What are Deprecated Tags?
In the context of
email marketing, deprecated tags are HTML elements that are no longer recommended for use by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). These tags may still function in some
email clients, but they are not supported universally and can lead to inconsistent email rendering.
Why Should You Avoid Deprecated Tags?
Using deprecated tags can result in
poor email performance and highly inconsistent display across different email clients. This can negatively impact user experience and engagement rates. Additionally, some deprecated tags may not be compatible with modern accessibility standards, making your emails less inclusive.
Common Deprecated Tags in Email Marketing
<font>: This tag was commonly used to define font styles, but it is no longer recommended. Instead, use CSS to style text.
<center>: Previously used to center-align content. Modern CSS properties like
text-align should be used instead.
<marquee>: This tag created scrolling text and images, but it is now obsolete. CSS animations are the preferred method for such effects.
<u>: Used for underlining text, but this can now be done more effectively with CSS.
<big> and
<small>: These tags were used to change text size, which should now be done using CSS font-size properties.
How to Replace Deprecated Tags with Modern Alternatives?
Transitioning from deprecated tags to modern alternatives involves using CSS for styling and layout. For instance, instead of using the
<font> tag to change text color, you can use a CSS style attribute like style="color: #333;". This ensures better compatibility and cleaner code.
Are There Any Tools to Help Identify Deprecated Tags?
Yes, several tools and
services can help you identify deprecated tags in your email code. HTML validators and linters can scan your code and highlight any outdated tags, making it easier to update them. Popular online validators include the W3C Markup Validation Service and local development tools like Visual Studio Code with appropriate extensions.
Impact of Deprecated Tags on Email Deliverability
Using deprecated tags can also affect your
email deliverability. Some email clients may flag emails with deprecated tags as potentially suspicious or spammy, leading to lower open rates and engagement. Ensuring your emails conform to modern standards can help maintain high deliverability rates.
Conclusion
While deprecated tags might still work in some email clients, relying on them is not a best practice in
email marketing. By updating your email code to use modern HTML and CSS, you can ensure a consistent and accessible experience for all your subscribers.