On September 15, we presented our new email builder to our customers during an “Ask me anything”. Participants were able to watch Norman Pracht, CEO, create an email, followed by a Q&A session.
Here is a recap of all the information that was shared!
Do previously created emails still work?
We made sure not to break anything from version 2 to version 3. Everything that has already been created will still work.
Regarding new emails, several scenarios are available to you:
- Existing email or theme:
If you edit an old email, the old builder will launch for the changes, and this also works with your old templates (an old template is not compatible with the new builder).
- Template created by Webmecanik:
It will be converted for use with the new email builder. In your templates, you will find the “converted” version, which will open with the new email builder.
- New template:
A tutorial is available to help you create a template yourself very easily!
Is drag and drop smoother?
A smoother, more pleasant interface to use was our primary goal! We used specific technologies from mobile applications, which guarantee rock-solid drag and drop (and we have to admit that we are very proud of it!)
Will it still be possible to create dynamic content?
Yes, no functionality disappears between the old and new builder; the goal is to bring new possibilities and improve the builder experience. To set up dynamic content, please refer to this tutorial!
Will creating emails from an RSS feed still be available?
Yes, nothing is changing on that front, and the tutorial is here!
Can an email be saved as a theme?
Not at launch. You have the option to create a standard email and clone it to modify it. An improvement is planned later to offer you this option.
Will we be able to test the different variants in test emails?
Not today, but it is a feature that could be considered in future functional developments.
Will we be able to save certain blocks to make them reusable?
Indeed, we can imagine having the possibility to save a block that you use regularly (title – text – CTA, for example). We decided to provide you with the email builder as soon as it covered all existing features; this would be a nice-to-have that we will keep in mind!
Is there any change to the image library?
With major version 3, we changed the file manager. When you are in the interface, you have a new library that you can organize into folders, subfolders, etc.
Do images need to be hosted before being added to the email?
No, as is the case today, you will be able to import them when creating the email or copy and paste the link to an image hosted elsewhere.
Do background images display in all email inboxes?
No, this feature is not supported on all email clients, such as certain versions of Microsoft Outlook. But there is nothing we can do about that!
Tip: If you add a background image, also add a background color to ensure your text remains readable in case the image does not display.
How do you work around border radius not working on all email clients?
Our technology allows us to generate the most optimized HTML. What does not work on an email client will be automatically modified to produce a clean rendering as close as possible to your creation. We then update our dependencies on these third-party technologies so that improvements on their side are taken into account!
How do you optimize image height for Outlook?
Code generation takes care of setting the height without distorting your image.
Will we be able to use code mode?
Yes, you will be able to find the code generated by your email and import your own code.
Can we retrieve the HTML generated by the email?
After creating your email, you can switch to code mode and retrieve all the code generated by your email.
Do tokens still work?
Yes, no problem with the existing features.
Is the same builder available on landing pages?
No, not today. Web browsers are more standardized than email clients, so this part causes fewer problems. However, the UX of the landing page builder could be improved; that will be part of upcoming projects.
Is the builder available for pop-ups?
No, because the structure is already predefined, so there is not the same need. However, a recent update gives you the possibility to add custom CSS to design the pop-up of your dreams.
When will it be available?
The email builder will be available on your instance as soon as you are on Automation 3! This migration is happening gradually, between September 15 and the end of October. When this is done, you will receive a notification in your instance, and can then contact your account manager to activate the email builder.
There you have it, we have gone through the questions asked during this AMA!
This new builder is a springboard that will allow us to add many features in the future.
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