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Test Emails

Ensure your emails are delivered correctly and display properly before sending them to your users.

Why Test?​

ReasonImportance
DeliverabilityEnsure emails don't end up in spam
RenderingVerify display across different email clients
ContentCheck variables and text
LinksValidate that all links work

Types of Tests​

SMTP Configuration Test​

Verify that your SMTP server is configured correctly:

  1. Navigate to SMTP settings
  2. Click "Test Configuration"
  3. Enter a test email address
  4. Verify receipt

Template Test​

Preview a template with test data:

  1. Open an email template
  2. Click "Preview" (in the template editor)
  3. The template displays with sample data
  4. Verify the rendering

Real Send Test​

Send a test email to yourself:

  1. In the email sending interface
  2. Click "Send Test"
  3. Enter your email address
  4. Receive the email as a user would

Checks to Perform​

Content​

  • Subject line is correct and personalized
  • Recipient name displays correctly
  • Variables are replaced (no visible {{name}})
  • Text has no spelling errors
  • Tone is appropriate

Design​

  • Logo displays correctly
  • Colors are consistent
  • Layout is readable
  • Email is responsive (mobile)
  • Images load

Technical​

  • Primary button works
  • Links point to correct pages
  • Download link works
  • QR code is readable
  • Expiration date is correct

Testing Tools​

Mail Tester​

mail-tester.com analyzes your email and provides a deliverability score:

  1. Get a test address from mail-tester.com
  2. Send your test email to this address
  3. View the detailed report
  4. Fix identified issues

Recommended score: 8/10 minimum

Email Client Testing​

Test rendering on different clients:

ClientCharacteristics
Gmail (web)Good general rendering
OutlookLimited CSS support
Apple MailExcellent rendering
Mobile GmailCheck responsive design
Mobile OutlookVery limited CSS

DKIM/SPF Verification​

Use MXToolbox to verify your DNS records:

  1. DKIM Test
  2. SPF Test
  3. Global Deliverability Test

Common Issues​

Email in Spam​

Causes:

  • DKIM/SPF not configured
  • Content triggering spam filters
  • Domain with no reputation

Solutions:

  1. Configure DKIM and SPF
  2. Avoid spam words ("free", "urgent", all caps)
  3. Balance text/image ratio
  4. Gradually build domain reputation

Images Not Displayed​

Causes:

  • Images blocked by default
  • Invalid URLs
  • Images too large

Solutions:

  1. Always add alternative text (alt)
  2. Use absolute URLs (https://...)
  3. Optimize image size (less than 100 KB)

Broken Layout​

Causes:

  • Unsupported CSS
  • Uncontrolled width
  • Malformed tables

Solutions:

  1. Use inline styles
  2. Limit width to 600px
  3. Test on Outlook (most restrictive)

Causes:

  • Malformed URLs
  • Special characters
  • Unreplaced variables

Solutions:

  1. Use complete URLs (https://...)
  2. Encode special characters
  3. Verify variable syntax

Pre-Send Checklist​

Configuration​

  • SMTP configured and tested
  • DKIM and SPF validated
  • Sender address verified

Template​

  • Previewed with real data
  • Tested on mobile and desktop
  • All links verified
  • QR code functional

Deliverability​

  • Mail-tester.com score > 8/10
  • Test received in main inbox (not spam)
  • Correct rendering on Gmail and Outlook

Content​

  • Correct personalization
  • No spelling errors
  • Up-to-date information
  • Clear call-to-action

Best Practices​

Testing Frequency​

  • For each new template: Complete test
  • After modification: Quick test
  • Monthly: Deliverability check

Test Documentation​

Keep track of your tests:

  • Test date
  • Template tested
  • Results obtained
  • Corrective actions

Progressive Testing​

For important sends:

  1. Test on yourself
  2. Test on a small group (5-10 people)
  3. Send to all recipients

Next Steps​