Members - Setting up your Team

This step-by-step guide will help you set up your Smore account to streamline communication effectively. Whether your school or district has asked you to use pre-set or branded templates, sending consistent, well-structured messages will improve engagement and strengthen your connection with the community.

 🗂️ Step 1: Create Folders to Organize Your Newsletters 

Create an archive of all your newsletters to keep track of your engagement rates by organizing your newsletters into different folders. 

To create folders, click on Newsletters in the Navigation bar and select +New folder. Add the folder’s name, and click Create.

💡 Pro tip: Use clear, specific folder names so that when folders are shared with your team, colleagues can quickly recognize the ones they need.

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 📑 Step 2: Create Set Templates for Each Newsletter Folder 

Streamline your communication to boost engagement by creating a branded template that you can duplicate for each newsletter. Over time, your audience will recognize the consistent look and know exactly what to expect.

To access the Editor, click the orange Start a Newsletter button. From there, choose a basic template and begin editing. (All sections of the basic templates are fully customizable.) You’ll also see a list of your recent newsletters for quick access.

When you’re in the Editor, you can start customizing your newsletter to match your brand guidelines and mission. Now that you are ready to create a newsletter, the editor view will allow you to do the following: 

1. Add your organization logo/mascot.
2. Use the drop-down menu to choose a design option.
3. Click on Backgrounds, Colors, or Fonts and select an option you like.
4. Use the Add Content section to enhance the visuals, increase versatility, and boost engagement in your newsletter.
5. If you wish to include a Table of Contents, turn the toggle on.
6. Begin listing out the titles in your Table of Contents. 

Personalize your header by hovering your cursor over the header section and clicking Edit.

Click on Title under the + Add content box and then select where you want to add it. This will guide your team on what information to include in their newsletter.

When the Table of Contents is toggled on, your Titles will automatically appear on the left.

💡 Pro Tips:

• To save the newsletter template, click Publish. Make sure to do this every time before leaving Smore.

  

• If your school or district hasn’t provided specific guidelines, create a personal brand that reflects your mission and values. This helps readers recognize your newsletters in their inbox and can improve open rates.

• After publishing your newsletter, click Preview to get a full overview before adding any additional content.

  

This is an Empty Template:

VS a Customized Template: 

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📨 Step 3: Place Your Template in the Right Folder

Once your templates are ready, place them in the correct Template Folder so your staff can easily access them.

On your My Newsletters page, hover over any newsletter and select Add to Folder. Then, choose the folder name from the dropdown menu and click Add to Folder.

💡 Pro Tip: 

Newsletters can be added to multiple folders at once. For example, place one in your team folder for collaboration and in the appropriate template folder for duplication.

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📂 Step 4: Open a Set Template

Save time and streamline communication by duplicating branded templates created by you, your school, or your district.

Go to your newsletters via the Navigation Bar and open the correct folder. Hover over the template you need, click the Options button, and select Duplicate.

The newsletter will be copied into your library, where you can begin editing and customizing it for your audience.

When duplicating a template from a Shared Folder, your permissions determine what actions you can take. (Not sure what a Shared Folder is? See Step 5.)

• Viewer Permissions – You can view or duplicate newsletters.
• Editor Permissions – In addition to viewing and duplicating, you can also edit newsletters in the folder.

💡 Pro Tip:  

Add the newsletter back to the correct folder before editing to ensure it remains accessible to everyone who needs it.

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🔄 Step 5: Create Shared Folders to Share Templates and Collaborate with Colleagues

Send consistent newsletters more efficiently, and with less back-and-forth—by creating Shared Folders with your colleagues.

To create a Shared Folder, go to your Newsletters tab and click + New Folder.

Add colleagues by clicking Share this folder, then search for their name in the dropdown menu.

In the dropdown next to each member’s name, select the permission level you want to assign.

To allow them to edit master copies, choose Editor. (Editors can view, duplicate, and edit newsletters in the folder.)

When finished, click Done.

💡 Pro Tip:  

If you only want colleagues to view and duplicate newsletters, assign them as a Viewer. Viewers cannot edit the master copy.

Click here to return to the main page. 

Need more help? Reach out to [e-mail]!