Why are my images blurry?

Your email marketing tool contains an email editor compression mechanism to minimize the file size of your email.  This helps to shorten the load time as images download into your recipients' email inboxes.  Though this helps speed your load times, many email marketers find that some images appear a bit blurrier than the original image imported.  This might occur on images that are text heavy (i.e. logos and banners). ToInstead focus on importing text heavy images as .PNG files as a best practice and bring in the file at twice the specs specified in the template default image. (Example: The template calls for a 145px X 120px image. The email marketer will bring in their logo image at 290 x 240px as a PNG file.)

How do I embed videos, gifs, or other interactive elements into my emails?

You can embed a video, gif, and other interactive elements in your email with some restraints. Use the "source" module in the HighRoad master template to insert any HTML code you would like to include in your email. Keep in mind, however, that while some email clients will render interactive elements like videos and gifs, many clients (such as Outlook, Hotmail, etc) will not work as expected.  Email marketers should design a back up component for email clients that are not able to support video embedding or animation when rendering. 

What are best practice for designing for my email?

Plan out your email portfolio and create a consistent look and feel for all email sends.  This means thinking about the specific layouts for each of your email categories. You might consider a standard header/footer template and standardized graphics for regularly sent emails like newsletters, webinars, or event communications.  Build this plan outside of the tool before even starting on your first email in the platform.  

HighRoad offers a standard master template which contains a module library for commonly used layouts.  Design your email graphics with these modules in mind, to ensure you are building your email within the parameters within the tool

How can I A/B split test and what are some best practices?

Conducting an A/B split test is simple. Best practices include writing out your hypothesis, only testing one variable at a time, and testing 10% of your audience or higher to reach a statistically relevant sized audience. Plan out the specific messaging or imagery you want to use in each variant. Plan to review the variant test and make observations of the results to inform future A/B testing strategy and email communications.  

How can I use personalization in my email program?

You can start simple with email personalization using fields like first name, company name, or membership due date. A more advanced personalization tactic is using conditional content.  This allows you to display personalized content in a section of your email based on the specific audience or segment.  Personalization increases engagement metrics and improves the experience for your members.

What is responsive design?

The majority of email readers are opening on their mobile devices. Responsive email design is building your email in a way that allows your content to flex based on the device it is being viewed on.  Elements will either stack or display side-by-side across the screen and will be readable on any screen. It is best practice to design with mobile in mind first, to ensure that the email will render great on mobile as well as desktop and tablet.