When it comes to creating consistent, high-quality digital marketing content, templates are key. Content templates ensure that brand standards are met by including default colors and logos that are consistent with the brand. Templates also provide management with a way to approve design elements without needed to approve each piece of content. Once a template is approved, digital marketers have confidence that their content has an approved starting point. Dynamics 365 Marketing provides out-of-the-box templates for landing pages, forms, marketing emails, and more while giving managers the tools to create customized templates for digital marketers to use in day-to-day work.

Working with content templates

When a Dynamics 365 Marketing user attempts to create any piece of content in the system, they are confronted with a screen asking which template they want to use. While templates can be bypassed and content can always be created from scratch, this screen forces the user to review approved template options before moving forward. The templates window includes all out-of-the-box templates designed by Microsoft as well as any custom templates already created and approved in the system. While reviewing templates, users can select specific templates to expand their preview in the right side of the window. For organizations that utilize many templates, users can always search for templates by name or filter by type. Once a template is selected, the content designer window will open allowing the user to start editing the content with the template applied.

Creating templates

Content templates in Dynamics 365 Marketing are managed by content type. Under left navigation, there are individual entities for email templates, page templates, form templates, segment templates (marketing lists), and more. In each template entity, all templates are displayed with an easy-to-access preview when clicked.

On the template record, design and branding settings can be set for all content created with the template. The designer window allows users to build out the overall format and style of template. This is where users can add logos or other images that are standardized across content. If the content includes default text, users can add example text or specific language related to the template. The toolbox window next to the designer is where users can edit the style of the template. Within the toolbox, users can update the email width, change default fonts, set text sizes, and add template colors. Once a template is finalized, users can preview the piece of content in the preview and test tab of the designer.

Get started

Content templates not only ensure that brand standards are met across all digital marketing content, they also speed up the design and content creation process. Our Dynamics 365 Marketing team can work with you to build customized content templates or provide guidance on how to do it yourself. Schedule a demo with our CRM team to see how a solution can meet your business needs.