how to mail merge using gmail, google apps and google docs / drive

21
MAIL MERGE with Gmail and Google Drive CREATE A KENNY JAHNG

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Page 1: How to Mail Merge using Gmail, Google Apps and Google Docs / Drive

MAIL MERGEwith Gmail and Google Drive

CREATE A

KENNY JAHNG

Page 2: How to Mail Merge using Gmail, Google Apps and Google Docs / Drive

Kenny Jahng is the founder of Big Click Syndicate LLC, which helps

non-profit, cause-related and faith-based organizations use digital and social

media strategies to curate conversations and cultivate community online.

Connect with Kenny via @kennyjahng or visit www.kennyjahng.com

Page 3: How to Mail Merge using Gmail, Google Apps and Google Docs / Drive

INTRODear friend,

Hi there. Everyone knows how awesome Google Apps and Gmail can be for personal email communications. But for messaging a list or larger groups, I've always defaulted to using platforms like MailChimp or Infusionsoft**. The problem is using those email marketing services can't replace the one-to-one feel of a direct email (inevitably some people notice the footer junk you need to include like unsubscribe links, address, etc).

But one of the super powers I've discovered in the last year is to learn how to use mail merge capabilities with Gmail Yup, you heard that right! Gmail allows you to mail merge using variables from a spreadsheet list. Now, I can send ultra personalized emails one-to-one for a whole list of people all at once.

This ebook shares how to do on your own with a step-by-step guide so that you can utilize this advanced messaging tactic too. Enjoy.

To your success,

Kenny Jahng@kennyjahng

** If you've never seen the beauty of InfusionSoft, be sure to check out www.bit.ly/demoinfusionsoft -- It's my weapon of choice in executing super advanced lead nurturing email strategies.

Page 4: How to Mail Merge using Gmail, Google Apps and Google Docs / Drive

1.

MAIL MERGE with Gmail and Google DriveCreate a KENNY JAHNG

Log into your Gmail.

Page 5: How to Mail Merge using Gmail, Google Apps and Google Docs / Drive

Dear friend,

Hi there. Everyone knows how awesome Google Apps and Gmail can be for personal email communications. But for messaging a list or larger groups, I've always defaulted to using platforms like MailChimp or Infusionsoft**. The problem is using those email marketing services can't replace the one-to-one feel of a direct email (inevitably some people notice the footer junk you need to include like unsubscribe links, address, etc).

But one of the super powers I've discovered in the last year is to learn how to use mail merge capabilities with Gmail Yup, you heard that right! Gmail allows you to mail merge using variables from a spreadsheet list. Now, I can send ultra personalized emails one-to-one for a whole list of people all at once.

This ebook shares how to do on your own with a step-by-step guide so that you can utilize this advanced messaging tactic too. Enjoy.

To your success,

Kenny Jahng@kennyjahng

2.

MAIL MERGE with Gmail and Google DriveCreate a KENNY JAHNG

Proceed to open the Google Drive application and create a spreadsheet by clicking on the large red button titled “Create” then select spreadsheet.

Page 6: How to Mail Merge using Gmail, Google Apps and Google Docs / Drive

3.

MAIL MERGE with Gmail and Google DriveCreate a KENNY JAHNG

Name your new spreadsheet prior to inputting any information (Google Drive will automatically save your document as you go.)

Page 7: How to Mail Merge using Gmail, Google Apps and Google Docs / Drive

4.

MAIL MERGE with Gmail and Google DriveCreate a KENNY JAHNG

After you have named your new spreadsheet, proceed to titling each column heading with the field name that you will use in your mail merge. (i.e. First Name, Email Address…)

Page 8: How to Mail Merge using Gmail, Google Apps and Google Docs / Drive

5.

MAIL MERGE with Gmail and Google DriveCreate a KENNY JAHNG

Once you have created your column headings, continue to fill in the information accordingly with the data you will use.

Page 9: How to Mail Merge using Gmail, Google Apps and Google Docs / Drive

6.

MAIL MERGE with Gmail and Google DriveCreate a KENNY JAHNG

If you already have a spreadsheet created, you can upload it to your Google drive by clicking on the red button with the arrow pointing upward, which is found next to the red “Create” button. Then select the appropriate file for uploading.

Click on the red arrow button to upload your file

Page 10: How to Mail Merge using Gmail, Google Apps and Google Docs / Drive

7.

MAIL MERGE with Gmail and Google DriveCreate a KENNY JAHNG

You will continue by clicking on the menu button “Add-ons” and download the one titled “Yet Another Mail Merge” it will then ask you to accept the terms listed. Click on the accept button. The mail merge script will then be available for you to use as you seehere in the screenshot below.

Page 11: How to Mail Merge using Gmail, Google Apps and Google Docs / Drive

8.

MAIL MERGE with Gmail and Google DriveCreate a KENNY JAHNG

Before you can run the mail merge, you need to create a new email message that will besent to your selected contacts.

Page 12: How to Mail Merge using Gmail, Google Apps and Google Docs / Drive

9.

MAIL MERGE with Gmail and Google DriveCreate a KENNY JAHNG

When you compose your draft email, leave the “To” field blank unless, you would like to include a perma-nent CC or BCC email address. You may add any desired attachments at this time.

Page 13: How to Mail Merge using Gmail, Google Apps and Google Docs / Drive

10.

MAIL MERGE with Gmail and Google DriveCreate a KENNY JAHNG

Title your subject line whatever you desire. You can also use any data from your mail merge in the subject line of your email (i.e. Hello John). You would get this in your completed mail merge by inserting the information in the subject line as Your meeting with $%Executive Name%. Be sure to use the dollar sign and the percentage signs as seen, otherwise it will not work.

Page 14: How to Mail Merge using Gmail, Google Apps and Google Docs / Drive

11.

MAIL MERGE with Gmail and Google DriveCreate a KENNY JAHNG

Any time you use a data field from your spreadsheet it will need to begin with the $% the exact name of the column heading of your choice followed by another % sign.

Page 15: How to Mail Merge using Gmail, Google Apps and Google Docs / Drive

12.

MAIL MERGE with Gmail and Google DriveCreate a KENNY JAHNG

Continue to compose your email and insert the data fields as needed. Save as a draft.

Page 16: How to Mail Merge using Gmail, Google Apps and Google Docs / Drive

13.

MAIL MERGE with Gmail and Google DriveCreate a KENNY JAHNG

Go back to your spreadsheet on Google Drive and click on the “Add-on” menu button where you will then see your “Yet another mail merge” script option appear. Select the “start mail merge” option.

Page 17: How to Mail Merge using Gmail, Google Apps and Google Docs / Drive

14.

MAIL MERGE with Gmail and Google DriveCreate a KENNY JAHNG

The title of the draft that you created should automatically populate in the dialogue box. Complete the “Sender name” field and select one of the options listed. You can choose to send yourself a test email prior to sending out all of the merged emails.

Page 18: How to Mail Merge using Gmail, Google Apps and Google Docs / Drive

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MAIL MERGE with Gmail and Google DriveCreate a KENNY JAHNG

Once you click on the blue “Send emails” button, your mail merge will be completed and the emails will all be sent out.

Page 19: How to Mail Merge using Gmail, Google Apps and Google Docs / Drive

16.

MAIL MERGE with Gmail and Google DriveCreate a KENNY JAHNG

You will notice that your spreadsheet will automatically show a new column heading “Merge status” which will inform you that the contact received the email.

Page 20: How to Mail Merge using Gmail, Google Apps and Google Docs / Drive

17.

MAIL MERGE with Gmail and Google DriveCreate a KENNY JAHNG

You can continue to use the same spreadsheet of information for future mail merge emails. You will just have to delete the “Merge status” column prior to sending out the emails. Otherwise, you will not be able to complete and send the mail merge because itshows that it has already been done.

Page 21: How to Mail Merge using Gmail, Google Apps and Google Docs / Drive

This eBook brought to you by Big Click Syndicate LLC

If you need assistance with strategic marketing, donor development and social media communications, contact Kenny Jahng, founder of BCS at [email protected]

or visit www.bigclicksyndicate.com

GO NOW & USE YOUR GMAIL SUPER POWERS