Below, we walk you through how to create a mail merge using Google Docs. There are two primary ways to go about this: the easy way and the hard way. We’ll walk you through the most strenuous way first, before showing you a simple tool that can cut your workload in half. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Create a <\/strong>Mail Merge<\/strong> <\/strong>Google Doc<\/strong> \u2014 the Hard Way <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nBelow, we show you the traditional way to create a mail merge using a Google Docs document. This process can be incredibly tedious and time consuming (but sit tight, we’ll show you a better way in the next section). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To start your mail merge, you’ll need to create two documents. To keep things organized, it’s advised to keep these two documents stored in a single folder within your Google Drive account. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- A <\/strong>Google Sheet<\/strong>: <\/strong>This document will contain the contact information for all of your subscribers. Each column header will feature a different merge field that you want to customize (for instance, their first name and email address).<\/li>
- A <\/strong>Google Doc<\/strong>: <\/strong>Your Google document template will contain your form letter, which will pull individual cells from your Google Sheet data. Within this letter, you’ll use brackets to pull populated fields from your Google Sheet (for instance, you’ll write Dear <<first name>> in the salutation). <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
From there, you will create and run an app script that maps your fields from your Google Sheet into your Google Doc. Typically, you can do this from a Google add-on tool or though the Google API console. Unfortunately, unless you are a developer yourself, this process can be extremely difficult. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you run your script, you can export your completed letters via PDF, into a Microsoft Word Doc, or copy and paste it into an email. If you’re copying into an email, you will write <<email address>> into the “To” field, thereby pulling email addresses from your Google spreadsheet. Otherwise, you can copy and paste email addresses into the BCC field of your message. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Create a Mail Merge Using Google Docs \u2014 the Easy Way <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"mail](\"https:\/\/gumbamail.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Gumbamail-merge-google-docs-1024x640.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nNow, there is a much simpler way to send mass emails using Google apps. To easily send a mail merge using Google Docs<\/a>, follow this quick tutorial: <\/p>\n\n\n\n1. Install the Gumbamail Plugin <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nGumbamail<\/a> is a free tool that allows you to send mass emails through your existing Gmail account (both personal and Google Workspace \u2014 formerly GSuite \u2014 plans). Simply download the plugin<\/a>, then follow the prompts to sign in and give access to your inbox. <\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Create Your Email List <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"create](\"https:\/\/gumbamail.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Gumbamail-merge-test-1024x624.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nUnlike other tools, you don’t need to create a Google Sheet of contacts in order to send your e-blast (although you can, if that’s the route you choose to take). With Gumbamail, you can send mass emails to your existing Gmail contacts, or you can import new contacts via a .CSV Excel file or Google Sheets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you know who you want to send your message to, you’ll create a new list in Gumbamail. In the Gumbamail right sidebar of your screen, click “Lists” then “New List.” Click “Recipients,” then select whether you want to add subscribers from a .CSV file, Google Sheet, or Google Contacts from the drop-down menu near the left side of the screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Create Your Campaign <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Create](\"https:\/\/gumbamail.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Gumbamail-new-campaign-1024x616.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTo start writing your message, you don’t need to create a separate Google Doc. In fact, with Gumbamail’s Gmail mail merge tool<\/a>, you don’t need to create a separate mail merge document at all! <\/p>\n\n\n\nInstead, click “Campaigns” in the Gumbamail right sidebar. From there, click “New Campaign,” giving your message a title and subject line. Select your recipients (from the list you created in step #2), then select an email template. Gumbamail offers over 800 gorgeous email templates to choose from, allowing you to easily add your own style or branding to your message. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Personalize Your Message <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Create](\"https:\/\/gumbamail.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Gumbamail-creting-mail-campaign-1024x753.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAfter you’ve chosen your template, you can start writing your message. Change the placeholder text to the message of your choosing, using merge tags whenever you want to personalize the text. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Note: Mail merge tags will automatically populate when you are using the text editor (see screenshot above). When you click “Merge Tags” you’ll see a list of tags created when you imported your subscriber list. Once your email is sent, these tags will be automatically populated with each subscriber’s unique data. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Test Your Email Message <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"test](\"https:\/\/gumbamail.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Gumbamail-merge-google-docs-test-1024x603.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBefore you send your email, send yourself a quick test email. That way, you can do a final proofread of your message, and see exactly how your message will appear in a subscriber’s inbox. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Send Your Email or Schedule it for Later <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nFinally, it’s time to send your email. With Gumbamail, you can choose to send your message immediately or schedule it for later. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When scheduling your email, try to send it when readers are most likely to be checking their inbox. Research shows that emails sent<\/a> during weekdays around the mid-morning mark have the highest open rate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n7. Track Your Message <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Gumbamail](\"https:\/\/gumbamail.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Gumbamail-campaign-summary-1024x640.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWith many Google Docs mail merge tools, you’ll send your message then (im)patiently wait for a response \u2014 all while silently praying your message was delivered. With Gumbamail’s built-in reporting features, there’s no guesswork. Instead, you know exactly who received, opened, or clicked your message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember: Use these metrics<\/a> to your advantage. For example, if a week goes by and you realize several individuals haven’t opened your email, you might want to send a follow-up message. <\/p>\n\n\n\nUse Gumbamail to Send a <\/strong>Mail Merge<\/strong> Using <\/strong>Google Docs<\/strong> <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nA mail merge is a handy tool to send a personalized message to a wide group of people. For years, individuals and businesses alike have used the mail merge process to send out invitations, promotions, or holiday cards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
From there, you will create and run an app script that maps your fields from your Google Sheet into your Google Doc. Typically, you can do this from a Google add-on tool or though the Google API console. Unfortunately, unless you are a developer yourself, this process can be extremely difficult. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you run your script, you can export your completed letters via PDF, into a Microsoft Word Doc, or copy and paste it into an email. If you’re copying into an email, you will write <<email address>> into the “To” field, thereby pulling email addresses from your Google spreadsheet. Otherwise, you can copy and paste email addresses into the BCC field of your message. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Create a Mail Merge Using Google Docs \u2014 the Easy Way <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nNow, there is a much simpler way to send mass emails using Google apps. To easily send a mail merge using Google Docs<\/a>, follow this quick tutorial: <\/p>\n\n\n\n1. Install the Gumbamail Plugin <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nGumbamail<\/a> is a free tool that allows you to send mass emails through your existing Gmail account (both personal and Google Workspace \u2014 formerly GSuite \u2014 plans). Simply download the plugin<\/a>, then follow the prompts to sign in and give access to your inbox. <\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Create Your Email List <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nUnlike other tools, you don’t need to create a Google Sheet of contacts in order to send your e-blast (although you can, if that’s the route you choose to take). With Gumbamail, you can send mass emails to your existing Gmail contacts, or you can import new contacts via a .CSV Excel file or Google Sheets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you know who you want to send your message to, you’ll create a new list in Gumbamail. In the Gumbamail right sidebar of your screen, click “Lists” then “New List.” Click “Recipients,” then select whether you want to add subscribers from a .CSV file, Google Sheet, or Google Contacts from the drop-down menu near the left side of the screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Create Your Campaign <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTo start writing your message, you don’t need to create a separate Google Doc. In fact, with Gumbamail’s Gmail mail merge tool<\/a>, you don’t need to create a separate mail merge document at all! <\/p>\n\n\n\nInstead, click “Campaigns” in the Gumbamail right sidebar. From there, click “New Campaign,” giving your message a title and subject line. Select your recipients (from the list you created in step #2), then select an email template. Gumbamail offers over 800 gorgeous email templates to choose from, allowing you to easily add your own style or branding to your message. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Personalize Your Message <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAfter you’ve chosen your template, you can start writing your message. Change the placeholder text to the message of your choosing, using merge tags whenever you want to personalize the text. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Note: Mail merge tags will automatically populate when you are using the text editor (see screenshot above). When you click “Merge Tags” you’ll see a list of tags created when you imported your subscriber list. Once your email is sent, these tags will be automatically populated with each subscriber’s unique data. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Test Your Email Message <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBefore you send your email, send yourself a quick test email. That way, you can do a final proofread of your message, and see exactly how your message will appear in a subscriber’s inbox. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Send Your Email or Schedule it for Later <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nFinally, it’s time to send your email. With Gumbamail, you can choose to send your message immediately or schedule it for later. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When scheduling your email, try to send it when readers are most likely to be checking their inbox. Research shows that emails sent<\/a> during weekdays around the mid-morning mark have the highest open rate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n7. Track Your Message <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWith many Google Docs mail merge tools, you’ll send your message then (im)patiently wait for a response \u2014 all while silently praying your message was delivered. With Gumbamail’s built-in reporting features, there’s no guesswork. Instead, you know exactly who received, opened, or clicked your message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember: Use these metrics<\/a> to your advantage. For example, if a week goes by and you realize several individuals haven’t opened your email, you might want to send a follow-up message. <\/p>\n\n\n\nUse Gumbamail to Send a <\/strong>Mail Merge<\/strong> Using <\/strong>Google Docs<\/strong> <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nA mail merge is a handy tool to send a personalized message to a wide group of people. For years, individuals and businesses alike have used the mail merge process to send out invitations, promotions, or holiday cards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nNow, there is a much simpler way to send mass emails using Google apps. To easily send a mail merge using Google Docs<\/a>, follow this quick tutorial: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Gumbamail<\/a> is a free tool that allows you to send mass emails through your existing Gmail account (both personal and Google Workspace \u2014 formerly GSuite \u2014 plans). Simply download the plugin<\/a>, then follow the prompts to sign in and give access to your inbox. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike other tools, you don’t need to create a Google Sheet of contacts in order to send your e-blast (although you can, if that’s the route you choose to take). With Gumbamail, you can send mass emails to your existing Gmail contacts, or you can import new contacts via a .CSV Excel file or Google Sheets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you know who you want to send your message to, you’ll create a new list in Gumbamail. In the Gumbamail right sidebar of your screen, click “Lists” then “New List.” Click “Recipients,” then select whether you want to add subscribers from a .CSV file, Google Sheet, or Google Contacts from the drop-down menu near the left side of the screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To start writing your message, you don’t need to create a separate Google Doc. In fact, with Gumbamail’s Gmail mail merge tool<\/a>, you don’t need to create a separate mail merge document at all! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead, click “Campaigns” in the Gumbamail right sidebar. From there, click “New Campaign,” giving your message a title and subject line. Select your recipients (from the list you created in step #2), then select an email template. Gumbamail offers over 800 gorgeous email templates to choose from, allowing you to easily add your own style or branding to your message. <\/p>\n\n\n\n After you’ve chosen your template, you can start writing your message. Change the placeholder text to the message of your choosing, using merge tags whenever you want to personalize the text. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Note: Mail merge tags will automatically populate when you are using the text editor (see screenshot above). When you click “Merge Tags” you’ll see a list of tags created when you imported your subscriber list. Once your email is sent, these tags will be automatically populated with each subscriber’s unique data. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you send your email, send yourself a quick test email. That way, you can do a final proofread of your message, and see exactly how your message will appear in a subscriber’s inbox. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, it’s time to send your email. With Gumbamail, you can choose to send your message immediately or schedule it for later. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When scheduling your email, try to send it when readers are most likely to be checking their inbox. Research shows that emails sent<\/a> during weekdays around the mid-morning mark have the highest open rate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With many Google Docs mail merge tools, you’ll send your message then (im)patiently wait for a response \u2014 all while silently praying your message was delivered. With Gumbamail’s built-in reporting features, there’s no guesswork. Instead, you know exactly who received, opened, or clicked your message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember: Use these metrics<\/a> to your advantage. For example, if a week goes by and you realize several individuals haven’t opened your email, you might want to send a follow-up message. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A mail merge is a handy tool to send a personalized message to a wide group of people. For years, individuals and businesses alike have used the mail merge process to send out invitations, promotions, or holiday cards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n1. Install the Gumbamail Plugin <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Create Your Email List <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n3. Create Your Campaign <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n4. Personalize Your Message <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n5. Test Your Email Message <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n6. Send Your Email or Schedule it for Later <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Track Your Message <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nUse Gumbamail to Send a <\/strong>Mail Merge<\/strong> Using <\/strong>Google Docs<\/strong> <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n