While the Data Center is used for sending an email directly to one account, the Communication Center is where you can send a mass email. When you create a new email in the Communications Center, it can be saved as a template for future use so that you don't have to type the same email repeatedly. Some of these email templates (the account-level ones) can also be used in the Data Center to send emails to individual accounts.
When sending an email in the Communications Center, you can include database fields in your email message. On the left side of the screen is a 'Fields to Include' box. By selecting a field and clicking the orange arrow, you can insert a field into your message. This helps customize your message. Instead of saying "Dear Family", you can "Dear Johnson Family". To do this, you'll insert the Last Name database field into your message.
Remember that almost everything you do in the management system is affected by your current filter. When you send an email through the Communications Center, it will go to everyone in your current filter. If you have no filter applied, it will go to everyone in your database. There is a 'Preview' button at the bottom of the page that you can use to see what your message will look like. This is an important step, especially if you've inserted links, images, or database fields into your message. Also note that if you CC or BCC yourself on a mass email, you will receive a copy of that email once for each time it is sent out. So if you send an email to 400 people, you will receive 400 copies of it. It's best not to use the CC and BCC fields!
When you click the 'Send' button, your email will be sent within one hour. If you need to cancel your email or you need it sent faster, you can use the Pending Request Manager (File >> Database Management >> Pending Request Manager) where you can click to cancel an email from going out or send it immediately. You will know your email has been sent out when you receive a confirmation email from us. This email will include the details of how many recipients received your email successfully.
