> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.revbridge.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Email Channel

> Configure email sending for rich, personalized customer communications

Email is the most versatile channel for customer engagement. It supports rich HTML content, images, and detailed messaging while being cost-effective at scale.

## Email Capabilities

| Feature              | Supported   |
| -------------------- | ----------- |
| Rich HTML templates  | ✅           |
| Responsive design    | ✅           |
| Images and graphics  | ✅           |
| Personalization      | ✅           |
| A/B testing          | ✅ (via MAB) |
| Click tracking       | ✅           |
| Open tracking        | ✅           |
| Unsubscribe handling | ✅           |

## Setting Up Email

Navigate to **Settings → Channels** and click **Configure** next to Email.

### Step 1: Sender Information

Configure your sender details:

| Field            | Description         | Example                                       |
| ---------------- | ------------------- | --------------------------------------------- |
| **Sender Name**  | Name shown in inbox | "Sarah from Acme"                             |
| **Sender Email** | From address        | "[hello@acme.com](mailto:hello@acme.com)"     |
| **Reply-To**     | Where replies go    | "[support@acme.com](mailto:support@acme.com)" |

<Tip>
  Use a recognizable sender name. "Sarah from Acme" performs better than generic "Acme Marketing Team".
</Tip>

### Step 2: Domain Verification

Verify your sending domain to improve deliverability:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Add Your Domain">
    Enter your sending domain (e.g., acme.com)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Get DNS Records">
    RevBridge provides DNS records to add
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Records to DNS">
    Add the records via your domain registrar
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify">
    Click Verify and wait for confirmation
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Required DNS Records

| Record Type | Purpose                                  |
| ----------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| **SPF**     | Authorizes sending servers               |
| **DKIM**    | Cryptographic signature for authenticity |
| **DMARC**   | Policy for handling failures             |
| **MX**      | Return path for bounces                  |

<Accordion title="Example DNS Records">
  ```
  # SPF Record (TXT)
  v=spf1 include:_spf.revbridge.ai ~all

  # DKIM Record (TXT)
  revbridge._domainkey.yourdomain.com
  v=DKIM1; k=rsa; p=MIGfMA0GCSqG...

  # DMARC Record (TXT)
  _dmarc.yourdomain.com
  v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; rua=mailto:dmarc@yourdomain.com
  ```
</Accordion>

<Warning>
  DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate. Plan ahead when setting up email.
</Warning>

### Step 3: Send Test Email

After verification:

1. Click **Send Test**
2. Enter your email address
3. Check your inbox
4. Verify email renders correctly

## Email Best Practices

### Subject Lines

| Do                          | Don't                    |
| --------------------------- | ------------------------ |
| Keep under 50 characters    | Write long subject lines |
| Create curiosity or urgency | Use ALL CAPS             |
| Personalize when possible   | Use spam trigger words   |
| A/B test variations         | Mislead about content    |

**Examples**:

* ✅ "Sarah, your cart is waiting"
* ✅ "24 hours left: 20% off everything"
* ❌ "FREE!!! CLICK NOW!!! LIMITED TIME!!!"

### Preview Text

The preview text appears after the subject in many email clients:

* Keep it under 100 characters
* Complement (don't repeat) the subject line
* Include a call to action

### Email Design

**Above the fold** (visible without scrolling):

* Logo
* Main headline
* Primary CTA
* Key message

**Structure**:

* Single column for mobile compatibility
* Clear visual hierarchy
* Adequate white space
* Scannable content with headers

### Images

| Guideline                   | Reason                        |
| --------------------------- | ----------------------------- |
| Include alt text            | Images may be blocked         |
| Optimize file size          | Faster loading                |
| Use hosted images           | Better tracking               |
| Don't rely solely on images | Some clients block by default |

### Call to Action

* Make buttons large and tappable (44px minimum)
* Use contrasting colors
* Action-oriented text ("Shop Now" not "Click Here")
* One primary CTA per email

## Deliverability

### Reputation Management

Your sender reputation affects inbox placement:

| Factor          | Impact                  |
| --------------- | ----------------------- |
| Bounce rate     | Keep under 2%           |
| Spam complaints | Keep under 0.1%         |
| Engagement      | Higher is better        |
| Authentication  | SPF/DKIM/DMARC required |

### Avoiding Spam Filters

* Maintain clean lists (remove invalid addresses)
* Honor unsubscribes immediately
* Avoid spam trigger words
* Balance text and images
* Include physical address
* Use reputable sending infrastructure

### Warming Up

For new domains or IPs:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Start Small">
    Begin with your most engaged subscribers (100-500/day)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Gradually Increase">
    Double volume every few days
  </Step>

  <Step title="Monitor Metrics">
    Watch bounce and complaint rates closely
  </Step>

  <Step title="Adjust as Needed">
    Slow down if metrics decline
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Analytics

Track email performance in the Analytics section:

| Metric           | What It Measures      |
| ---------------- | --------------------- |
| **Sent**         | Emails dispatched     |
| **Delivered**    | Reached inbox/spam    |
| **Bounced**      | Failed delivery       |
| **Opened**       | Unique opens          |
| **Clicked**      | Unique link clicks    |
| **Unsubscribed** | Opt-outs              |
| **Converted**    | Completed goal action |

### Open Rate Considerations

<Info>
  Apple Mail Privacy Protection can inflate open rates. Focus on click and conversion metrics for accurate performance measurement.
</Info>

## Compliance

### Required Elements

Every marketing email must include:

* Clear sender identification
* Physical mailing address
* Working unsubscribe link
* Honest subject line

### Unsubscribe Handling

RevBridge AI automatically:

* Adds unsubscribe links to emails
* Processes unsubscribe requests
* Suppresses unsubscribed contacts
* Maintains suppression list

### GDPR Considerations

For EU customers:

* Obtain explicit consent before emailing
* Document consent records
* Honor data deletion requests
* Provide data export capability

## Troubleshooting

### Emails Going to Spam

1. Check domain authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
2. Review email content for spam triggers
3. Check sender reputation
4. Verify list hygiene
5. Contact support if issues persist

### Low Open Rates

1. Test different subject lines
2. Optimize send time
3. Segment your audience
4. Check deliverability metrics
5. Review sender name recognition

### High Bounce Rates

1. Clean your email list
2. Implement double opt-in
3. Remove invalid addresses
4. Check for list quality issues