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Email Templates vs Email Campaigns

Email Templates define reusable email layouts, while Email Campaigns are the customized emails you send to contacts using those templates.

Updated over 2 months ago

Who This Is For / When to Use

  • Users creating emails in Kyrios Email Marketing.

  • Teams deciding whether to build a reusable layout or send a one-time or scheduled email.

  • Anyone confused about where to design emails versus where to send them.


Email Templates

Email Templates are reusable email layouts used as the starting point for campaigns.

They define the structure and design, not the send.

What Email Templates Are Used For

  • Creating consistent layouts (branding, headers, footers).

  • Saving time when sending similar emails repeatedly.

  • Standardizing newsletters, onboarding emails, or announcements.

Key Characteristics

  • Reusable across multiple campaigns.

  • Focused on layout and design.

  • Not sent directly to contacts.

  • Edited and managed in the Email Templates area.

Example

An onboarding or course welcome layout that can be reused for every new enrollment.


Email Campaigns

Email Campaigns are the actual emails that are sent to contacts.

They are built from an Email Template, then customized and delivered.

What Email Campaigns Are Used For

  • Sending emails to individual contacts.

  • Sending emails to smart lists.

  • Sending emails using contact tags.

  • Scheduling one-time or recurring sends.

Key Characteristics

  • Based on an Email Template.

  • Fully customizable (text, images, backgrounds, links).

  • Can be scheduled or sent immediately.

  • Can be cloned and reused later.

Example
A course welcome email customized with a course name, login link, and credentials, then sent to new members.


Key Differences at a Glance

  • Email Template:

    • Reusable layout

    • Design foundation

    • Not sent

  • Email Campaign:

    • Customized message

    • Built from a template

    • Sent to contacts


Common Issues and Fixes

Issue: “Why can’t I send my email from the Templates area?”
Email Templates are not sendable. You must create an Email Campaign using the template.

Issue: “My email looks different than the template.”
Campaigns allow customization. Changes made in a campaign do not update the original template.

Issue: “I want to resend the same email later.”
Clone the Email Campaign, then edit and resend.


FAQ

What is the difference between an Email Template and an Email Campaign?

An Email Template is a reusable layout or preset. An Email Campaign is the customized email that is scheduled and sent to contacts.

What are Email Templates used for?

Email Templates are used to save time and maintain consistent layouts for emails you send repeatedly.

Can I customize an Email Template when creating an Email Campaign?

Yes. When creating a campaign, you can edit text, images, backgrounds, links, and other elements without affecting the original template.

How do I send an email using an Email Campaign?

Go to Email Campaigns, select an Email Template, customize it, choose recipients, and schedule or send the email.

Can I reuse Email Campaigns?

Yes. Campaigns can be cloned and reused later, allowing additional customization before sending.

When should I use an Email Template?

Use an Email Template when you plan to send emails with the same layout more than once.

What can I customize in an Email Campaign?

You can customize text, images, backgrounds, links, and layout elements.

How do I select recipients for my Email Campaign?

Recipients can be selected individually, through smart lists, or by using contact tags.

What is a smart list in Email Campaigns?

A smart list is a dynamic list of contacts that automatically updates based on conditions you define.

Can I change the layout of an Email Template once it’s used in a Campaign?

Yes. The layout can be modified inside the campaign without changing the original template.

Can I create multiple Email Templates for different purposes?

Yes. You can create multiple templates for newsletters, promotions, announcements, or other use cases.

Do Email Templates help maintain brand consistency?

Yes. Templates ensure consistent branding across all email communications.

Can I reuse a campaign if I want to send it again later?

Yes. Clone the campaign, customize if needed, and resend.

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