# FAQs

Find quick answers to common questions about Mailtrap Email Marketing, including campaign creation, contact management, analytics, and more.

## General Questions

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<summary>What is Mailtrap Email Marketing?</summary>

Mailtrap Email Marketing is a complete solution for creating, sending, and tracking email campaigns. It includes a drag-and-drop editor, contact management, automation tools, and detailed analytics.

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<details>

<summary>How is Email Marketing different from Email API/SMTP?</summary>

Email Marketing is designed for bulk promotional emails with built-in campaign tools, while Email API/SMTP is for transactional emails like password resets. Email Marketing includes visual editors, contact management, and campaign analytics.

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## Campaign Creation

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<summary>Do I need coding skills to create campaigns?</summary>

No! Our drag-and-drop editor requires no coding. However, we also offer an HTML editor for those who prefer to code their emails.

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<summary>Can I use my own HTML templates?</summary>

Yes, you can import your own HTML templates or create them from scratch using our HTML editor. Templates can be saved and reused across campaigns.

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<details>

<summary>How do I personalize emails?</summary>

Use merge tags in your content:

```
Hi {{first_name}},

Thank you for being a {{customer_type}} customer for {{years_active}} years!
```

These will be replaced with actual contact data when sent.

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## Contact Management

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<summary>How do I import contacts?</summary>

You can import contacts via:

1. **CSV Upload**: Upload a CSV file with contact data
2. **Copy/Paste**: Paste contact list directly
3. **API**: Import programmatically
4. **Integrations**: Sync from CRM or e-commerce platforms using our Zapier, Make.com, n8n integrations.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I export my contacts?</summary>

Yes, you can export contacts anytime as CSV including all custom fields and engagement data. This ensures data portability and GDPR compliance.

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<details>

<summary>What happens to unsubscribed contacts?</summary>

Unsubscribed contacts:

* Remain in your account for record-keeping
* Cannot receive campaigns
* Count toward your plan limits

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## Sending & Delivery

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<summary>Why do I need to verify my domain?</summary>

Domain verification:

* Proves you own the domain
* Improves deliverability
* Required for sending campaigns
* Enables DKIM and SPF authentication
* Reduces spam classification

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<details>

<summary>What are typical open rates?</summary>

Industry averages:

* B2B: 21-23%
* E-commerce: 15-18%
* Non-profit: 25-28%
* Media: 20-22%

Your rates depend on list quality, content relevance, and sending practices.

</details>

<details>

<summary>How can I improve deliverability?</summary>

Best practices:

1. Verify your domain properly
2. Use double opt-in
3. Clean your list regularly
4. Maintain consistent sending
5. Avoid spam trigger words
6. Include unsubscribe links
7. Monitor engagement metrics

Check our [Deliverability Guide](https://mailtrap.io/email-deliverability-guide/) for more info.

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<details>

<summary>Can I send to purchased lists?</summary>

No. Sending to purchased lists:

* Violates our Terms of Service
* Results in high bounce/spam rates
* Can lead to account suspension
* Damages sender reputation Only send to contacts who explicitly opted in.

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## Analytics & Reporting

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<summary>When will I see campaign statistics?</summary>

* **Delivery stats**: Within 5 minutes
* **Opens**: Real-time as they happen
* **Clicks**: Real-time tracking
* **Unsubscribes**: Immediate
* **Full report**: 24-48 hours for completion

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<details>

<summary>How is open rate tracked?</summary>

Open tracking works via a tiny, invisible image (pixel) in the email. When the image loads, we record an open. Note that:

* Some clients block images (undercounts opens)
* Privacy features may affect accuracy

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## Compliance & Legal

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<summary>Is Mailtrap GDPR compliant?</summary>

Yes, we are fully GDPR compliant:

* Data processing agreements available
* Data portability features
* Right to deletion support

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<summary>What's required in email footers?</summary>

Legal requirements:

* Physical mailing address
* Unsubscribe link
* Company identification
* Clear sender information

We automatically add these if missing.

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<summary>How are unsubscribes handled?</summary>

Unsubscribe process:

1. One-click unsubscribe link in every email
2. Immediate processing (within seconds)
3. Confirmation page shown
4. Contact moved to suppression list

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## Billing & Account

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<summary>Can I change plans anytime?</summary>

Yes, you can:

* Upgrade instantly
* Downgrade at end of billing cycle
* Switch between monthly/annual
* Cancel anytime
* No long-term contracts required

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<details>

<summary>Do unused emails roll over?</summary>

No, monthly email quotas don't roll over. However:

* Additional emails counted as overage
* Upgrade anytime for more capacity

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