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Quick Start Guide

This Quick Start Guide will assist you in installing Interspire Email Marketer on your server and sending your first email campaign.

Step 1: Install Interspire Email Marketer

1. Verify System Requirements

Ensure your server meets the necessary requirements for Interspire Email Marketer. You can upload the check_iem.php script to your server’s base directory and access it via your browser to confirm compatibility.

2. Download and Extract Files

Download the latest version of Interspire Email Marketer from the link provided in your purchase confirmation email. You will receive a ZIP file.

3. Upload and Extract Files on the Server

Use scp to upload the ZIP file directly to your server. Replace youruser, yourserver.com, and the path as needed:

Terminal window
scp iem-[version].zip [email protected]:/var/www/html/iem/

Then SSH into your server:

Terminal window
ssh [email protected]

Navigate to the target directory and unzip the archive:

Terminal window
cd /var/www/html/
unzip iem-[version].zip

Rename the extracted folder to iem:

Terminal window
mv iem-[version] iem

4. Set File Permissions

Adjust file and directory permissions to ensure proper operation:

  • Configuration File: Set permissions to 664 for ~/admin/includes/config.php.
  • Writable Directories: Set permissions to 775 for ~/admin/temp/ and /path-to-interspire/admin/com/storage/. If you encounter permission issues, consult your hosting provider for guidance on appropriate settings.

5. Create a Database

Interspire Email Marketer requires a MySQL or MariaDB database. Create a new database and user, granting full privileges to the user. Note down the database name, username, password, and hostname (typically localhost) for use during installation.

6. Run the Setup Wizard

Access the setup wizard by navigating to the directory where you uploaded Interspire Email Marketer (e.g., http://yourdomain.com/iem/). Follow the on-screen instructions, providing your license key, application URL, admin email, password, and database details. Once completed, your control panel will be accessible by appending /admin to your application URL.

7. Configure Your SMTP Server

After installation, you must configure how your emails will be delivered. Navigate to Settings > Email Settings in the control panel to choose between the default PHP mail() function or a custom SMTP server. Using a reliable SMTP service is highly recommended to ensure better deliverability and tracking. You will need to enter the SMTP hostname, port, authentication method, and login credentials provided by your email service provider. You can also send a test email from this page to verify that your configuration is working correctly.

Step 2: Send Your First Email Campaign

1. Create a Contact List:

A contact list stores your contacts’ details, including email addresses and optional fields like Name or Country. To create a contact list, click the “Create a Contact List” option under the “Contact Lists” tab. If a contact list already exists, you can view it by selecting “View Contact Lists.”

2. Create Custom Fields (Optional):

Custom fields allow you to collect additional information about your contacts, such as First Name or Mailing Address. To create custom fields, click the “View Custom Fields” option under the “Contact Lists” tab.

3. Add or Import Contacts:

Before sending a newsletter, you need recipients. There are several ways to add contacts to your list:

  • Import Contacts from a File: If you have a list of contacts in a CSV file, you can import them into the system. Navigate to the “Contacts” tab and select “Import Contacts.” Follow the prompts to upload your file and map the fields accordingly.

  • Manually Add Contacts: For a small number of contacts, use the “Add Contact” form under the “Contacts” tab to input details manually.

  • Create a Subscription Form: To allow website visitors to subscribe to your contact list, create a subscription form. Click the “Website Forms” link, select “Create Form,” and choose the “Subscription” form type. After configuring the form, embed the generated HTML code into your website.

4. Create Your Email Campaign

To craft your email, navigate to the “Email Campaigns” tab and select “Create Email Campaign.” Fill out the form, choosing “HTML” as the format and selecting a pre-designed template if desired. Compose your email content using the editor, and consider inserting custom fields for personalization. Ensure you include an unsubscribe link to comply with email regulations.

Note:
If you are using new sending infrastructure—such as a fresh SMTP server, IP address, or domain—it is wise to limit your sending speed. Start slowly (e.g., a few hundred emails per hour) and ramp up over time. This gradual warm-up helps protect your sender reputation and reduces the chance of being flagged as spam.

5. Send Your Email Campaign

Once your email is ready, click the “Send an Email Campaign” link under the “Email Campaigns” menu. Choose the contact list(s) to receive the email, select your campaign, and configure any additional options. Click “Start Sending” to initiate the campaign.

These steps have guided you through installing Interspire Email Marketer and launching your first email campaign