Don’t hit send without testing: The hidden cost of untested marketing emails

January 15, 2024
Insights

I love receiving marketing emails from businesses that I enjoy interacting with, but I don’t love the growing emergence of untested and broken emails landing in my inbox.

This increasing trend is not only frustrating for us as customers, but also has serious implications for the long-term success of the brands who send them.

To shed more light on this issue, let’s look into the potential repercussions that businesses may face when they neglect the crucial step of email testing.

A fragmented user experience

Imagine a recipient eagerly opening your marketing email on their mobile device, only to find that the layout is distorted, images are missing, or the text is barely readable.

Frustration sets in, and they quickly close the email, missing out on your carefully crafted content.

These discrepancies can turn what should be a seamless experience into a disjointed one, leaving readers disappointed and discouraged.

Lost marketing opportunities

The dangers of not testing marketing email extend far beyond the surface. Each marketing email you send represents an opportunity to engage your audience and achieve your marketing goals.

When a recipient encounters display problems, they may miss essential information, calls to action, or promotional offers.

This, in turn, reduces the likelihood of conversions and engagement.

Guarding your brand reputation

Your brand’s reputation is built on trust and consistency. Sending out marketing emails that haven’t been properly tested can jeopardise the trust your audience has in your brand.

Readers may perceive the lack of attention to detail as a sign of unprofessionalism or indifference to their experience.

Maintaining a positive brand image requires a commitment to delivering a consistent and reliable experience, starting with well-tested marketing emails.

The dreaded unsubscribe

High unsubscribe rates are a common consequence of poorly tested marketing emails.

When recipients repeatedly encounter issues with your emails, they may decide it’s not worth the frustration and opt out of your email list.

This not only shrinks your audience but also diminishes your ability to communicate with those who genuinely want to hear from you.

Navigating legal compliance

Email marketing is subject to stringent regulations designed to protect consumers’ privacy and prevent spam.

Neglecting device testing can lead to legal compliance concerns. For instance, if your marketing email doesn’t display a functional unsubscribe link on specific devices due to display issues, you may unintentionally violate email marketing regulations.

This can result in legal repercussions, including fines and damage to your reputation.

So, the dangers of sending out marketing emails that haven’t been rigorously tested are clear and significant, but how can your business avoid falling into this easily avoidable situation?

Implement rigorous testing processes

Establish a comprehensive testing process that covers various devices and email clients. This ensures that emails display correctly across all platforms, reducing the risk of a fragmented user experience.

Focus on responsive design

Utilise responsive email design techniques to ensure that your marketing emails automatically adjust to the screen size and resolution of the device they’re viewed on, preventing layout distortions and image issues.

Don’t forget to proof-read (even better, ask someone else)

Yes, spell checking is often an over-looked part of testing marketing emails. While it may seem like a basic step, it’s crucial to ensure that your marketing email is free of spelling and grammatical errors.

Educate your team

Ensure your marketing team understands the importance of email testing and is up-to-date with best practices in email marketing. This includes understanding the implications of not testing and the impact on brand reputation and legal compliance.

Use professional email marketing tools

Invest in quality email marketing software that offers robust testing and preview features. These tools can simulate how emails will appear on different devices and email clients, helping you identify and fix issues before sending.

The importance of testing marketing emails cannot be overstated. By implementing the above strategies, businesses can significantly mitigate these risks and ensure their marketing emails consistently deliver value and engagement to their audience.


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