3 Easy Ways To Use The Family Tree Letterhead Template

Have you read Create a custom banner for the Family Tree Letterhead using Canva.com? If so, then you’ll know that I made a Family Tree Letterhead template for all of my genealogy correspondence. Why? Because I was writing elaborate introductions that went on for paragraphs. Those ramblings were so confusing that by the end, even I wasn’t clear on the connection.

Typically, I used the template for sending letters through the post, but getting snail mail addresses isn’t always possible. Sometimes you can find an email address, but connecting via social media or genealogy sites is becoming more common.

Does that make the Family Tree Letterhead template obsolete? Far from it. As I’m sure you’ve discovered in your research journey, it’s all about adapting and trying things another way. So I want to share the three ways that I use the template for all of my genealogy correspondence.

Getting creative with the Family Tree Letterhead Template

1. Print letters to send in the post

While this option is self-explanatory, you can also learn more from the earlier article. Visit Create a custom banner for the Family Tree Letterhead using Canva.com to learn more.

2. Use the header as an email banner

The Family Tree Letterhead is adaptable and has more uses than mailing a letter. Another use is as an email banner. In just a couple of minutes, you can convert the Google Docs file into an email-ready JPG.

Check out the video below to see the steps I take to turn the Family Tree Letterhead Template header into an email banner.

Do you need instructions to add the images to your Gmail or Outlook account? Download the Embedding Images In Email cheat sheet.

3. Send view-only links to the Google Docs file via social media

One of the great features of Google Docs is sharing files with others.  Furthermore, it’s easy to adjust the settings.

1. Click the Share button in the top right corner
2. Select Advanced in the bottom right corner
3. Change who has access to the document
4. Set to Anyone with the link and can view
5. Click Save
6. Review the document owner settings. Another option is to disable the ability to download, print or make a copy of the file.
7. Click Done

Finally, the link is ready to share via direct message on social media or a genealogy website. The best part? The recipient doesn’t need to log into their Google account to read your letter.

Create a shortened link

Not all messaging software will create a hyperlink. Therefore, an excellent solution for sharing is creating a shortened link. Some sites will create shortened links, but I recommend using bitly.com. It’s free to create an account and use, with the bonus option to track your links. Then share that link with your potential new cousin.

Download the Family Tree Letterhead Template

If you liked this article, be sure to check out:

• Create a custom banner for the Family Tree Letterhead using Canva.com
• Think Outside The Book: Get Creative With Your Ancestor’s Stories And Publish A Family History Newspaper
• 5 Powerful Planning Tips for Writing Your Family History