Aeropostale launched a new site today, but unfortunately failed to the test the message in Outlook 2007. A good reminder (again) to always test the display of the email campaigns you are sending.  See below:... More

Aeropostale launched a new site today, but unfortunately failed to the test the message in Outlook 2007. A good reminder (again) to always test the display of the email campaigns you are sending. 

See below:

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Sometimes we hit the 'send' button before we intend to do so. One would assume that was the feeling generated at the Academy Awards today when they sent the email below with the subject line:"TEST HTML Email for Membership Mailing"To... More

Sometimes we hit the 'send' button before we intend to do so. One would assume that was the feeling generated at the Academy Awards today when they sent the email below with the subject line:

"TEST HTML Email for Membership Mailing"

To be quickly followed by a "Correction" email - sent very quickly, as in 24 minutes after the original send...

Below are both emails for posterity:

First email - note the broken images and incorrect subject line - don't forget to TEST!

Second email - "The Correction"

Of course there was a third email which featured the appropriate subject line and images that functioned; however, we'll leave that one out.




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Another good reminder to test your email campaigns prior to sending them out... As an example, Old Navy recently sent an email that had two prominently displayed broken images near the top. I would highly recommend a "QA Checklist" for... More

Another good reminder to test your email campaigns prior to sending them out... As an example, Old Navy recently sent an email that had two prominently displayed broken images near the top.

I would highly recommend a "QA Checklist" for any email marketer to ensure the email campaigns they are sending have the highest quality.

A quick starting point:

• Ensure all links are clickable and arrive at the intended destination
• Ensure all images render
• Ensure overall message format appears appropriate in different email clients and browsers
• Ensure overall rendering speed for the message is good for high-bandwidth and low-bandwidth subscribers
• Ensure appropriate footer including CAN-Spam language is included

Below is a screen shot of the broken images:


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Another example of a leading marketer who sends a lot of email failing to test the visual appearance of their message... It seems like every day I see 1-3 of these types of examples. Lately I've been wondering why there... More

Another example of a leading marketer who sends a lot of email failing to test the visual appearance of their message... It seems like every day I see 1-3 of these types of examples. Lately I've been wondering why there is such an uptick.

Is it because marketers are lean and cutting corners?
Is it because marketers have forgotten the simple best practices related to testing?
Is it because marketers don't realize they need to view their email in different email clients and browsers?

Regardless, the experience left with the end consumer is one of shock and awe... If I received a direct mail piece with this type of creative error, I would assume heads would roll. I know they would in any organization I've worked for.

Here's the creative...


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