Boost Your Newsletter Writing with AutoHotkey

Boost Your Newsletter Writing with AutoHotkey

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Weekly Newsletter
3. Storing Files on the Website
4. Using Win SCP as the FTP Protocol
5. Copying File Paths in Win SCP
6. Removing the "public_html" from the File Path
7. Adding HTML Wrappers to the File Path
8. Creating a Keyboard Shortcut for File Path Generation
9. Automating HTML Conversion using Word and Site
10. Utilizing Quick Access Pop-up (QAP) for HTML Templates

Article

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the process of automating the creation of file paths and HTML wrappers for a weekly newsletter. The goal is to streamline the workflow and minimize repetitive tasks. We will discuss the various tools and techniques used, including Win SCP, keyboard shortcuts, and automation scripts. Let's dive in!

The Weekly Newsletter

The author, Joe Lyons, is responsible for creating a weekly newsletter that includes links to pictures, funny content, and updates. To simplify this task, Joe decides to automate certain aspects of the process. First, he needs to store the files on his website to access them easily.

Storing Files on the Website

Joe uses Win SCP as his FTP protocol to store the files on his website. He mentions that sometimes he struggles to remember the hotkey for copying file names in Win SCP. He demonstrates how he right-clicks and selects "Copy file names" and includes paths to get the desired file path. However, he notes that the file path includes a "public_html" component that must be removed to prevent any issues.

Using Win SCP as the FTP Protocol

Joe explains that Win SCP is a reliable FTP protocol that allows him to access his website files easily. He uses it to grab the path to the files stored on his website. However, he faces the challenge of remembering the hotkey for copying file names.

Copying File Paths in Win SCP

To copy file paths in Win SCP, Joe mentions that he includes the paths by right-clicking and selecting "Copy file names" with the option to include paths. He demonstrates how this action pastes the file path into his desired location.

Removing the "public_html" from the File Path

Joe points out that every system may have a "public_html" component in the file path when storing files on the web. He explains that this component needs to be removed to ensure the file path functions correctly. He demonstrates how he replaces the "public_html" component with "http://" using a STRING replace function.

Adding HTML Wrappers to the File Path

Joe realizes that he needs to wrap the file path in HTML to display the images and content correctly in the newsletter. He plans to add HTML wrappers to the file path to simplify the process. For testing purposes, he uses a message box to display the modified file path.

Creating a Keyboard Shortcut for File Path Generation

To further improve his workflow, Joe creates a keyboard shortcut to generate file paths quickly. He sets up a conditional statement that checks if Win SCP is the active window, and if so, triggers a different hotkey. This allows him to save time and avoid memorizing multiple hotkeys.

Automating HTML Conversion using Word and Site

Joe shares his process of creating the HTML content for the newsletter. He first writes the content in Microsoft Word and then uses a website to convert it into HTML. He mentions that he makes tweaks to the HTML before using it in the newsletter.

Utilizing Quick Access Pop-up (QAP) for HTML Templates

Joe introduces Quick Access Pop-up (QAP) as a tool that helps him manage his HTML templates and other resources. He mentions using QAP to store his newsletter's HTML code, including banners and other content. Joe emphasizes the time-saving and organizational benefits of using QAP for managing HTML templates.

With these tools and techniques, Joe has successfully automated the process of creating file paths and HTML wrappers for his weekly newsletter. By streamlining his workflow and minimizing repetitive tasks, he can focus on curating engaging content for his subscribers.

Highlights

1. Automating file path and HTML wrapper creation for a weekly newsletter.
2. Using Win SCP as the FTP protocol for storing files on a website.
3. Creating keyboard shortcuts to streamline the workflow.
4. Automating HTML conversion using Word and a dedicated website.
5. Managing HTML templates and resources with Quick Access Pop-up (QAP).

FAQ

Q: Can I use other FTP protocols instead of Win SCP? A: Yes, there are various FTP protocols available that you can use based on your preferences and requirements. Win SCP is just one option.

Q: How can I access the modified file path in my newsletter? A: Once you have generated the modified file path, you can simply copy and paste it into your newsletter editor or HTML file.

Q: Can I use a different website for HTML conversion? A: Absolutely! Joe uses a specific website for his HTML conversion, but there are several online tools and services available that can convert Word documents into HTML. Choose the one that suits your needs.

Q: What other tasks can I automate in my newsletter creation process? A: Automation possibilities are vast and depend on your specific requirements. You can explore automating tasks like image resizing, content formatting, email sending, and more to further streamline your workflow.

Q: Can I automate HTML conversion without using Word? A: Yes, there are alternative ways to convert text or content into HTML without using Word. You can use specialized libraries or tools that provide HTML conversion functionalities.

Q: Are there alternatives to Quick Access Pop-up (QAP) for managing HTML templates? A: Yes, there are several tools available for managing HTML templates and resources. QAP is just one example. You can explore other software or even create your own solution based on your requirements.

Q: Can I integrate automation scripts with other newsletter tools or platforms? A: Yes, automation scripts can often be integrated with other newsletter tools or platforms through APIs or custom integrations. Check the documentation and available options provided by your chosen tools or platforms.