Editing Custom email headers and footers (section)

== How to Create Custom Email Headers and Footers ==

Custom email headers and footers are essential elements for branding and personalization in outgoing email campaigns and automation emails within ActiveCampaign. They play a critical role in enhancing your brand recognition and ensuring that your communications align with your overall brand identity. This feature allows you to establish a consistent experience for your recipients as they interact with your email content.

=== Introduction ===
The ability to add custom email headers and footers allows businesses to incorporate non-removable pieces of content into every outgoing email. These elements are particularly useful for reinforcing branding elements such as logos, taglines, or specific messages intended for your audience. 

It is important to note that once you have added a custom header or footer, it will be automatically included in all future campaigns and automation emails. However, this customization does not reflect in the email designer interface, and it will only be visible in test and live sends. This section will outline how to create and manage custom email headers and footers effectively.

=== How to Access This Feature ===
To access the feature for creating custom email headers and footers, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your ActiveCampaign account.
2. Navigate to the '''Settings''' section located in the left-hand menu.
3. Click on '''Appearance'''.

Once you are on the Appearance page, you can scroll down to the section specifically dedicated to email headers and footers.

=== Step-by-Step Instructions ===
Here’s a detailed guide on how to create a custom header and footer for your emails:

# Click '''Settings''' > '''Appearance''' on the left menu.
# Scroll down to '''Email Headers and Footers'''.
# Locate the '''HTML Header''' dropdown menu and select your preferred header format: either '''HTML Header''' or '''Text Header'''.
# Fill in the header and footer content in the respective input boxes.
# Finally, click the '''Save Settings''' button at the bottom of the page.

From this point onward, your custom header and/or footer will automatically appear in all campaigns and automation emails sent out from your account.

=== Configuration Options and Settings ===
When configuring your custom email header and footer, you have the following options:

* '''HTML Header''' - Choose this option if you want to add complex designs using HTML code.
* '''Text Header''' - Select this option for a simpler text format without any HTML complexities.
* Header and footer content boxes - Here, you can enter the actual content that will be displayed in your emails.

Note that the custom header and footer will be in addition to the default footer automatically included in ActiveCampaign's emails, which typically contains an unsubscribe link and your mailing address.

=== Best Practices and Tips ===
When creating custom email headers and footers, consider the following best practices:

* **Keep it simple:** Ensure that your header and footer are not overcrowded with information. Clear and concise messaging works better.
* **Utilize branding:** Include your logo, company name, and a consistent color scheme to reinforce brand identity.
* **Call to action:** If appropriate, you can include a call to action within your footer that directs users to your website or a specific landing page.
* **Test your emails:** Always preview and send test emails to see how the headers and footers look on different devices and email clients.

=== Common Use Cases with Examples ===
Here are some common scenarios where custom email headers and footers are beneficial:

* **Brand Promotions:** If a company is running a new promotion, including relevant text and graphics in the header can help draw attention.
* **Newsletters:** A newsletter might include a brief introduction or mission statement in the header while using the footer for contact information and social media links.
* **Event Notifications:** For event-related emails, the header can feature the event's logo and date, while the footer might include registration information and disclaimers.

=== Troubleshooting ===
If you run into issues with custom email headers and footers, consider the following:

* **Not visible in email designer:** Remember that custom headers and footers will not appear during the email design phase; check in test or live sends.
* **Changing configuration:** If you need to change or remove a custom header or footer, you can do so by returning to the '''Settings''' > '''Appearance''' page.
* **Contact support:** If you encounter persistent issues, reaching out to ActiveCampaign support can provide additional assistance.

=== Related Features ===
For those looking to expand their email customization capabilities, consider checking out:

* [[Settings]] - Explore a range of settings that can enhance your account.
* [[Appearance]] - Discover more about customizing your ActiveCampaign experience.
* "How do I change the default footer in my emails?" - Learn how to replace the default footer with your own.

=== FAQ ===
'''Q: Can I customize the header and footer for individual emails?'''
A: No, custom headers and footers apply to all outgoing emails collectively and cannot be customized on an individual basis.

'''Q: Will my custom header and footer show in test sends?'''
A: Yes, custom headers and footers will be visible in both test and live sends.

'''Q: Can I remove a custom header or footer after it has been set?'''
A: Yes, but the removal can only be done through the '''Settings''' > '''Appearance''' page.

'''Q: Is there a character limit for the header and footer content?'''
A: While there is not explicitly stated, it is recommended to keep your content concise for better display across different email clients.

'''Q: Will the custom header/footer affect email deliverability?'''
A: No direct impact on deliverability is expected. However, ensure that your content complies with email marketing regulations to avoid spam filters.

'''Q: Can I use images in my custom header?'''
A: Yes, if you choose the '''HTML Header''' option, you can include images as part of your design.

'''Q: What happens if I do not configure a custom header?'''
A: If you do not set a custom header, the default footer provided by ActiveCampaign will be applied to your emails.

By utilizing custom email headers and footers strategically, you can enhance the visibility and effectiveness of your email campaigns on ActiveCampaign.
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