How to Preview and Test Your WooCommerce Emails (The Easy Way)

With over 15 years of experience in the WordPress and e-commerce space, I’ve seen firsthand how critical well-designed and reliably delivered emails are for any WooCommerce store. They’re the lifeline of your customer communication, informing them about orders, promotions, and keeping them engaged with your brand.

But sending out WooCommerce emails blindly without previewing or testing them is a recipe for disaster. You could be sending out emails with broken layouts, missing information, or worse, ending up in the dreaded spam folder. That’s why it’s essential to take the time to preview and test your WooCommerce emails before they ever reach your customers.

This guide will walk you through the simple process of previewing and testing your WooCommerce emails, ensuring they look professional, contain the right information, and deliver flawlessly to your customer’s inboxes. I’ll also share some insider tips and best practices to elevate your email game and keep your customers happy.

Why Preview and Test Your WooCommerce Emails?

Let’s face it, nobody likes receiving poorly formatted emails. It reflects poorly on your brand and can even damage your reputation. Here’s why you should make previewing and testing your WooCommerce emails a priority:

• Professionalism: Ensure your emails reflect the high standards of your brand. Consistent branding and well-structured content leave a lasting impression.
• Accuracy: Double-check that all the information is accurate, including order details, product descriptions, and any promotional offers.
• User Experience: Deliver a seamless experience. Make sure your emails are easy to read, navigate, and provide a clear call to action.
• Deliverability: Avoid having your emails land in the spam folder. Testing your email deliverability ensures they reach your customers.
• Troubleshooting: Quickly identify and fix any errors or issues before they impact your customer interactions.

How to Preview Your WooCommerce Emails

The default settings of WooCommerce don’t offer a robust email preview option. But fear not, we’ll use a handy plugin to make this process easy.

Here’s how to preview your WooCommerce emails using the “Preview E-mails for WooCommerce” plugin:

1. Install the Plugin: Go to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to “Plugins,” and click “Add New.” Search for “Preview E-mails for WooCommerce,” install, and activate the plugin.
2. Access the Preview Page: After activation, go to “WooCommerce” > “Preview Emails” in your WordPress dashboard.
3. Select the Email: Choose the specific WooCommerce email you want to preview from the “Choose Email” dropdown menu. Common examples include order confirmation emails, new order notifications, and customer account updates.
4. Choose an Order: Select an existing order from the “Choose Order” dropdown. This order’s data will be used in the email preview.
5. Search for Orders: If the desired order isn’t listed, use the “Search Orders” field to find it.
6. Create a Dummy Order (If Needed): If your store hasn’t received any orders, create a dummy order by placing a Stripe payment in test mode.
7. Send a Test Email (Optional): Enter an email address in the “Mail to” field if you want to send a test email. Leave it blank if you only want to preview the email onscreen.
8. Preview and Submit: Click the “Submit” button to view the preview of the selected email. If you provided an email address, a test email will be sent.

How to Test Your WooCommerce Emails

Now that you’ve previewed your email’s design, it’s time to ensure they’re reaching your customers’ inboxes. Here’s where testing your email deliverability comes into play. We’ll use a powerful plugin called “WP Mail SMTP” to streamline the process.

Follow these steps to test your WooCommerce email deliverability:

1. Install the Plugin: Install and activate the “WP Mail SMTP” plugin from your WordPress dashboard. You can use the free version for basic deliverability improvement. For advanced features like priority support, detailed delivery logs, and more control, consider the “WP Mail SMTP Pro” version.
2. Configure WP Mail SMTP: After activation, the WP Mail SMTP wizard will guide you through the configuration. Alternatively, you can follow our guides on setting up WP Mail SMTP with various email services like Brevo (formerly Sendinblue), Gmail, Microsoft Outlook, Amazon SES, or your web host. We recommend Brevo for its free tier, offering up to 300 emails daily.
3. White Glove Setup (Optional): If you prefer a hands-off approach, the Elite plan of WP Mail SMTP Pro offers a White Glove setup where their team will handle the configuration for you.
4. Send a Test Email: Once WP Mail SMTP is set up, go to “WP Mail SMTP” > “Tools” and locate the test page. Enter the email address where you want to receive the test email and click the “Send Email” button.
5. Check Your Inbox: Open your email inbox and confirm if you received the test email. If you don’t receive it, refer to our guide on how to send a test email from WordPress and troubleshoot any issues.

Conclusion

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to preview and test your WooCommerce emails effectively. You’ll have the confidence that your emails look great, contain the right information, and reach your customers without any hiccups. Remember, a professional and reliable email experience is crucial for building trust and driving customer satisfaction.

If you’re interested in learning more about tech news, feel free to visit my website: www.naveedahmed.me.

FAQs

What if I can’t preview WooCommerce emails using the plugin?

If you’re encountering issues with the plugin, ensure you have the latest version installed and activated. Check your WordPress system for any conflicts with other plugins. If the problem persists, reach out to the plugin’s support for assistance.

Do I need to use a paid email service like Brevo?

You can use the free version of WP Mail SMTP with your existing email provider (like Gmail or Outlook), but it’s generally recommended to use a dedicated email service for better deliverability and features. Brevo offers a generous free tier for up to 300 emails a day, making it a great option for small businesses.

How often should I test my WooCommerce emails?

It’s a good practice to test your emails periodically, especially after making any changes to your theme, plugins, or email content. You can also test your email deliverability whenever you experience any issues with your emails not reaching your customers.

What should I do if my test emails are going to spam?

If your test emails land in spam folders, check your email content for common spam triggers, such as excessive use of ALL CAPS, too many links, or suspicious subject lines. Ensure you’re following email marketing best practices and consider using a spam checker tool to analyze your emails.

Can I preview and test emails before they are sent?

Yes, you can preview and test your emails using the methods outlined in this guide. It’s essential to do so before sending out emails to your entire customer base.

What are some best practices for designing WooCommerce emails?

Focus on clarity, consistency, and a clear call to action. Use professional-looking templates, ensure your branding is consistent, and make it easy for customers to take the desired action (like making a purchase or visiting your website).

How can I improve my WooCommerce email deliverability?

Use a dedicated email service (like Brevo), authenticate your emails with SPF and DKIM, avoid spam triggers, and segment your email lists. Regularly monitor your email metrics to identify any issues.

What are some common email marketing mistakes to avoid?

Don’t send too many emails, avoid sending emails at odd hours, personalize your messages, and always provide an unsubscribe option.

How can I make my WooCommerce emails more engaging?

Use compelling subject lines, personalize your emails, include high-quality images, and offer exclusive deals or promotions.

What are some useful resources for learning more about WooCommerce emails?

The WooCommerce documentation provides valuable information on customizing emails and email settings. You can also find helpful tutorials and articles on WPBeginner, and various other WordPress resources.