How to Customize Plain Text Marketing Emails in Hubspot

Plain text marketing emails in Hubspot give you a simple, clean format that often feels more personal and less promotional than rich HTML messages. This guide walks you through exactly how to create, customize, and send plain text emails so they look professional and reach the right contacts.

What Is a Plain Text Email in Hubspot?

A plain text email is an email without images, styled buttons, or complex layouts. In Hubspot, this type of message is useful when you want:

• A personal, one-to-one style outreach.
• Higher deliverability and simpler rendering across email clients.
• Minimal formatting for quick reading.

Plain text emails in Hubspot still support basic features such as personalization tokens and simple links, but they do not include design modules or drag-and-drop layouts.

Accessing Plain Text Email Options in Hubspot

To work with plain text emails, you first need to open or create a marketing email in your Hubspot account.

1. Navigate to your marketing email tool in Hubspot.
2. Create a new email or open an existing one.
3. Choose the option to use a plain text template (if starting from scratch).

Once the email editor is open, you can adjust the content and sending settings as needed.

How to Customize a Plain Text Email in Hubspot

Customizing a plain text email in Hubspot centers on editing your copy and basic formatting rather than working with design modules. Follow these key steps:

Step 1: Select or Create a Plain Text Template in Hubspot

1. In the email dashboard, click to create a new email.
2. Select the Plain text option from the template choices.
3. Give your email an internal name and subject line.

If you are converting an existing email, you may need to start from a dedicated plain text template to remove previous layout elements.

Step 2: Edit the Email Body Content

Within the Hubspot editor, click into the body field to start typing or pasting content. When customizing your message:

• Use short paragraphs for readability.
• Break up content with line breaks rather than heavy formatting.
• Keep the tone conversational and focused on value for the reader.

Because this is a plain text email in Hubspot, styling options are intentionally limited. However, you can still use:

• Basic text emphasis (depending on the specific editor behavior).
• Simple URL links.
• Personalization tokens for contact data.

Step 3: Add Personalization Tokens in Hubspot

Personalization tokens let you use information from your CRM records to make each plain text email feel targeted and relevant.

1. Place your cursor where you want the personalized value.
2. Click the personalization option in the Hubspot editor.
3. Select the appropriate token, such as contact first name, company, or owner.

Make sure to include fallback values so that your Hubspot emails look consistent even if a contact property is missing.

Step 4: Insert Links and Unsubscribe Information

Plain text emails still need clear links and required compliance elements.

• Insert links by highlighting text and adding a URL.
• Ensure you include any legally required footer or unsubscribe content as managed by Hubspot.
• Keep link text descriptive rather than generic terms like “click here.”

Hubspot will automatically handle many of the compliance details when you use the standard email tools, but you should always review the footer before scheduling.

Managing Plain Text Email Settings in Hubspot

Beyond the body content, you should confirm the core settings before you send or schedule your email.

From Name and From Address

In the Hubspot settings pane for the email, configure:

• From name: Use a recognizable individual or brand name.
• From address: Select a verified sender address appropriate for your campaign.

Plain text emails often feel more authentic when the from name is a person rather than only a company.

Subject Line and Preview Text in Hubspot

Because plain text messages are minimal, your subject line and preview text are especially important.

• Use clear, benefit-driven language.
• Avoid spammy symbols or excessive capitalization.
• Match the tone of the email body so expectations are aligned.

You can also test different subject lines in Hubspot using A/B testing features if available in your subscription.

Recipients and Segmentation

Before sending, choose who will receive your plain text email.

1. Select lists or individual contacts within Hubspot.
2. Apply additional filters to refine segmentation based on lifecycle stage, engagement, or properties.
3. Exclude lists such as unsubscribed or disqualified contacts according to your policies.

Thoughtful segmentation in Hubspot ensures your plain text emails are relevant and timely for each audience segment.

Testing and Sending Plain Text Emails in Hubspot

Always test your email before sending it to your full list.

Send Test Emails

1. Use the Send test email function within Hubspot.
2. Send to internal stakeholders or a test inbox.
3. Review formatting, links, personalization tokens, and footer content.

Check how the plain text email displays across different devices and clients to confirm line breaks and spacing look clean.

Schedule or Send Now

Once you are satisfied with the test version:

• Select Send now to deliver immediately, or
• Choose a specific date and time to schedule the email in Hubspot.

After sending, monitor performance metrics like opens, clicks, and replies from your email analytics dashboard.

Best Practices for Plain Text Emails in Hubspot

To get the best results from your campaigns, follow these best practices:

• Keep it concise: Focus on one primary message or call-to-action.
• Avoid heavy sales language: Plain text works best when it feels like a personal note.
• Use clear calls-to-action: Even without buttons, your links and next steps should be obvious.
• Maintain consistent branding: Use a signature and wording that match your broader Hubspot strategy.
• Review compliance: Confirm that unsubscribe and address details appear as required.

Over time, analyze how your plain text messages perform compared to designed emails in Hubspot, and adjust your mix accordingly.

Additional Resources and Next Steps

To explore the official documentation about working with plain text emails, review the original guidance in the Hubspot knowledge base here: Customize plain text emails in Hubspot.

If you want strategic help building a broader lifecycle and email automation plan around your plain text campaigns, you can learn more about consulting and implementation services at Consultevo.

By following these steps and best practices, you can confidently use plain text emails in Hubspot to create focused, personal communications that support your marketing and sales goals.

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