Sending emails with attachments makes your emails more information-rich and more valuable for your customers. If you’re using mail merge for your marketing, you could enhance the efficacy of your efforts by sending your emails with attachments.
In this post, we’ll teach you how to add an attachment to a mail merge. We’ll show you the step-by-step process, and then we’ll also talk about some best practices for adding attachments to mail merge. Ready to learn? Let’s begin!
How to include an attachment in a mail merge
Step 1: Download a mail merge solution
The most critical component of this whole operation is the mail merge software. Whatever your preferences, ensure that the software is easy to use and works well with your preferred platforms. That’s what helps in the long run, which is why we recommend working with YAMM.
YAMM is an easy-to-use Gmail add-on. This means it allows you to send personalized mass messages right from Gmail. There’s a minimal learning curve, which saves you time and effort.
It’s also one of the most loved and highly rated mail merge tools on the Google Workspace marketplace. Download YAMM to see why for yourself.
Step 2: Create an email template in Gmail
Before you start making a template, you have to ensure you’ve enabled templates under your Gmail settings.
To do this, simply open the Gmail settings. It’s the gear icon. Then, under the “Advanced” tab, check that templates are “Enabled.” Now, it’s time to start making a template in Gmail.
It’s very easy to make a template. You simply compose a new email and write your message. To turn this new message into a saved template, you have to store it as a template. However, there’s one more thing to do before you save it.
Step 3: Include the attachment
Once you’ve created an email in Gmail, before saving the email as a template, you have to include the attachment.
To do this, click the “Attach files” button in the menu at the bottom of the email.
Include your attachment. If you’ve done it successfully, the attachment's name will be displayed at the foot of the email. Now, save this message as a template for the next step.
To do this, click on the three dots at the bottom of the message. Select “Templates” and then select “Save as a new template.”
Give your template an appropriate name. This will help you find it later in your templates, and then click “Save.”
Step 4: Use that template for your mail merge
Now that everything is in place, you can start the mail merge. To start a mail merge, open a new blank sheet in your Google Sheets.
Now, click “Extensions.” If you’ve successfully added YAMM as an add-on, it’ll show under the extensions. Select it and then “Start mail merge.”
YAMM is going to prompt you to “Add emails yourself” or “Import Google Contacts.” Let’s pick “Import Google Contacts” for this tutorial. Go through the prompts.
Once your contacts have been imported, YAMM will prompt you to “Start Mail Merge.”
All that’s left to do is input the sender’s name and choose the email template you saved in Step 3. Then, click “Send emails” to send your emails with attachments. With that, your mail merge with the attachment is done!
Best practices for adding attachments to a mail merge
Always mention the attachment in the email body
Incorporating attachments into a mail merge is efficient, but it's important always to mention the attachment in the email body. Clearly reference the attachment in the email body to alert recipients. You can also do this by providing some context about the attachment.
By doing this, you guarantee that recipients are informed and motivated to engage with the attached content. This maximizes the impact of your mail merge communication and significantly boosts your credibility to the receiver.
Avoid including attachments in marketing messages
While it is easy enough to include attachments, it’s advisable to avoid doing so. Many email platforms treat marketing emails with attachments as spam, risking relegation to junk folders. If you’ve been sending emails with attachments, you may need to check if your emails are going to spam.
To ensure your marketing message reaches the intended audience, embed links to downloadable content or direct them to a landing page. By sidestepping attachments, you’ll ensure that your emails continue to be seen as coming from a trusted source.
Personalize your attachments with YAMM
There’s another way if you really need to send attachments in a mail merge. You can use YAMM to send personalized attachments. YAMM allows you to dynamically merge individualized information, such as names, into your attachments, creating more engaging communication.
You can tailor your attached documents to each recipient, creating a customized experience that resonates. Learn how to send personalized attachments to each recipient.
Download YAMM today to start personalizing attachments
Messages sent through mail merge should be personalized for maximal impact. Whether it's personalized proposals, reports, or documents, YAMM transforms your emails into customized experiences, elevating engagement and ensuring your messages stand out. Take your communication strategy to the next level by sending a mail merge with uniquely personalized attachments using YAMM.