Customised Mass Emails

[Wonga]

I have a number of new users that I have recently signed up to my forum (agreed in person to be signed up and gave me email) however I need to inform them all of their new user and password.

I have all the users, passwords and emails stored in an excel file. What's the best way of sending a mass email to all emails with customised user and password info (mail merge???).

I normally use Thunderbird but also have Outlook. I am hoping I can import this using a csv file or similar?

Never had to send out this many emails before (400).

Thanks.

 

[mpbtech]

Maybe over kill but this one works.

http://www.fairlogic.com/worldcast/index.shtml

 

[scottishmovies]

I think if you save your file as a CSV and import it into Outlook, you can then detemine where it saves them ie in Contacts. And then just generate your email from there? I know it'll work with Outlook 2007 - not sure about other versions.

I've not done it with 400 but I'm sure it can be done.

HTH
Pat

 

[wecandobiz]

We have an email marketing system within the CRM we offer which would do this and enable you to make the emails look good too.

This page has a video of what the CRM system offers (below point 8).

Our starter pack membership would give you all you need to do it (£23).

 

[garyk]

mailchimp.com

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

Wonga,

what forum software do you use?

Many of them should have a native email facility or bolt-on.

If not, look at changing software, as orum software that connot grow is possible going to cost you a LOT more in the long run.

 

[mountrecruitment]

I agree re Mailchimp - easy to use and good analytics

 

[FreelanceSoftwareDeveloper]

Make sure you run a test first using a few of your own email addresses with dummy data in the same file format. It's not something you want to go wrong!

 

[Wonga]

I've got it all sorted now. Thank you for all the recommendations, much appreciated.

 

[mit74]

youre storing usernames and password in an excel file? please say it's all encrypted!!!!!!!!!

 

[Posilan]

youre storing usernames and password in an excel file? please say it's all encrypted!!!!!!!!!

however I need to inform them all of their new user and password.

I wouldn't have thought so if emailing the passwords to them - If that's the case, the storage of passwords in plain text would be the least of the issue

To the OP (Wonga) - you are best to email a one use hash to the client that they can use to access an SSL web server, then it emails back a temp password that they have to change on first login.

Steve

 

[Wonga]

youre storing usernames and password in an excel file? please say it's all encrypted!!!!!!!!!

Don't panic, it's just a temporary password that must be changed once the user logs on for the first time. They also need to verify the account with their email.

I wouldn't have thought so if emailing the passwords to them - If that's the case, the storage of passwords in plain text would be the least of the issue

To the OP (Wonga) - you are best to email a one use hash to the client that they can use to access an SSL web server, then it emails back a temp password that they have to change on first login.

Steve

Thanks Steve, got it all sorted now but appreciate your reply.