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Create an Email template. Build multi-use Email templates.

Create an Email template

Video guide

Learn how to create professional email templates in Bird. This video covers:

  • Using the template library
  • Customizing styles and fonts
  • Adding and saving custom content blocks
  • Working with images
  • Adding personalization variables
  • Setting up fallback text for variables
  • Testing and publishing templates

Step-by-step guide

Creating a professional email template in Bird involves several steps, from accessing the email templates section to publishing your final design. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step approach to help you through the process.

Step 1: Access the Email Templates section

  1. Log In to Your Bird Account: Enter your credentials to access your dashboard.
  2. Navigate to Email Templates:
    • From the dashboard, go to Marketing > Manage > Content > Email Templates.
    • Here, you'll find the template library with pre-built email templates.
    • To view templates you've created, click on the Saved Templates tab.

Step 2: Create a new Email template

  1. Choose your starting point:
    • Import a Template: Click Import Template to paste your custom HTML code.
    • Build from Scratch: Select Create Blank Template to design a new template from the ground up.
  2. Setup template details:
    • Name Your Template: Provide a unique and descriptive name.
    • Select Default Locale: Choose the primary language for your template.
    • Click Create Template to proceed to the email editor

Step 3: Design your Email using the drag-and-drop editor

The email editor offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface with various content blocks:

  1. Add content blocks:

    • Text Blocks: Drag a text block into your template to add and format text.
    • Image Blocks: Use image blocks to insert pictures. Upload images from your computer or via URL, and set alt text for accessibility.
    • Button Blocks: Include call-to-action buttons by dragging a button block into your template. Customize the text, link, and appearance.
    • Social Icons Blocks: Add social media links by dragging the social icons block into your template. Configure the icons to link to your social media profiles.

  2. Customize blocks:

    • Text Formatting: Highlight text to apply formatting options like bold, italics, or links.
    • Image Settings: Adjust image dimensions, alignment, and padding as needed.
    • Button Styling: Modify button color, shape, and text to match your branding.

  3. Save reusable blocks:

    • To reuse a block in future templates, click the star icon next to the block.
    • Provide a recognizable name and click Add to Favourites.
    • Access saved blocks in the Saved Blocks section for future use.

Step 4: Apply styling and branding

  1. Set global styles:

    • In the Styles tab, define overall settings such as background color, email width, and default font styles.
    • Configure text and link colors, as well as letter and line spacing.

  2. Add custom fonts:

    • Choose a Google Font from the dropdown list and set a fallback font.
    • Alternatively, add a custom font by providing the necessary details and specifying a fallback font.

  3. Customize buttons:

    • In the Styles tab, adjust button colors, shapes, and styles to align with your brand.

Step 5: Incorporate advanced features

  1. Add Custom Variables:

    • In the Variables tab, create placeholders for dynamic content (e.g., recipient's first name).
    • Click Add Variable, name it appropriately, and save.

  2. Use AI Content Generation:

    • Utilize the AI generation tool by entering a prompt and clicking Reply to receive generated copy.

Step 6: Preview and test your email

  1. Preview Your Design:

    • Use the preview feature to see how your email will appear on desktop and mobile devices.
    • Ensure all elements are correctly aligned and formatted.

  2. Send a Test Email:

    • Click Send Test Email to send a preview to yourself or a colleague.
    • Verify that all links, images, and dynamic content display as intended.

Step 7: Finalize and publish Your template

  1. Save Your Work:

    • Click Save to ensure all changes are stored.

  2. Publish the Template:

    • Once satisfied with the design and content, click Publish.
    • Your template is now ready for use in campaigns and journeys.

By following these steps, you can create a customized and professional email template in Bird that aligns with your brand and effectively engages your audience.