Why Should You Avoid Shorthand Properties in Email Marketing?
In the realm of
email marketing, the use of shorthand properties can lead to unforeseen complications. Shorthand properties are CSS properties that let you set the values of multiple other CSS properties simultaneously. While they can save time and reduce the size of your code, they also introduce risks, particularly in the context of
email clients and their varying levels of support.
Which Shorthand Properties Are Most Problematic?
Some of the most problematic shorthand properties include
margin,
padding,
border, and
background. These properties can behave unpredictably across different email clients. For instance, using the shorthand `background` property might not display images correctly in certain clients, whereas specifying individual properties like `background-color`, `background-image`, etc., ensures more consistent results.
1. Use Longhand Properties: Specify each CSS property individually to ensure consistent rendering. For example, instead of using `margin: 10px 20px;`, use `margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 20px;`.
2.
Test Across Multiple Clients: Always test your emails in different
email clients before sending them out. Tools like Litmus or Email on Acid can help with this.
3. Inline CSS: Many email clients, especially older ones, prefer inline CSS. This means writing CSS directly within the HTML tags, ensuring higher compatibility.
4. Fallback Styles: Provide fallback styles where necessary. For instance, if you are using a custom font, ensure you have a fallback font specified that is universally supported.
Conclusion
While shorthand properties offer a quick and seemingly efficient way to write CSS, their use in
email marketing can lead to inconsistent and unreliable results. By adhering to best practices and avoiding shorthand properties, you can ensure that your emails render correctly across all clients, thereby improving both deliverability and user experience.