Email Build Guidelines — Epic Panels Comics

Email HTML Build Rules

These rules must be followed every time an HTML email is built for Epic Panels Comics.

Rule 1 — No Class-Based CSS on Links

Never use class= attributes on anchor tags. Shopify Email strips style blocks and class attributes, which breaks links entirely. All buttons and links must use fully inline styles only.

Wrong: <a href='...' class='cta-btn'>
Correct: <a href='...' style='display:inline-block;background:#000;color:#fff;padding:14px 36px;'>

Rule 2 — Always Verify Product URLs Against the Live Store

Before inserting any product link into an email or blog post, use the Shopify search tool to confirm the exact handle of the product. Only use URLs for products with ACTIVE status. Draft products return 404 errors even if the URL looks correct.

Rule 3 — Full URL Format Required

All product links must use the full URL format: https://epic-panels-comics.com/products/[exact-handle]

Rule 4 — Run a Link Audit Before Finalizing

Before delivering any email file, scan every href in the file and confirm each product URL matches an ACTIVE published product on the store. Flag any Draft product URLs and replace them with the correct active URL.

Rule 5 — Required Shopify Email Variables

Every Shopify Email template must include both: {{ open_tracking_block }} at the top of the body, and {{ unsubscribe_link }} in the footer.

Rule 6 — No SVG or JavaScript

Shopify Email does not support SVG tags or JavaScript. Use styled text treatments instead of SVG logos. Never include script tags.

Rule 7 — Table-Based Layout Only

Use table-based HTML structure for all email layouts, not div-based. This ensures compatibility across Gmail, Outlook, and Apple Mail.