Custom HTML campaign builder

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Use the Custom HTML Campaign Builder

With ActiveCampaign's Custom HTML Campaign Builder, you can create a highly personalized email campaign using your own HTML code. This feature is essential for users who seek greater control over the design of their emails and are comfortable working with HTML. Whether you want to create visually engaging content or ensure specific branding elements are displayed, understanding how to use this tool effectively can elevate your email marketing efforts.

How to Access the Custom HTML Campaign Builder

To get started with the Custom HTML Campaign Builder, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your ActiveCampaign account. 2. Navigate to the Campaigns section. 3. Click on the Create a Campaign button.

This will initiate the process of creating your email campaign, and you will soon have the opportunity to leverage the capabilities of the HTML builder.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create a custom HTML campaign:

Step 1: Create Your Campaign

- Go to Campaigns and click Create a Campaign. - On the Campaign Type page, enter a name for your campaign and select your campaign type. - Click the Next button to proceed.

Step 2: Campaign Summary

- You will arrive at the Campaign Summary page where you can supply additional campaign details if needed. This step can be skipped initially, but keep in mind that these details are required before sending your email.

Step 3: Access the HTML Builder

- Click the down arrow next to the Create with email designer button. - Select the HTML builder option from the menu.

Step 4: Choose a Template or Start Fresh

- You can select a pre-existing template if applicable; otherwise, click the Start from Scratch button to open a blank canvas for your design.

Step 5: Input Your Custom HTML

- The HTML builder will appear with an area on the left for adding your custom HTML code. As you input your code, you will see it render in the preview screen on the right side.

Step 6: Insert Additional Content

- To add personalized content, conditional content, images, an RSS feed, or content from a URL, click the Insert option and choose the items you wish to add. Follow the prompts for each type of content.

Step 7: Switch to Visual Editor (Optional)

- For users who may prefer a more visual approach, click the Visual Editor icon to switch from the HTML view to a drag-and-drop editor.

Step 8: Update Settings

- Click the Settings (gear) icon to update important information such as your subject line, preheader text, and the From and Reply to addresses. This is also where you can test your email.

Step 9: Finalize and Send

- Click the Next button to return to the Campaign Summary page. - Review everything to ensure that it looks good. You can then choose to click Send now to send the campaign immediately, click the Schedule button to send it at a later date and time, or click Save and Exit to return later.

Configuration Options and Settings

When using the Custom HTML Campaign Builder, it’s crucial to understand some best practices and guidelines for configurations, especially regarding layout, styling, and content.

Layout Recommendations

- Maintain a width of 650px or less to ensure compatibility across most email clients. - Utilize basic HTML tables for layout rather than CSS float or position properties which may not render correctly. - Avoid complex designs to minimize potential rendering issues.

CSS Guidelines

- Use inline CSS exclusively, as many email clients do not support external stylesheets or CSS classes. - Avoid CSS shortcuts and instead define each property individually.

Image and Video Best Practices

- Use absolute URLs for images and ensure alt tags are present. - Refrain from embedding videos or Flash, and consider using screenshots with links to the content instead.

Background Elements

- Understand that background images may not be fully supported across all clients. Use HTML options for backgrounds rather than CSS.

Best Practices and Tips

- Keep your design simple to minimize testing time and complexity. - Regularly test your HTML emails across different email clients, especially ones that may add their own styles or formatting. - Ensure that your HTML code is clean and validated to prevent rendering issues.

Common Use Cases

- Use the Custom HTML Campaign Builder for regular newsletters that need to match specific branding guidelines. - Create promotional emails featuring custom layouts for product launches or seasonal sales.

Troubleshooting

- If you encounter issues, remember that the ActiveCampaign Customer Experience team cannot assist with troubleshooting custom HTML code. Make sure to test your email thoroughly in various environments.

Related Features

- To learn more about creating responsive emails, explore the Email Designer.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use Iframes in my HTML emails?

A1: No, iframes are not supported in email campaigns.

Q2: What is the maximum width I should use for emails?

A2: It is recommended to keep the width at 650px or less for optimal display across email clients.

Q3: Can I include JavaScript in my HTML emails?

A3: No, JavaScript is generally stripped by most email clients and could cause your email to be flagged as malicious.

Q4: Is there a customer support option for HTML code troubleshooting?

A4: Unfortunately, the ActiveCampaign Customer Experience team is not able to assist with debugging custom HTML code.

Q5: Are animated GIFs fully supported in my emails?

A5: While most email clients support animated GIFs, some, like Outlook 2007, do not.

Q6: What should I do if my email looks different in various clients?

A6: Always perform thorough testing across different email clients to identify rendering issues and adjust your HTML/CSS accordingly.

Q7: How often should I test my email designs?

A7: It is best practice to test your emails regularly, especially before major campaigns, to ensure compatibility and effectiveness.

By harnessing the potential of the Custom HTML Campaign Builder, you can create impactful and visually appealing email campaigns that resonate with your audience. ```