Email Template HTML Checklist

Html-codeMany ClickDimensions customers enjoy the freedoms that the Custom HTML and Freestyle designers offer when building email templates.  Here are some things to keep in mind when using your own HTML or using HTML from another source and copying this code into our editors to ensure you get the best results:

  • Make sure every opening tag has a corresponding closing tag.  If you have an open body tag <body> then you should also include a closing body tag </body>.  If the proper opening and closing tags (or characters that make up these tags, such as the > symbol) are missing from your template code, you may see some formatting inconsistencies or render errors!
  • Avoid using JavaScript ActiveX, or embedded Flash; keep your code fairly simple.  You want your email templates to be consistent and ensure the content displays properly across all email clients.
  • Ensure the total width (including any spacing between sections) of your email template is no greater than 600 pixels. 

Remember, pixels and points are different from each other.  A pixel is a single square ‘picture element’; it’s the smallest unit of digital image data.  A point is a unit of length, more commonly used when measuring typography — this is also more of a reference to printed items, rather than a digital item.  When designing an email template, it’s a good idea to be consistent and stick with pixels for measurement.

  • Thoroughly test your email template.  Create an Email Send using your template and a test marketing list, and check how your email template looks as it arrives in your test recipients’ inboxes.  Use ClickDimensions Inbox Preview tool!
  • Always paste as plain text. Sometimes, when copying/pasting items from MS Word or other sources, hidden formatting attributes can be associated with your content.  Always use the “Paste as Plain Text” option within the editors.

Be sure to take a look at our supplementary Help article about Secrets to Creating Great HTML for Email Marketing as well as our guides to the Freestyle Editor and Custom HTML Editor.  With these tools, you’ll be off to a great start!

Written by Molly Lambeth, ClickDimensions Marketing Success Manager

 

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