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Content Design FAQ

Below are the answers to some important questions regarding the creation of content in the Email Marketing section of the SocketLabs Control Panel.

Raw HTML Content

Which users should select this option?

Choose this option only if you are an advanced user with intimate knowledge of HTML or if a designer has provided raw HTML code to you. This is by far the most customizable content type but it provides no easy tools for beginners. We also cannot troubleshoot custom HTML code; you are responsible for the final results of any content created in this way.

How do I use Merge Fields?

If you want to use a merge field, simply place your cursor where in the text you want it to be added and click on the Merge Fields tab (the bottom-most tab to the right of the designer). This will bring up a list of all merge fields available on your server. Simply click on the one you want to insert.
When you send this content out, our system will substitute the custom info from any recipients that have information in this field. If you include a field such as "FavoriteColor" and a particular recipient does not have this information, the field will be blank in the email they receive. No end recipient will ever see the actual name of the merge field.

Text Only Content

When should I choose this option?

Choose Text Only if you want to make the quickest, simplest possible mailing. Nothing fancy, just some plain text for your recipient(s).

How can I insert Merge Fields?

If you want to use a merge field, simply place your cursor where in the text you want it to be added and click on the Merge Fields tab (the bottom-most tab to the right of the text editor). This will bring up a list of all merge fields available on your server. Simply click on the one you want to insert it.

When you send this content out, any recipients that have information in this field will have their personal info included. If you include a field such as "Favorite Color" and a particular recipient does not have this information, the field will be blank in the email they receive. No end recipient will ever see the actual name of the merge field.

SocketLabs Email Designer

When should I choose this option?

If you would like to create and send attractive HTML messages but don't have any expertise in writing code manually, this is the option for you! We provide a robust drag-and-drop Designer that is flexible and simple to use for everyone from beginners to email experts.

What are Starter Designs for?

These give you the option to start with and personalize pre-made colorful content instead of using an Empty Designer Template (which starts you with basic greyscale content). All these do is give you options for a variety of jumping-off points.

What are all the tabs on the right-hand side of the page?

Each tab represents a different set of editing tools: Snippets, Text Editing, Image Management, Color Selection, Layout and Spacing Options, and finally Merge Fields. Clicking on one will display all available options in that category.

What are snippets?

A snippet is a piece of content that you can drag from the right-hand menu over into the Designer. Each one contains different types and arrangements of content. Some are text only, some include images, many are mixed, and the number of columns differs from one to the next as well.
There is a dropdown menu at the top of the Snippets area that allows you to filter by type to simplify searching for the one you want.

I customized a snippet and want to use it again later. Can I keep it?

Absolutely! To save a piece of custom content select it in the designer and then click on the green save button at the upper left-hand corner of the snippet. It will be displayed in the collection of All snippets as well as under the "My Snippets" category. It can then be dragged into any content you wish, either the content you're editing currently or content that you create/edit at a later time.

How do I use Merge Fields?

If you want to use a merge field, place your cursor where in the text you want it to be added and click on the Merge Fields tab (the bottom-most tab to the right of the designer). This will bring up a list of all merge fields available on your server. Click on the one you want to insert.
When you send this content out, our system will substitute the custom info from any recipients that have information in this field. If you include a field such as "FavoriteColor" and a particular recipient does not have this information, the field will be blank in the email they receive. No end recipient will ever see the actual name of the merge field.