Customize Broadcast Message [this tip no longer works]

[Jen]

Update: Just wanted to update anyone who stumbles on this discussion to let you know that this tip doesn't work anymore based on some changes to the platform. I'm going to close out this discussion, although Jen is always welcome to open it back up again if you want to continue the conversation. -E

The Broadcast Message Email can be customized at the top of the message - - by adding an image like your logo, or other HTML.

Go to Manage/Language Editor.

1. Select your Network Language, by clicking on Edit, next to your Language.
2. Before clicking on Edit, be sure to give the page time to completely load, to ensure you select the correct language.

   

3. Under the title in left column: Original Text, next to the Search box, enter "A message to all members of %" without the quotes.

   

4. Click on Search.
5. When the Searchreturns the search results, you will see a box in the right column that contains the search string (words) you entered. This is where you want to add your custom content.

   

6. Add your custom HTML.
7. Click on Save.
8. Be sure to send yourself a preview of a Broadcast Message, to test the results.
9. WARNING: I do not knowif this effects any other message on your network.
   • If anyone finds a case where this HTML is added to a message other than the Broadcast Message, please let us know.
   • I could not find another case.
   • I suggest going with a customized header that would work for all site messages. I'm taking a chance and making mine specific to updates and news.
9. For this example, I added an image to serve as my header.
10. Below is the code that returns the results in the example screen shot.
11. I simply replaced the original message line "A message to all members of %" with the image code.

JenSocial Language Editor Code Example:
<p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://api.ning.com/files/sUUrcYFmXTDFQV7pbTQLzVfEw4i2WH87teSuMkUvI6rzEDdcok0zHkX7cf5QEF4RsOWX3RwxaeDLP9*VBkMsY7AVtwiPtXkv/emailbadge.png" alt=""></p>

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Broadcast Message Results - See JenSocial Logo and "News and Updates from Jen" This image was added via the Language Editor.

Related Tip on JenSocial:
Add Background to Broadcast Message

[Garfield Creator]

Excellent customization tip. I imagine one can turn this into an image URL as well that could take reader back to the main site?

If this is the case then I would probably want to lookinto the language editor for the footer message and add an image link for a possible sponsored ad. I could run ads off the broadcast message for a possible sponsor for the month and rotate each month or week. I imagine the frequency maydepend on the frequency of broadcast messages for a network.

[Jen]

Yeah sure, you can add a link. And probably, it should have a link. I just didn't add one due to the link above and at bottom with the Broadcast message.

And MOST definitely a great way to sell sponsorship, good idea!

[Alexander Molina]

Thanks Jen,
This is awesome.
G.B-U

[John]

The "Send Me a Preview" never sends me a preview.
I've tried it on several occasions and checked my junk-mail folder. Bupkis

[John]

Oh, and you rock big time Jen. :)

[Jen]

Thanks John!
:-)

[Jen]

I've had this happen. But, never after the 2nd send. This may be something you need to report to Ning Support.
Sorry, wish I knew how to fix it.
Best,
Jen

[Susanna Boyd]

This worked beautifully as a clickable header! Thanks so much for the idea! I'll have to see about a footer... :)

[Jen]

I don't know if this effects any other area of your site. But, you should be able to follow the same directions for a footer, by searching on this text in the Language Editor:
Visit %1$s at: %2$s

Best,
Jen

[Andrew C. Liao]

Not sure why it is not working for me. I've sent the broadcast message to all my test users (my site is not live yet) and I keep getting the image below. My site is currently set up as private, but I opened it for a little while to see if that made a difference, but it did not...has anyone had this issue? "Public site" is just sample text for my test broadcast message.

[Jen]

It appears that 1 of 2 things may be happening. Either your email box is blocking images, or the image URL is not valid.
Hope that helps,
Jen

[Andrew C. Liao]

I checked my email again and the image is showing now, not sure if there is a late refresh or something that doesn't allow the image to show shortly after the email is sent or received, I tried it with different email providers and it all worked the same way. It did work though, so I am good.

Thanks Jen.