When it comes to email marketing, it’s essential to ensure that the HTML code in your emails is error-free and optimized for deliverability and user experience. In this article, we’ll explore how to check email code and the different tools and methods available for checking email code.
Why is checking email code important?
Checking email code is important for several reasons, such as:
- Ensure email deliverability: Poorly coded emails can trigger spam filters or be marked as spam, which can affect your email deliverability and sender reputation.
- Enhance user experience: Emails with broken links, missing images, or other errors can harm the user experience and affect your open and click-through rates.
- Maintain brand consistency: Consistent and error-free emails can help build trust and loyalty with your subscribers and maintain your brand image.
How to check email code?
There are several ways to check email code, depending on your level of expertise and the tools and resources available to you. Here are some of the most common methods:
- Online code validators: Online code validators are web-based tools that check the HTML code in your emails against the HTML and CSS standards. They can detect syntax errors, broken links, missing images, and other issues that can affect email deliverability and user experience. Some popular online code validators for email code include W3C HTML Validator, Email on Acid, and Litmus.
- Email testing tools: Email testing tools are specialized software that can simulate how your emails will look and behave in different email clients and devices. They can also check the code in your emails for compatibility, deliverability, and user experience. Some popular email testing tools include Litmus, Email on Acid, and Inbox Inspector.
- Email service provider: Most email service providers (ESPs) have built-in tools for checking email code and previewing emails before sending them. They can also provide recommendations and best practices for optimizing email code and ensuring deliverability and user experience. Some popular ESPs that offer email code checking and testing features include Mailchimp, Constant Contact, and Campaign Monitor.
- Manual code review: If you have HTML and CSS expertise, you can manually review and test the code in your emails. You can use a text editor, such as Notepad++ or Sublime Text, to review the code line by line and check for syntax errors, broken links, missing images, and other issues. You can also use email clients and devices to test how your emails will look and behave in real-world scenarios.
Best practices for checking email code
Here are some best practices for checking email code and ensuring optimal deliverability and user experience:
- Use a clean and well-structured code: Avoid using inline styles, excessive code, or outdated HTML tags that can trigger spam filters or affect email rendering.
- Test in multiple email clients and devices: Test how your emails will look and behave in different email clients and devices, such as Gmail, Outlook, and mobile devices.
- Optimize images and links: Compress images to reduce file size and load time, and check all links for accuracy and functionality.
- Avoid using JavaScript or Flash: JavaScript or Flash can be blocked or disabled by some email clients, and can also trigger spam filters or security issues.
- Keep it simple and concise: Use a clear and concise message, a single call-to-action, and avoid cluttering the email with too many images or text.
Conclusion
In conclusion, checking email code is a crucial step in ensuring optimal email deliverability and user experience. Use the tools and methods that suit your expertise and resources, and follow the best practices for coding and testing your emails. By optimizing your email code, you can enhance your email marketing results and maintain a positive relationship with your subscribers.