HTML Email Links
Responsive, Accessible, and Tap-Friendly Links
Links are one of the most fundamental parts of any email—whether you’re guiding users to a product, a blog post, or a signup form. But without the right styling, they can be hard to e, click, or trust. That’s why it’s crucial to build links that are readable, recognizable, and responsive across all major email clients.
What is a Bulletproof Link?
A bulletproof link is a plain <a> tag enhanced with inline CSS to ensure proper sizing, visibility, and accessibility across devices. Unlike buttons, links need to work inline and within content blocks—so styling has to be lightweight but effective.
1. Standard Inline Link (Best for Simplicity)
Add simple styling directly to the anchor tag. This keeps your link visible and legible, and works in nearly every email client.
Pros:
✅ Very lightweight
✅ Works across all clients
✅ Easy to implement
Cons:
❌ No hover state in most email clients
❌ Tap target may be too small on mobile
Example:
See the Pen Untitled by Email Code Camp (@EmailCodeCamp) on CodePen.
2. Table-Wrapped Link (Larger Tap Area)
Use a <table> around your link to increase the clickable area. Great for mobile optimization.
Pros:
✅ Increases tap target size
✅ Good for mobile UX
Cons:
❌ Slightly more markup
❌ Not ideal for inline body text
Example:
See the Pen Table-Wrapped Link (Larger Tap Area) by Email Code Camp (@EmailCodeCamp) on CodePen.
3. Styled Link with Hover Support (Partial Support)
Use embedded or inlined <style> tags to define a hover state for clients that support it.
Pros:
✅ More interactive
✅ Improves visual feedback
Cons:
❌ Limited support (mostly Apple Mail, Gmail)
❌ Requires extra <style> block
Example:
See the Pen Styled Link with Hover Support (Partial Support) by Email Code Camp (@EmailCodeCamp) on CodePen.
4. Accessible Link (Screen Reader Friendly)
Add ARIA labels or use descriptive text for better accessibility.
Pros:
✅ Supports screen readers
✅ Improves UX for assistive technologies
Cons:
❌ Slightly more verbose
❌ Not always necessary for simple links
Example:
See the Pen Accessible Link (Screen Reader Friendly) by Email Code Camp (@EmailCodeCamp) on CodePen.
5. Phone & Email Links (tel: and mailto:)
These are essential for mobile-friendly emails where users may want to quickly call or email support, sales, or customer service.
Why They’re Useful:
- tel: links open the dialer on mobile devices.
- mailto: links open the default email app with a new draft message.
Tips:
- Avoid using these links in desktop-heavy campaigns unless you also provide visible alternatives.
- Make sure the link text clearly indicates what will happen (e.g., “Call Us” or “Email Support”).
Examples:
See the Pen Phone & Email Example by Email Technica (@EmailCodeCamp) on CodePen.
Email Client Support
| Method | Works in Outlook | Mobile Friendly | Hover Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Inline | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Table-Wrapped Link | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Hover-Enhanced | ✅ (partial) | ✅ | ⚠️ (limited) |
| Accessible Link | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Tel/Mailto Links | ✅ | ✅ (mobile only) | ❌ |
Final Thoughts
Bulletproof links are a core part of HTML email development. Whether you’re embedding them in a paragraph or turning them into tappable CTAs, making your links visible, accessible, and easy to click ensures users can take action—no matter their device or inbox.
Best practices:
- Use descriptive text (never “click here”).
- Keep styles inline for maximum compatibility.
- Always test links across devices and clients.
- Provide fallback content where appropriate.