When it comes to email marketing, the tools you choose can make or break your success. The question of whether to use a visual editor or a code-friendly tool is a big one. Visual editors promise ease and speed, but can they match the power of code-based customization? This choice often comes down to the type of team you have and what kind of flexibility you need.
In this article, we’ll dive into what each option offers and how Stripo stands out as a hybrid solution that provides the best of both worlds.
Visual editors are all about making email design simple. They’re tools that let you build emails by dragging and dropping elements into place, without needing any coding skills. These editors are designed to be intuitive, allowing non-technical marketers to create professional-looking templates quickly. For marketers who need to produce high volumes of email content in a short time, visual editors can be a game-changer. They speed up workflows and reduce dependency on developers.
However, visual editors do come with limitations. While they’re fantastic for speed and ease, they often lack the deep customization options that advanced users might want. For example, while you can tweak layout elements, you may not have full control over finer design details, especially when dealing with complex email features.
In contrast, code-friendly tools give you full creative control. If you’re a developer or someone who’s comfortable working with HTML, CSS, or AMP, these tools are ideal. They let you write code from scratch, allowing for highly customized emails that push the boundaries of what you can do. You can create unique layouts, add interactive elements, and ensure your emails are perfectly optimized for different email clients.
But with great power comes complexity. Code-friendly tools require a solid understanding of web design and email development. They’re not the easiest option for non-technical marketers and can slow down workflows if you don’t have a dedicated development team.
For marketers without technical skills, visual editors are a lifesaver. They let you design and send emails without needing to understand the underlying code. The simplicity of these tools allows teams to focus on the bigger picture—content, strategy, and customer engagement—rather than getting bogged down by design intricacies.
Small businesses and startups, which might not have access to dedicated developers, often rely on visual editors to meet tight deadlines. Visual editors make it possible to produce professional emails quickly, enabling teams to stay agile and responsive.
On the other hand, developers and advanced users may find visual editors limiting. If you need full control over every aspect of your email—whether it’s ensuring pixel-perfect design or incorporating advanced interactive features—code-friendly tools are your best bet.
Developers appreciate the freedom these tools offer, especially when building complex, customized emails. For example, adding AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) elements or ensuring cross-platform compatibility requires a level of coding that most visual editors simply can’t match.