Understanding Email Content Blocks and Layout Options

Overview

When creating an email campaign, the message you write is only part of the experience. The way that message is structured visually has a direct impact on readability, engagement, and click-through rates.

TIEIT’s email builder provides a set of drag-and-drop content blocks that help you design clean, professional emails without needing design or coding skills. Each block serves a specific purpose, and when used thoughtfully, they work together to create a well-structured, easy-to-read email that performs well across devices and email clients.

This article explains what each design element does, when to use it, and how it supports your overall email layout.

What is in this article

Understanding Content Blocks

Content blocks are the building units of your email layout. You drag them into your canvas and arrange them to create sections such as headers, body content, highlights, and footers.

A well-designed email usually combines multiple blocks in a logical order rather than relying on a single block for everything.

How Text, Image, and Video blocks support communication

Text Block

The Text block is where your written message lives.

You can use it to add:

• Introductions and greetings
• Descriptions and announcements
• Calls to action
• Linked text, lists, and emphasized content

Image Block

Images help communicate quickly and make emails visually engaging.

Use images for:

• Banners and headers
• Product visuals
• Event graphics
• Illustrations that support your message

Video Block

Most email clients do not play videos directly inside emails. The Video block solves this by displaying a thumbnail image that links to your video.

Use this when you want to:

• Share product demos
• Promote webinars or events
• Drive traffic to video content on your website or media channel

Split, Columns, and Tables — When to Use Each

There are three ways to place content side-by-side in the email builder: Split blocks, Columns, and Tables. While they may look similar visually, they are designed for different purposes.

Understanding the difference helps you build layouts that are cleaner, responsive, and easier to manage — without relying on tables, which are no longer required for layout design.

Quick Decision Guide

Use Tables Only When Necessary

Tables are no longer needed for general email layout. They should only be used in rare cases where you need:

• Strict grid-like data formatting
• Tabular information (e.g., pricing comparisons, data rows)
• Content that must remain fixed side-by-side even on mobile

Limitations of tables:

• Poor mobile responsiveness
• Harder to edit and maintain
• Accessibility concerns (screen readers struggle with tables)
• Only supports text and images

If you are using a table to create columns for design, switch to Columns or Split instead.

Practical Examples

Improving readability with Spacers and Dividers

Spacer Block

Spacers add empty space between blocks. While simple, they are important for:

• Preventing a crowded layout
• Creating breathing room between sections
• Improving overall visual flow

Use spacers intentionally to separate content areas.

Divider Block

Dividers are horizontal lines that separate sections of your email.

They help:

• Break up long content
• Visually signal a new section
• Guide the reader’s eye through the email

Dividers are especially helpful in newsletters and multi-section emails.

Using Header and Social blocks for branding and engagement

Header Block (Logo & Links)

The Header block is typically placed at the top of your email and includes:

• Your logo
• Optional navigation or website links

This immediately reinforces your brand and gives recipients a clear path to your website.

Social Media Block

This block displays social media icons that link to your profiles.

Place it near the footer to:

• Encourage continued engagement beyond the email
• Offer additional ways for readers to connect with your brand

Sections

Sections are the layout foundation that hold your content blocks together.

They allow you to:

• Group related blocks
• Apply background colors or spacing
• Control how content behaves on desktop and mobile

Think of sections as containers that keep your design organized and responsive.

How to Combine These Elements Effectively

A clear structure improves both readability and performance. A common layout flow looks like this:

1. Header – Logo and brand identity
2. Section with image or banner – Visual introduction
3. Text section – Main message
4. Split layout – Supporting highlights or features
5. Divider – Visual separation
6. Additional content – Offers, updates, or announcements
7. Social block and footer

Throughout the design:

• Use spacers to avoid clutter
• Use dividers to separate topics
• Keep text balanced with visuals
• Preview on both desktop and mobile before sending

How Templates and Section Layouts Handle the Structure for You

In TIEIT, most users do not build emails block-by-block from scratch. Instead, they start from the Templates panel or insert ready-made Section Layouts into the canvas.

These templates and sections are already designed using the correct combination of:

• Sections
• Columns
• Split blocks
• Proper spacing and responsiveness

Using the Templates Panel

From the Content → Templates tab, you will find:

1. Document Templates

Complete email starters such as:

• Renewal reminders
• Program announcements
• Member spotlights
• Event invitations
• Monthly newsletters

These are full email structures with header, body sections, and footer already arranged properly.

Best practice:

• Start here when creating a new campaign
• Replace text and images
• Avoid deleting the layout and recreating it with tables

2. Using Section Layouts (Pre-built Sections)

Below the document templates, you will see Section Layouts such as:

• Header with navigation
• Event card
• Article preview
• Stats row
• Spotlight card
• Testimonial
• CTA with two columns
• Footer layouts
• Feature rows

These are reusable layout blocks built using Columns or Split blocks appropriately.

When you drag one into your email:

• The column behavior is already responsive
• Spacing and alignment are already optimized
• Content types are already placed correctly

Recommended Workflow in the New Builder

• Start with a Document Template
• Insert Section Layouts where needed
• Edit content inside existing Columns or Split blocks
• Add new Columns or Split blocks only if required
• Use Tables only for data, not design

This approach keeps your emails clean, responsive, and easy to maintain without recreating layouts manually.

Create Reusable Templates from Sections and Blocks

If you find yourself reusing the same layout, banner, footer, or content pattern across campaigns, you don’t need to rebuild it each time. The Email Builder allows you to save any Section or individual Content Block as a reusable template.

This is especially useful for elements like:

• Branded headers
• Promotional banners
• Event highlights
• Standard footers with contact details and social links
• Frequently used text + image combinations

How it works

In the Email Builder, click on the Section or Content Block you want to reuse.

1. Choose the Save as Template option.
2. Give the template a clear, recognizable name.
3. The saved item will now appear under Templates → Layouts.

Using your saved template

When creating a new email:

• Open Templates → Layouts from the builder panel.
• Select the saved section or block.
• Drag and drop it into your email.

You can edit the content after placing it, without affecting the original saved template.