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An anchor link allows you to jump from one part of an email template or fragment, straight to a specific point within the same email. So if you are working with lengthy email content, anchor links are perfect for you.

An anchor link works similarly to a hyperlink, but instead of taking users to a separate window, an anchor link redirects users to a different section within the same email.

Increasingly we find that our users require even more efficient ways of presenting content via approved email for their pushed-for-time HCPs. Anchor links make email content more dynamic, allowing the user to skip straight to the information they need.

Good to know!

Not all email clients support an anchor link, so below we have collated a list of the most commonly used email clients for you to check before adding anchor links to your approved email content.

Sounds great right? Let's take a look at how to create an anchor link in Shaman.

There are two parts when adding an anchor link. We need to determine the section of the email that the anchor link will direct us to, as well as create the anchor link in the relevant “call to action”.

In this example, we will use some text as the “call to action” to show how an anchor link works within an email template. But it is also possible to use an anchor link with images, buttons, or headings using the same method outlined below.

Let´s imagine that you have created a new email fragment or template, have completed the email details, and are now in the HTML editor ready to add an anchor link to your email fragment or template. (If you need to revise any of these steps, check out this collection of articles here).

Find the part of the email where you would like to set the destination of your anchor link and click the content area to select it. In this case, the destination is a button inviting users to reserve a seat at a conference.

In the menu on the right-hand side, scroll down to almost the bottom of the menu. Here you will see a field to add a “Section name” to your chosen destination of the link. Add a relevant name in this field.

Good to know!

Spaces between words will automatically show as underscores. A section name is used for linking within a page so will not be viewed outside of the HTML editor.

We are now ready to create the anchor link.

As previously mentioned, we will use some text to create an anchor link in this example. We have already added the text box to the email template and have used wording that will clearly indicate the call to action to the user. For example, “Click here to reserve your seat.”

Highlight the text you want to use in your anchor link, and click the paperclip link icon.

A pop-up window will appear asking you to complete the directions of the action you are creating. Using the dropdown menu in the top right corner, select “Go to Page Section”.

You can then search in the dropdown menu available next to “Section” to find the section name you have previously created for your anchor link. Click the section name to select it, then click Save.

You will notice that the text automatically has been updated to “inherit body styles” inline with the other anchor links and hyperlinks in your email content. You can undo this default styling by scrolling to the “Links” section of the content menu on the right-hand side, and clicking the toggle to disable inherit body styles. You can then update the settings (color and underlined) as necessary.

Top tip!

To check how your anchor link is working, export your email using the HTML email option to receive the email straight to your inbox. As this link will not function in the preview mode of the HTML editor.

And that´s it! If you want to have more than one anchor link in your email content, simply repeat the process making sure to add both a destination (section name) as well as the anchor link itself.