note: MailChimp automatically includes things like "view email in your browser" and an unsubscribe link in the header and footer of the email. If you are using this template inside of a CRM email template, you will want to make sure NOT to include these pieces in your highlighted selection.
-
If you choose send a test email, a popup will appear on your screen. Type in the email address you want the test email to be sent to and click "send test". Once the test has been sent, open the email and copy the email template, again remembering that MailChimp automatically includes things like "view email in your browser" and an unsubscribe link in the header and footer of the email. If you are using this template inside of a CRM email template, you will want to make sure NOT to include these pieces in your highlighted selection. If your mouse can't help but to highlight those values, then do not worry – there is an easy way to get rid of those pieces once you paste it into your email message, which I will go into detail in the next step.
-
After you are done copying the email template, navigate to the email message in your CRM. Click within the body of the email and paste (CTRL + V) the email template:
If you had highlighted those pieces with view email in your browser and other unnecessary information, simply go into the email message that you just pasted, highlight just those pieces, and press "delete." That should get rid of that information and you'll be left with an awesome email message.
- You can then continue to edit the body of the email in CRM without affecting the email template design. You can also choose to use CRM's dynamic field editor (if creating an email template or a workflow email) to automatically insert information about the record the email is being sent to. Once you are satisfied with your email, save the email and you're ready to send! Remember to test your email before you send it out, to make sure that the formatting looks just as great in your own inbox as it does in the email message inside of CRM.
Now you can easily send good-looking, HTML rich email messages from CRM! If you're looking to send bulk emails out of CRM, check out PowerObjects' PowerMailChimp add-on.
Happy CRM'ing!
hi joe, this looks a neat way of creating HTML based emails. our issue here though is that when we've tried this in the past CRM (2011 RU13 - on premise) the email template throws the formatting out of the window. it was like CRM was applying its on defualt settings that through off spacing and fonts (stuff appearing in Times New Roman for example, despite the saved template being in Verdana). will thrying this help or do we have a bigger issue here? i have tried to scope an answer on line for this but with no joy. cheers by the way, power objects has been my go to crm website since i started working with the product in March. all the best, thom.