What is an Outgoing Communication?
An Outgoing Communication (previously known as GroupMail) is a function where you can send out either bulk email or SMS notifications to a group of stakeholders.
To ensure your brand and image is consistent in your outgoing communications, Administrators have the ability to create Message Templates.
Once the templates have been setup, Users will be able to choose them from the template dropdown list. They can also make small adjustments to the content text or images, and then send it.
Using the Content Creator in Simply Stakeholders
If you are an Administrator, please follow the Message Template instructions to open the Content Creator
If you are a User, please follow the Outgoing Communication instructions to create the email, and open the Content Creator
Now that you are on the Content Creator page, you can import HTML/CSS Code for your content, or alternatively, build your content using blocks.
Creating content via HTML/CSS Code Import
From the Content page, click on HTML
Image shows the HTML icon
Paste your code into the pop-up box and click on Import
Image shows the Import code pop-up icon
Your content will now be shown in the Content creator box. Make sure to click Save
to save your progress 
Image shows the content from the imported HTML code
Well done! You have now created your outgoing communication content by importing the HTML/CSS code!
Creating a design using Blocks, Content and Styles
When designing an outgoing communication by using blocks, content and styles, you have the freedom to create simple or intricate email designs. It is important to understand what each of these do within the content creator:
Blocks refer to the visual structure of the design based on columns.
Content defines the element within the block.
Styles determines the visual appearance of block and the content.
In summary, blocks will help you create the layout or structure, content is where you will add in your messages, images or links, and, styles control how the content will be presented/published.
Applying Blocks
Blocks are added to the Content creator using the drop and drag method. Blocks can be layered, meaning you could create 1 column and within that column have a section with 2 columns, and then below a section with 3 columns.
These are the block options:
1 Column - Single Column
2 Columns - 2 Identical Columns
3 Columns - 3 Identical columns
2 Columns 3/7 - 2 blocks dividing the space in a 30:70 ratio.
Screenshot showing various block columns below and within each other
Now that the block has been added to the content creator, when you hover over the block you will see the following icons 
These icons from left to right are:
Select the block - access the Traits of the block.
Move block
Duplicate block
Delete block
Adding the Content
When you have added your columns, the next step is to start adding content within them. There is a range of content options that can be added:
Text - Simple text which can be further formatted with styles.
Hyperlinks - Attach a weblink
Images - Attach an image to a content block
Buttons - Create a clickable button with an attached link.
Invitation - Include a Accept/Decline RVSP (can only be used with SendGrid)
Divider - Allows you to create sections between your content
Image showing various content options within the Content Creator
Traits
The traits function give you control over what certain content does, this could be:
Hyperlinks - Settings where you can add in the URL and choose the redirection
Button - Settings where you can add in the URL and choose the redirection
Column Trait - define the column alignment for images and text (Left, Centre or Right). Note: This will set the overall alignment of the block, you can also use the Font setting to change the alignment of text
Applying Styles
Using styles can help enhance readability, guide the reader, as well as ensure your staying consistent with your brand image. The current Style options are:
Scale - Adjust the height and width of a block. This can be set as either a percentage of the viewable page or by pixels. Padding controls the space margin between the content and the edge of the block.
Font - Set the Font, Size, Font Colour, Text Position, letter spacing and line height
Background - Set the background colour for a block and adjust border radius and thickness
Anytime you make any changes to your blocks, content or style Make sure to click Save to save your progress.
Well done! Now you should have an in-depth understanding of how to use the Content creator to create your outgoing communication!
For more help
For more information, to arrange a demo or for product training please contact our Customer Success Team or email [email protected].