📧 Email-to-Blog Complete Guide

📋 Overview

The Email-to-Blog system allows you to create beautiful blog posts by simply sending an email to blogs@morsetrainerpro.com. The system automatically processes your email every 30 minutes and publishes it according to your specifications.

🚀 Quick Start

Basic Email Format

Subject: Your Amazing Blog Post Title

Body:

Attachments: Add 1 or more images (JPG, PNG, GIF, WEBP) - the first image becomes the featured image.

📝 Email Format Specification

Subject Line

The email subject becomes your blog post title:

You can also use pipes to separate title from additional info:

(Everything before the first | becomes the title)

Metadata Fields (Optional)

Add these fields at the beginning of your email body. Each field is optional:

Alternative Metadata Format

You can also wrap metadata in markers:

Or:

📷 Image Attachments

Featured Image

• Attach images (JPG, PNG, GIF, WEBP) to your email
• The first image automatically becomes the featured image
• Additional images are saved and available for future use

Supported Formats

• ✅ JPG/JPEG
• ✅ PNG
• ✅ GIF
• ✅ WEBP

File Naming

Images are automatically renamed with timestamps to prevent conflicts:

All images are saved to: /uploads/blog-images/

🎨 Content Formatting

Headings

Use hashtags for headings (Markdown-style):

Or use ALL CAPS on a single line (auto-converted to H2):

Paragraphs

Separate paragraphs with blank lines:

Line Breaks

Single line breaks within a paragraph are preserved:

Lists

Use standard formatting:

📧 Complete Email Examples

Example 1: Simple Published Post

To: blogs@morsetrainerpro.com
Subject: Getting Started with CW
Attachments: cw-diagram.jpg

Body:

Example 2: Scheduled Post

To: blogs@morsetrainerpro.com
Subject: Advanced CW Contest Techniques
Attachments: contest-setup.jpg

Body:

Example 3: Draft for Review

To: blogs@morsetrainerpro.com
Subject: Upcoming Morse Code Events 2025

Body:

⚙️ Configuration Setup

Environment Variables (.env file)

Add these to your .env file:

Gmail Setup (Recommended)

1. Go to Gmail Settings and enable IMAP under "Forwarding and POP/IMAP"
2. Go to Google Account Security
3. Enable 2-Factor Authentication
4. Create an App Password:
   • Select "Mail" and your device
   • Copy the generated password
   • Use this password in .env file

❓ Troubleshooting

"Cannot connect to mailbox" Error

Solution:

1. Verify IMAP is enabled in email settings
2. Check firewall allows port 993
3. Verify credentials in .env
4. For Gmail, use App Password (not regular password)

"No blogger or admin user found" Error

Solution:

Make sure at least one user has blogger permissions:

Images Not Uploading

Solution:

1. Check directory permissions: chmod 755 /path/to/uploads/blog-images
2. Verify uploads directory exists
3. Check disk space

PHP IMAP Extension Missing

Solution:

Install the IMAP extension:

🎯 Best Practices

Email Writing Tips

1. Write clear subject lines - They become your titles
2. Use metadata - Makes posts more discoverable
3. Attach quality images - They enhance visual appeal
4. Proofread before sending - No editing after email sent
5. Use STATUS: draft - Review before publishing

Content Tips

1. Break content into sections - Use headings
2. Keep paragraphs short - Easier to read
3. Add keywords - Helps with SEO
4. Write compelling excerpts - Encourages clicks
5. Schedule during peak times - Maximize engagement

Workflow Tips

1. Draft in email app - Use rich text editor
2. Save email templates - For consistent formatting
3. Check logs regularly - Catch issues early
4. Monitor blog analytics - See what works
5. Back up regularly - Protect your content

📞 Support

For issues or questions:

• Check logs: /logs/email-to-blog.log
• Review this guide
• Contact: support@morsetrainerpro.com