What is an HTML Entity?
An
HTML entity is a piece of text ("string") that begins with an ampersand (&) and ends with a semicolon (;). HTML entities are used to represent reserved or special characters in HTML. For instance, the less-than sign () as >. These entities ensure that the HTML code is parsed correctly by the browser or email client.
Why Use HTML Entities in Email Marketing?
Using HTML entities in
email marketing is crucial for several reasons. First, they help maintain the structure and readability of the email. Special characters might otherwise be misinterpreted as HTML tags, causing rendering issues. Second, entities ensure compatibility across different
email clients and devices, providing a consistent user experience. Lastly, they protect the email content from being flagged as suspicious or broken by email filters.
Commonly Used HTML Entities in Email Marketing
Email marketers frequently use several HTML entities to avoid issues and improve readability. Some of the most common ones include: for non-breaking space
© for © (copyright symbol)
® for ® (registered trademark symbol)
" for " (double quotation mark)
' for ' (single quotation mark)
How to Implement HTML Entities in Email Campaigns?
Implementing HTML entities in your
email campaigns involves replacing special characters with their corresponding entities. For example, instead of using the actual ampersand character (&), you should use &. This practice is particularly important when dealing with text that includes special characters, like company names, user-generated content, or dynamic data.
Best Practices for Using HTML Entities
When using HTML entities in your email marketing campaigns, consider the following best practices: Test Across Clients: Always
test your emails across multiple email clients to ensure that the entities render correctly.
Use Named Entities: Whenever possible, use named entities (like ©) instead of numeric ones (like ©) for better readability.
Validate Code: Use HTML validators to check your code for errors, including incorrect usage of HTML entities.
Limit Usage: While entities are useful, overusing them can make your code harder to read and maintain. Use them only when necessary.
Conclusion
Understanding and using HTML entities in
email marketing can greatly improve the deliverability, readability, and overall success of your campaigns. By following best practices and testing thoroughly, you can ensure that your emails look great and perform well across all platforms.