<\/span>\u00a0What Are Plain-Text Versions?<\/span><\/h1>\nA plain-text version<\/strong> of an email is a simplified version of your HTML email<\/strong> that:<\/p>\n\n- Contains only text<\/strong> (no images, videos, or HTML formatting)<\/li>\n
- Preserves content readability for all recipients<\/strong>, including those using:\n
\n- Screen readers<\/li>\n
- Older email clients<\/li>\n
- Low-bandwidth connections<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Purpose:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Improves email accessibility<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Helps deliverability<\/strong>, as some spam filters favor emails that include plain-text versions<\/li>\n
- Ensures your message reaches every inbox<\/strong>, even if HTML rendering fails<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n<\/span>\u00a0How Plain-Text Versions Work in Campaign Monitor<\/span><\/h1>\n\n- Automatic Generation (Optional)<\/strong>\n
\n- Campaign Monitor can automatically generate a plain-text version from your HTML email.<\/li>\n
- Converts text content, strips images, and formats simple line breaks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Custom Plain-Text Editing (Recommended)<\/strong>\n
\n- Allows you to manually refine the text<\/strong>:\n
\n- Adjust line breaks<\/li>\n
- Rewrite CTA links clearly<\/li>\n
- Provide context for images or videos<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Fallback for Email Clients<\/strong>\n
\n- If the recipient\u2019s email client cannot render HTML<\/strong>, the plain-text version is displayed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Spam Filter Benefits<\/strong>\n
\n- Emails with plain-text versions are less likely to be flagged as spam<\/strong> by Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\n<\/span>\u00a0How to Include a Plain-Text Version in Campaign Monitor<\/span><\/h1>\n\n- Create Your HTML Email<\/strong>\n
\n- Design as usual in Campaign Monitor\u2019s editor or import HTML.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Access the Plain-Text Version<\/strong>\n
\n- In the Campaign Monitor editor:\n
\n- Click \u201cPlain Text\u201d<\/strong> in the menu bar.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Customize the Content<\/strong>\n
\n- Remove unnecessary formatting artifacts<\/li>\n
- Include clear CTA links<\/strong> in plain language<\/li>\n
- Provide image descriptions<\/strong> if images are critical<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Preview and Test<\/strong>\n
\n- Use Campaign Monitor\u2019s preview tools<\/strong> to see the plain-text email<\/li>\n
- Send test emails to confirm readability<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Finalize and Send<\/strong>\n
\n- Both HTML and plain-text versions<\/strong> are sent automatically<\/li>\n
- The recipient\u2019s email client chooses which version to display<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\n<\/span>\u00a0Benefits of Including Plain-Text Versions<\/span><\/h1>\n<\/span>\u00a0Accessibility<\/span><\/h2>\n\n- Ensures screen readers and assistive technology<\/strong> can read your email<\/li>\n
- Supports low-vision and visually impaired users<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>\u00a0Deliverability<\/span><\/h2>\n\n- Spam filters favor emails with plain-text versions<\/li>\n
- Reduces chances of being flagged as spam in Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>\u00a0Mobile & Low-Bandwidth Friendliness<\/span><\/h2>\n\n- Plain-text emails load faster<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Ensures users on slow connections can read your message<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>\u00a0Improved Engagement<\/span><\/h2>\n\n- Simple formatting emphasizes clear messaging and links<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Some users prefer plain-text emails<\/strong> for clarity and simplicity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n<\/span>\u00a0Best Practices<\/span><\/h1>\n<\/span>\u00a0Keep It Simple<\/span><\/h3>\n\n- Use short paragraphs<\/strong> and clear line breaks<\/li>\n
- Include text-based CTAs<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>\u00a0Add Image Descriptions<\/span><\/h3>\n\n- Describe important images so the message is not lost<\/strong> in plain-text versions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>\u00a0Test Links<\/span><\/h3>\n\n- Ensure all URLs work without relying on HTML buttons or images<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>\u00a0Personalize Content<\/span><\/h3>\n\n- Include recipient name or other personalization<\/strong> for plain-text version<\/li>\n
- Keeps email friendly and relevant<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>\u00a0Avoid All Caps or Spammy Phrases<\/span><\/h3>\n\n- Plain-text emails carry the same spam risks<\/strong> as HTML emails<\/li>\n
- Keep copy natural and value-driven<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n<\/span>\u00a0Real-World Examples<\/span><\/h1>\n<\/span>Example 1: Newsletter<\/span><\/h3>\nHTML Version:<\/strong><\/p>\n