You will learn
Learn how to send a simple text-only email in Klaviyo. Plain text emails can contain limited formatting and images, but are generally much simpler in style and structure than HTML emails (e.g., those built in Klaviyo’s drag-and-drop editor).
This article refers to emails that consist mainly or entirely of text. Learn how to customize the plain-text version of an HTML email to improve the deliverability and accessibility of emails you build in the drag-and-drop editor.
About text-only emails
Plain text emails are a great option if you want your message to have a very personal feel. These emails can look similar to a message you send from your personal inbox, and generally contain less branded content and design elements than a standard HTML email.
A text-only email can be a good option for:
- A message in a welcome series
You can include a text-only email as a message in your welcome flow with a personal note about how your company got started or what sets you apart from other brands. - Apology emails
When your company has made a mistake and needs to notify your customers about it, consider sending a text-only email. - Text-heavy messages
If you’re sending a long email that is mostly or entirely text, a text-only email will be easier for screen readers, smart watches, and other assistive technology to read your message.
Text-only emails are often most impactful when signed by a member of your team (e.g., your founder/CEO). While they aren’t right for every use case, text-only emails often see higher click rates than fully designed HTML emails.
How to create a text-only email
Create a text-only campaign email
- Navigate to the Campaigns tab in Klaviyo.
- Click Create Campaign.
- Choose Email and click Create Campaign.
- Choose a name, recipients, and tracking settings for your campaign, then click Continue to Content.
- Choose Text Only.
- Write your message in the text editor.
Note that you can add dynamic content (e.g., a first name variable), include images, change font styles and colors, add bullet points or numbered lists, and use other limited styling options. - When the message is ready to send, click Save Content.
Once you’ve created your text-only email, learn how to send it as a campaign.
Create a text-only flow email
- Navigate to the Flows tab in Klaviyo.
- Choose an existing flow you’d like to add a text-only email to, or click Create Flow and proceed through the steps to configure a new flow.
- Once you’ve opened your flow, drag in an Email action.
- Click the message you just added.
- In the message sidebar, click Configure Content.
- Choose Text Only.
- Write your message in the text editor.
Note that you can add dynamic content (e.g., a first name variable), include images, change font styles and colors, add bullet points or numbered lists, and use other limited styling options. - When the message is ready to send, click Save Content.
Once your flow email is ready to set live, learn how to turn on your flow.