Can I create a Listserv or use Google Groups with SilkStart?

If you wish to host topic, group, or community orientated discussions for your members, there are a number of different options available to you.

SilkStart Groups

The SilkStart 'Group Page' feature allows your members to join groups and collaborate though discussion posts, picture uploads and even polls! Take a look at this feature by navigating to http://yoursite.silkstart.com/groups and check out our FAQ  'How do I create a Group Page' for more information. 

Listserv or Google Groups

Your association may already host a conventional listserv or Google Group mailing list. By using these services, a member can choose to become a subscriber to a group/list and post, receive, and respond by email to all members of that particular list/group. Google Groups is a free service and can be setup at groups.google.com

Once your Google Group is setup, you may import members from your SilkStart database to your Google Group. 

1. Create a report that displays only your member's email addresses ('How do I create a customized report?')
2. Export the report in csv format
3. Google Groups requires that the email addresses be separated with commas. To do this, simply enter a column of commas next to the column displaying the email addresses. 
4. Copy both columns into the Google Groups member invite tool (Manage > Invite Members)

Note: You may also setup your group so that your members may choose to subscribe. 

To showcase your Google Group on your SilkStart site you may create a hyperlink to the Group URL, create a navigation bar tab, embed the group into a page, or create an html button. For help contact your SilkStart account manager. 

Posting in a Google Group 

Once your Google Group has subscribers, the following email addresses can be used to collaborate with others in the Group

Join: [e-mail]

Unsubscribe: [e-mail]

Post a message to the list: [e-mail]

Visit the Google Groups Help Center for more information on a creating a Google Group