Is your email error-free, accessible, and flawless across devices? This all-in-one checklist covers every critical element. Get your score, spot what needs fixing, and hit send with total confidence.
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Use these insights to perfect your campaign and make every email more impactful.
Issue | Description |
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No client testing |
Not tested in 30+ email clients; layout may break in some clients
Without testing across major email clients like Gmail, Outlook, and Apple Mail, layout issues and inconsistencies may go unnoticed. This affects how professional and trustworthy your email appears. Tip: Use cross-client preview tools to ensure your email renders consistently everywhere. |
Dark mode unverified |
Primary text may be unreadable in dark mode
Many users now use dark mode by default. If not reviewed, key content may become unreadable, or logos may render poorly. Tip: Use dark-mode-aware styles and verify contrast across both light and dark environments. |
Images load slowly |
Images take more than 1s to load on 3G
If images load slowly, especially on mobile or slow connections, users may leave before they see your content. Tip: Optimize and compress images to load in under 1 second on a 3G connection. |
No GIF fallback |
Outlook won't display GIFs; no static fallback is set
Animated GIFs don’t render in Outlook. Without a fallback image, important visuals won’t appear at all. Tip: Always include a static fallback frame for GIFs, especially for key messages. |
Missing ALT text |
ALT text missing from images and logo
Images without ALT text are invisible to screen readers and offer no context if they fail to load. This reduces accessibility and usability. Tip: Add relevant ALT text to all images, including logos and icons. |
Template not responsive |
Width > 600px or not validated on iOS/Android
Templates that exceed 600px or don’t adapt to screen size break easily on mobile devices, making content hard to read or interact with. Tip: Stick to a max width of 600px and test responsiveness on both iOS and Android. |
No retina support |
Images not optimized for high-DPI displays
On high-resolution displays, standard images appear blurry, which can make your email look unpolished. Tip: Use retina-ready images (2x resolution) scaled down with HTML attributes for sharpness. |
Issue | Description |
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CSS not inlined | External or orphaned styles found
If your CSS isn’t inlined, many email clients—especially Outlook and Gmail—may strip or ignore your styles entirely. This leads to broken layouts and inconsistent visuals. Tip: Inline all CSS during your build process to ensure styles are preserved across all clients. |
Not table-based layout | Layout uses divs instead of tables
Div-based layouts are unreliable in email because most clients don’t fully support modern CSS. Without tables, your layout may break or not render at all. Tip: Use table-based structures for consistent rendering in all email clients. |
No tracking parameters | Links lack tracking or use duplicates
Without tracking parameters, you can’t measure clicks accurately, and duplicate parameters may result in skewed analytics. Tip: Append UTM or custom tracking tags to each link and ensure they are unique across the email. |
Non-HTTPS or broken links | Links are not secure or return errors
Links using HTTP or returning errors reduce trust and can get flagged by spam filters. Tip: Always use HTTPS and verify that every link returns a valid 200 OK status. |
Invalid HTML | HTML fails W3C / Email Standards validation
Emails that don’t pass basic HTML validation may render unpredictably, especially in stricter clients like Outlook. Tip: Run your code through a W3C validator or Email Standards Project checker to catch and fix errors early. |
Issue | Description |
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Incorrect heading order | Headings not structured logically (e.g. skipping H2 before H3)
Headings that skip levels or are used out of order confuse screen readers and impair content structure. This makes it harder for users with assistive technologies to navigate your email. Tip: Follow a logical structure—start with an H1, then H2s and H3s as needed, in order. |
Low text contrast | Text color contrast is below the minimum 4.5:1 ratio
Text that lacks sufficient contrast against its background becomes unreadable for users with visual impairments, especially in bright or low-light settings. Tip: Maintain a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 between text and background for body copy. |
Small tap targets | Buttons or links smaller than 44×44 px
Buttons or links smaller than 44 × 44 pixels are difficult to tap accurately on touchscreens, frustrating users and lowering conversions. Tip: Design all clickable elements to be comfortably finger-friendly and accessible on mobile. |
Missing lang attribute | <html> tag lacks language attribute for screen readers
Without a language declaration in your HTML, screen readers may mispronounce content or fail to apply correct reading rules. Tip: Add a lang attribute (e.g., <html lang="en">) to improve clarity and localization. |
Image-only text used | Text content rendered as images instead of live, selectable text
Embedding key messages in images makes your content inaccessible to screen readers and invisible if images are disabled. Tip: Use live HTML text for important content and reserve images for decorative or supplementary purposes. |
Issue | Description |
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Repetitive pre-header | Pre-header text repeats or doesn’t complement subject line
When the pre-header just repeats the subject line, it wastes valuable inbox space that could reinforce your message or encourage opens. Tip: Use the pre-header to add context or urgency, not to duplicate the subject line. |
Message below fold | Core message is not visible within the first 350 px
If your core message isn’t visible in the first 350 pixels, users may never see it, especially on mobile. People quickly scan emails and often don’t scroll. Tip: Position your key message or offer near the top so it’s seen right away. |
Weak CTA placement/text | CTA is buried or lacks strong verb/benefit language
If your main call-to-action is buried or too vague, users won’t know what to do next. A strong CTA drives clicks and guides the reader. Tip: Place the CTA above the first scroll and use active, benefit-oriented language. |
No proof element | No credibility boosters (stats, badges, testimonials) included
Without credibility markers like stats, testimonials, or badges, your message can feel untrustworthy, especially for first-time readers. Tip: Add one simple proof point to reassure users and reinforce your claims. |
Spelling or grammar issues | Spelling or grammar errors found in copy
Even minor errors can make your message feel unpolished and hurt credibility. Tip: Proofread or use tools to catch mistakes before sending. |
Issue | Description |
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Off-brand colors or fonts | Design doesn’t align with your brand style guide
When your email doesn’t follow your brand’s visual guidelines, it can confuse users or make the content feel untrustworthy. Consistency is key to recognition. Tip: Use your approved brand colors, fonts, and spacing to create a familiar and polished look. |
Logo missing or oversized | Logo doesn't link home or exceeds 30 KB
A missing logo weakens brand presence, while an oversized one may appear unbalanced or slow down load time. It’s a small detail that has a big impact. Tip: Keep your logo under 30 KB and ensure it links to your homepage. |
Poor visual hierarchy | Layout lacks clarity in flow: headline → image → body → CTA
If your layout doesn’t clearly guide the reader from headline to image to CTA, users may skim past important content or feel overwhelmed. Tip: Use clear structure, spacing, and consistent typography to lead the eye through the email. |
Missing or hard-to-find links | Unsubscribe or preference links are absent or difficult to read
Unsubscribe and preference links are required for compliance and user trust. Hiding them or making them hard to tap can lead to spam complaints. Tip: Make these links easy to find and legible, usually placed in the footer. |
Large decorative assets / HTML | Decorative images not compressed; HTML exceeds 100 KB
Heavy images and bloated code slow down email load times and increase the risk of delivery issues. Tip: Compress decorative images and keep total HTML weight under 100 KB for optimal performance. |
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