Email Marketing terms

Webhook

A method used to provide real-time data and updates between applications when specific events occur.

What is a webhook in email marketing?

A webhook in email marketing is a method of augmenting or altering the behavior of a web page or web application with custom callbacks. These callbacks may be maintained, modified, and managed by third-party users and developers who may not necessarily be affiliated with the originating website or application.

In the context of email marketing, webhooks are used to track events such as email opens, clicks, bounces, and deliveries. They send real-time data to the specified URL whenever these events occur. This allows marketers to analyze their email campaigns more effectively and make data-driven decisions. For instance, if a particular email is bouncing repeatedly, the webhook can notify the system, and the email address can be removed from the list, ensuring better deliverability rates in the future.

How does a webhook work in email marketing?

A webhook in email marketing is a method of augmenting or altering the behavior of a web page or web application with custom callbacks. These callbacks may be maintained, modified, and managed by third-party users and developers who may not necessarily be affiliated with the originating website or application.

In the context of email marketing, webhooks can be used to track events such as email opens, clicks, bounces, unsubscribes, and other recipient activities. When such an event occurs, the email service provider sends a HTTP POST request to a specific URL (the webhook) on your server with information about the event. This allows you to automatically collect and analyze this data in real time, enabling you to make more informed decisions about your email marketing strategy.

For example, if a recipient unsubscribes from your email list, a webhook can immediately notify your server so you can update your database and avoid sending unwanted emails to that recipient in the future. This not only helps to maintain good relationships with your recipients, but also ensures compliance with email marketing laws and regulations.

What are the benefits of using webhooks in email marketing?

Webhooks in email marketing offer several benefits, primarily revolving around automation and real-time updates. They allow marketers to automate responses based on specific triggers, such as sending a welcome email when a new user signs up or a follow-up email after a purchase. This automation not only saves time but also ensures that the right message is sent at the right time, enhancing customer engagement and retention.

Moreover, webhooks provide real-time updates on email interactions, such as opens, clicks, bounces, and unsubscribes. This data is crucial for understanding customer behavior and refining email marketing strategies. It allows marketers to quickly react to changes, such as adjusting the email content if open rates are low or removing inactive subscribers to maintain a healthy email list. Overall, webhooks make email marketing more efficient and effective.

How to set up a webhook in email marketing?

Setting up a webhook in email marketing involves a few steps. First, you need to create a URL where the webhook can send data. This URL is usually a script on your server that is designed to receive data and perform certain actions based on that data. You can create this URL using a variety of programming languages, such as PHP, Python, or Ruby.

Once you have your URL, you can set up the webhook in your email marketing software. The exact process will depend on the software you're using, but generally, you'll need to go to the settings or integrations section and find the option for webhooks. You'll then enter your URL and select the events you want the webhook to trigger on, such as when a user opens an email or clicks on a link. After you save your changes, the webhook will start sending data to your URL whenever the specified events occur.

Alsongside email marketing, if you're into video marketing...

You should try Tella.tv - your all-in-one screen recorder, to create launch videos, product demos, social media videos, 1:1s for customers, and more!

Tella isn't just a screen recorder. It combines the simplicity of Loom with the creativity of Canva to create great looking videos with no effort.

With Tella, you can record your screen and/or camera, combine separate clips and quickly remove mistakes, apply beautiful backgrounds, change the camera layout, add zoom effects - almost instantly.

Tella screen recorder

< Back to Email Marketing glossary

Try Tella today!

Screen recording for creators — simple and powerful.

7-day free trial — no credit card required