need help creating HTML newsletters to match my store template

[picandnix]

Hi
This may be a dumb question...but, I am trying to make a HTML newsletter in the same design as my stores main page. I will probably build it in Dreamweaver unless anyone feels it better to build within ZC newsletter function.
My question, which files (and which content of any files too) would I need to copy and adopt to replicate my store front page please?
I am using ZC 1.3.9F with a custom template.
I had in mind using the header image/store logo and the menu bar so I can link it direct back to my site, then adding an unsubscribe footer as a blank canvas then just adding the news content each time I write a new newsletter.
All help and tips appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

[kobra]

The email files are not html - but are php and they pull variables from the DB using php
Most are in /email

[picandnix]

Hi Kobra
firstly thankyou for your time.
So does that mean that the best (most common & easiest) method is to simply try to replicate as best one can using same images, fonts, colours etc in HTML by using the look of my store page as a guide?
If this is the case do you know of any software that would aid this or is it simply a bulid from the ground up? I ask this as I want to avoid evening after evening of banging my head against the wall trying to get something vaguely similar only to find out there is an easier way
thanks again Kobra

[kobra]

I am trying to make a HTML newsletter

No shortcuts.
As you are operating a business, it is my opinion that newsletters are "advertising"
If you were doing this via US mail one would have costs for the printing, envelopes and postage - - all a business expense

Most any hosting is not designed to do/for mass emailing as most have limits, and these limits should be sufficient for order confirmations, updates and normal business communications
If a limit is exceeded, normal email stops, so that business stops as order confirmations are not sent etc

Suggest that any business use a mailing service for mass emails like news letters. Most also have a compliment of templates or facility to create your own

[kbear]

The easiest way is to set up an account with Mailchimp and tell them your website name, They will then create a template for you by looking at the site and colours etc.

This creates an HTML file which you should be able to grab and use where you want - I would suggest though that you lokk at using MailChimp anyway. There's an addon for it too.