Templates make it easy to create consistent, professional emails without starting from scratch each time. By using templates, you can save time, maintain brand consistency, and quickly launch campaigns across different audiences.
Templates can be reused across one-time, automated, and drip campaigns, making them a core building block of Smart Marketing.
Why Templates Matter
Using templates helps you:
Maintain consistent branding across all emails
Reduce setup time for new campaigns
Reuse proven layouts and messaging
Ensure emails look good on both desktop and mobile
Personalize content using merge tags
Instead of redesigning emails for every campaign, you can build once and reuse often.
How to Create or Edit a Template
Go to Templates
Navigate to Smart Marketing > Templates.
You’ll see:
Templates created by SmartMoving
Any custom templates you’ve already built
Create a New Template
Click Create New Template
Enter a template name and optional tags
The editor opens with a blank canvas
Edit or Duplicate an Existing Template
Click an existing template
Choose Duplicate
Rename it and make your edits
Duplicating templates is the fastest way to build new designs.
Customize Your Design
In the editor, you can:
Drag and drop content blocks (text, image, button, divider, video, HTML)
Update text, colors, spacing, and layout
Add images from free stock photos or upload your own
Insert merge tags (like Contact Name, Move Date, or Company Details)
Be sure to save your changes before exiting.
Importing an HTML Email
If you already have an email built in HTML, you can import it into the template builder instead of rebuilding it block by block. The builder converts your HTML into standard content blocks, so you can edit every part the same way you would a template built in the editor.
Note: Importing replaces whatever is on the open template.
Before You Start
Make sure your HTML meets these requirements.
It includes an
<html>tag, a<body>tag, and a<meta charset="UTF-8">tag.All images and other external resources are hosted at publicly reachable URLs.
The builder will strip any JavaScript fragments from the HTML as emails don’t support it.
Your HTML cannot exceed 1 MB in size
How to Import an HTML Email
Open the template you want to use in the editor.
In the editor toolbar, click Import HTML Template. The Import HTML Template window opens.
Paste your HTML into the HTML Template field.
Click Import Template. The button stays disabled until you add content, and it shows Importing with a spinner while the conversion runs.
When the import finishes, the window closes and your converted template opens in the editor in edit mode. Each block is ready to select and edit.
💡 SmartTip: Make sure you review your imported template, as some formatting might be required to match your design perfectly.
What to Expect After Importing
The conversion is best effort. Layout, text, images, links, and button styling carry over wherever they can be matched to builder blocks.
Only static HTML and CSS are converted. Any JavaScript is removed.
Complex custom CSS may not translate exactly, so review your template after importing.
If an image cannot be reached, it may come in as an empty image block. Check your images after importing and replace any that are missing.
💡 SmartTip: Host your images on a publicly reachable URL before importing. Images behind a login or on a private server cannot be reached and will not import.
Troubleshooting
"Your HTML is missing a required tag: ..." Your HTML must include
<html>,<body>, and<meta charset="UTF-8">. Add the tag named in the message, then import again."This template is too large. Reduce it to ensure all Email Providers support it properly." Your HTML is over the 1 MB limit. Reduce its size by removing some sections and import again
"Import Failed. We weren't able to import your template. Review your HTML and import again." The conversion did not complete. Review your HTML and try again. A reference ID appears with the message. Share it with SmartMoving Support if you need help.
Previewing and Editing for Mobile
Every template can be previewed in both desktop and mobile views.
To preview:
In the editor, click Actions > Preview
Toggle between desktop and mobile views
For best mobile results:
Use short paragraphs
Keep buttons large and easy to tap
Avoid overly wide images
Check spacing between sections
Most recipients read emails on mobile devices, so always review mobile formatting before sending.
Sending a Test Email
Before using a template in a campaign, it’s a good idea to send a test email.
To send a test:
In the editor, click Actions > Send Test Email
Enter your email address
Review formatting, links, and personalization
This helps confirm the email looks correct in a real inbox.
Best Practices for Effective Templates
Include a clear call-to-action (CTA) in every email
Keep designs simple and easy to scan
Use merge tags to personalize when appropriate
Avoid large blocks of text
Test templates before using them in live campaigns
Well-designed templates improve engagement and make your campaigns easier to manage.