When forwarding marketing emails, several factors can cause them to “break” or display incorrectly. Here are some common reasons:
- HTML and CSS Incompatibility: Emails use HTML and CSS for styling. When an email is forwarded, the email client might alter or strip away some of the HTML and CSS code. This can cause the layout to break or look different than intended.
- Email Client Rendering: Different email clients (like Outlook, Gmail, Yahoo) interpret the HTML and CSS in emails differently. When you forward an email, it may be opened in a different client than it was originally designed for, leading to rendering issues.
- Added Header Information: Forwarding an email typically adds header information at the top of the message. This can shift the original content and formatting, leading to a broken appearance.
- Media and Linked Content: If the email contains images or other media hosted online (linked rather than embedded), forwarding the email can sometimes break these links. This means images may not display, or dynamic content might fail to load.
- Security Settings: Email clients have various security settings that may block certain types of content or code when an email is forwarded. This can prevent scripts or styles from running as intended.
To mitigate these issues, consider these practices:
- Use Inline Styles: Inline styles are more likely to be preserved when an email is forwarded compared to styles in `<head>` or external stylesheets.
- Simplify Design: A simpler, more robust design is less likely to break when forwarded.
- Test Across Clients: Test your email’s appearance in various email clients before sending it out.
- Provide a Web Version: Include a link to a web-based version of your email so recipients can view it in their browser if the email doesn’t render well.
- Educate Recipients: Sometimes, it’s beneficial to instruct recipients on the best way to share your email content, such as using a “Share this” button that you provide within the email itself.
Understanding these factors and adjusting your email design and distribution strategy accordingly can help ensure your marketing messages retain their intended formatting and effectiveness.
