Choose a standard template

Choose your custom-branded template

1. Choose a template
First, choose the standard template you would like to use and click "Continue." Or, if you'd like to brand your welcome letter similar to your e-newsletter or
e-card (which we recommend) click "Continue" without choosing a template. Then, in the rich text editor, click on the red "Template Library" button on the far right and select your template from the "Custom Templates" drop-down menu.

2. Create the HTML version of your welcome letter
Now you can create the HTML version of your welcome letter using the rich text editor. You may write copy, create hyperlinks and insert images just as if you were creating a new message.

3. Create AOL and plain text versions
After you finish with the HTML version, you'll need to create AOL and plain text versions of your welcome letter. Remember, you cannot include images in the AOL or plain text formats. Click "Continue" to go to the AOL screen. Rather than re-writing your text, just click on the "Overwrite" button that looks like this:
This will automatically take the text from your HTML version and flow it into your AOL version. You will still need to format the text so it looks presentable. Do the same for the plain text version. (Quick tip: For the plain text version, it's easiest just to copy and paste your "tweaked" copy from the AOL version.)

Welcome letter options

4. Set your welcome letter options
The next step is setting your welcome letter options. First, decide whether to send the welcome letter immediately after your subscriber confirms the subscription or delay the message until the following day. Then, select "Enable the Welcome Letter," choose a subject line and type in the "From" and "Reply" e-mail addresses. These should be the same ones you use for your e-newsletters and e-cards. Click "Continue" to save your work and activate your welcome letter. (Note: At any time, you may return to Step 4 and disable your welcome letter.)

You are on your way to making a great first impression.