Messages should be formatted and all set to go when you submit them to the Broadcast Message System. You can format the message on your own, use a template, or adapt a previously used message/template, as described below.
NOTE: The Broadcast Message System has a size limit that prevents sending attachments, including large embedded images. With that in mind, you’ll want to link to documents, videos, etc. on the web, rather than trying to include them in the body of your message. You’ll also want to use logos and images that are sized for viewing online.
Developing a Formatted Message
With a standard, BU-branded template
It is recommended that you use a standard template available from the Marketing & Communication’s Brand site. To use these templates:
- Unzip the template download.
- Open the file of your choice with your browser.
- Select the entire page with Edit > Select All.
- Copy the template content using Edit > Copy.
- Paste the template into a new email message with Edit > Paste.
- Edit the template content as needed, including text, links and images.
- Send the message – first to yourself as a test and then, when you’re ready, into the Broadcast Message System at broadcastmail-sample@bu.edu.
Note: A basic BU template is also available within the Broadcast Message System. Write to specmail@bu.edu if you would like a copy of it.
With the Boston University 'HTML Email Makr'
Information Services & Technology has developed an exclusive online HTML editor that can help you format a Broadcast message (no HTML knowledge required). It includes built-in BU branded layouts, banner photos, and even has a dynamic preview as you edit your message – you can also submit your Broadcast directly from the site!
With a template developed specifically for you by Marketing & Communications
BU’s office of Marketing & Communications can assist you with the development of an email message template as needed to align with marketing or communication goals you might have that go beyond what’s provided by their standard templates. Contact them via www.bu.edu/marcom.
By adapting a message or template that you've used before
Your group or department might already have a template that’s all set to go and just needs to be adapted for use with a new message. To do that:
- Find a message that uses the existing template.
- Forward the template to begin a new email message.
- Edit the (forwarded) template content as needed, including text, links and images.
If your message is forwarded with an indented quote level, select the entirety of the message and choose the option to outdent (usually a button with a block of text and left-pointing arrow).
- Send the message – first to yourself as a test and then, when you’re ready, into the Broadcast Message System at broadcastmail-sample@bu.edu.
On your own with an HTML editor
You can also develop your own message in the same way that you would any other web page. You would create the message using a page editor such as Dreamweaver OR, if you are familiar with HTML, you can set one up entirely on your own. (Our pages on basic HTML will be helpful.) Generally the steps you’ll want to take are:
- Set up the the message using the editor of your choice.
- Open the page with a browser.
- Select the entire page with Edit > Select All.
- Copy the content using Edit > Copy.
- Paste the content into a new email message with Edit > Paste.
- Edit the content as needed, including text, links, and images.
- Send the message – first to yourself as a test and then, when you’re ready, into the Broadcast Message System at broadcastmail-sample@bu.edu.
