Avoid Unsupported CSS - Email Marketing

What is Unsupported CSS in Email Marketing?

Unsupported CSS refers to CSS properties or rules that are not recognized or correctly rendered by certain email clients. This can lead to inconsistent design and layout issues across different email platforms.

Why is it Important to Avoid Unsupported CSS?

Using unsupported CSS can significantly affect the user experience and the overall effectiveness of your email campaigns. Emails that don't render correctly can lead to lower engagement rates, higher unsubscribe rates, and a damaged brand reputation.

Which Email Clients are Prone to CSS Issues?

Popular email clients such as Microsoft Outlook, Gmail, and Apple Mail all have varying levels of CSS support. Outlook is particularly notorious for having limited CSS compatibility, so it's crucial to test your emails across multiple platforms.

How to Identify Unsupported CSS?

There are several resources and tools available to identify unsupported CSS. Websites like Can I Email provide detailed compatibility tables. Additionally, email testing services like Litmus and Email on Acid can help you preview how your email will render in different clients.

Best Practices to Avoid Unsupported CSS

To ensure your email renders correctly across all clients, follow these best practices:
Use Inline Styles: Inline CSS is widely supported across most email clients. Avoid using external stylesheets or embedded CSS.
Stick to Basic Properties: Use basic CSS properties like font-family, color, and background-color. Avoid complex properties like flexbox or grid.
Fallback Solutions: Use fallback solutions for properties that might not be supported. For example, use background colors instead of background images.
Test Extensively: Always test your emails in multiple clients before sending them out. Use tools like Litmus and Email on Acid for comprehensive testing.

Common CSS Properties to Avoid

Some common CSS properties that are often unsupported in email clients include:
position
float
display: flex
background-image
border-radius

Conclusion

In the world of email marketing, it is crucial to avoid unsupported CSS to ensure your emails look consistent and professional across all platforms. By understanding which CSS properties are supported, using inline styles, and extensively testing your emails, you can significantly improve your email marketing campaigns' effectiveness.

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