How do embedded interactive forms or AMP in email impact deliverability?
Summary
What email marketers say12Marketer opinions
Email marketer from SuperOffice explains that AMP for Email allows users to interact with dynamic content without leaving their inbox, improving engagement. However, they also state that it is critical to monitor subscriber behavior because it can impact deliverability and sender reputation.
Email marketer from Campaign Monitor explains that when designing interactive emails, it's vital to provide a fallback for email clients that don't support the interactive elements. A standard HTML version ensures that all subscribers can access the core message, even if they can't use the interactive features. This also helps to avoid deliverability problems caused by broken or non-rendering emails.
Marketer from Email Geeks clarifies that non-AMP users are those using email clients or webmail that do not support AMP, and only see the HTML version of the message.
Email marketer from Gmass shares that when considering AMP for email it's critical to be aware that it can significantly increase the complexity of email creation and testing. Senders should ensure they have the resources and expertise needed to build and maintain AMP emails properly to prevent errors that could impact deliverability.
Email marketer from Litmus shares that AMP for Email offers great possibilities but comes with caveats. Not all email clients support AMP, so a fallback HTML version is crucial. Also, AMP emails require registration with Google, which includes meeting certain guidelines to prevent abuse.
Marketer from Email Geeks suggests passing property information via URL parameters in a link, instead of using an HTML form tag. For PII, they recommend using a GUID. They highlight that most ESP opt-out links work similarly.
Marketer from Email Geeks advises against using HTML FORM tags in emails due to potential phishing flags and client limitations. He suggests using an image of the form with a serialized link to a pre-populated website form as an alternative.
Email marketer from Stack Overflow user says that embedding forms directly in emails can be tricky. Many email clients block forms for security reasons, and spam filters may flag them as potential phishing attempts, negatively impacting deliverability. Recommends linking to a form on a website instead.
Email marketer from Email On Acid answers that support for interactive elements in emails is inconsistent across different email clients and devices. Before investing in interactive email, it's crucial to test how the email renders in different environments to ensure a consistent experience for all subscribers. If rendering is poor then deliverability can be impacted.
Email marketer from Mailjet explains that while interactive emails offer exciting possibilities, the main risks include inconsistent rendering across email clients and deliverability issues. Older clients might not support the interactivity, causing display problems, and some spam filters may flag interactive elements as potential security risks.
Email marketer from Reddit explains that AMP for Email can be beneficial, especially if you have a large email list and want to offer interactive experiences directly within the email. However, it may not be worth the effort for smaller lists, given the implementation complexities and the need for a fallback HTML version.
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that AMP doesn't directly impact deliverability differently from other content, engagement is key. AMP generally increases engagement. He recommends only embedding the form in the AMP version and redirecting non-AMP users to a website. He states that AMP increases form fill percentages.
What the experts say2Expert opinions
Expert from Spamresource.com shares that including forms directly in emails poses challenges, with many email clients blocking form submissions as a security measure. This can result in deliverability issues as the email may not render correctly for all recipients. Instead, linking to a form hosted on a secure website is advised.
Expert from Word to the Wise, Laura Atkins, explains that interactive elements like forms can negatively impact deliverability if they lead to increased spam complaints or lower engagement rates. Poorly designed or implemented interactive emails can signal to mailbox providers that the sender is not reputable, leading to filtering issues.
What the documentation says4Technical articles
Documentation from Google Developers specifies that to send AMP emails, senders must register with Google. This registration requires authenticating your sending domain(s) and adhering to Google's sender guidelines to ensure a positive user experience and prevent spam.
Documentation from AMP.dev states that AMP emails have specific security requirements. All dynamic content is fetched via HTTPS, and custom JavaScript is not allowed. These restrictions are designed to prevent malicious code and enhance email security, but they also affect how interactive elements can be implemented.
Documentation from Microsoft details form support in Outlook, which does not fully support complex HTML forms within emails. While basic forms might render, advanced features or scripting are often blocked for security reasons, potentially impacting deliverability if the email relies heavily on unsupported elements.
Documentation from IETF details security considerations related to HTML in email, including forms. Forms can be exploited for phishing or other malicious activities, and email clients often block or restrict form functionality to mitigate these risks. This directly impacts the viability and deliverability of emails containing forms.