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 customc ontent 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:

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

2. Add custom fonts:

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

3. Customize buttons:

4. 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:

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

2. Send a Test Email:

   1. Click Send Test Email to send a preview to yourself or a colleague.​
   2. 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.