5. Build your first interactive email
Last updated: May 5, 2026
Understand the two parts of a Zaymo email
Each interactive email template has two versions baked into one Klaviyo template: the interactive version and the non-interactive version. The interactive version will render in ~80% of inboxes, but for the remaining 20% (mostly Hotmail and Outlook), Zaymo displays fallback content without interactive components.
Steps to create an interactive email
Design a non-interactive email in Klaviyo
Import to Zaymo from Klaviyo
Edit the interactive version
Preview/test
Export to Klaviyo
1. Design non-interactive email in Klaviyo
First, create a production-ready email in Klaviyo. Zaymo's editor is currently not as robust as Klaviyo's for email creation and formatting, so completing your base design work in Klaviyo first will save time and ensure better results.
Additional changes can be made to both the interactive and non-interactive (fallback) version in Zaymo's editor, but it's easiest to start from a complete (or nearly complete) fallback template.
It can be different to design two versions of one email at once. While Zaymo works with most emails, the best Zaymo emails are designed with Zaymo in mind from the beginning. Below are some tips:
Special design best practices
Make it easy to delete content you plan on replacing with a Zaymo block. If your email is image-based, this means slicing the images around a CTA like "manage my subscription"
Design for the Zaymo block to be in the fold. This is even more important than a normal email, and some of the worst-performing Zaymo emails were originally designed with click-throughs in mind, and the Zaymo block was added near the footer as an afterthought
2. Import to Zaymo from Klaviyo
To bring templates into Zaymo, go to Email templates and click Import from ESP. From there, a modal will pop up with Klavyio emails. Import one or multiple template(s).
After importing, exit the modal. Then, you can open any template to begin editing the interactive version.
Trouble seeing your template?
Zaymo can only see your Klaviyo template library. If you don't see your email in this list, save the email as a template in Klaviyo. Then, click the refresh button
3. Edit the interactive version
For your convenience, Zaymo makes a copy of the non-interactive version of the email as a starting point. Feel free to make any changes to this template knowing that the non-interactive version of the email is saved in the background. You can preview both versions side by side in a moment.
Delete CTAs that compete with the interactive block
Nothing can convert better than an in-email action powered by Zaymo. So, don't hurt your conversions by leaving competing CTAs left over from the non-interactive version of the email.
Insert Zaymo blocks in both interactive and fallback versions
Drag any blocks you want to use from the left panel into the email. If the block is disabled, this either means it is not part of your current plan or you are missing a required integration.
To edit copy in the block, simply select the text by double clicking and edit it in line. To edit the design of the block or other settings, select the block as a whole. Selecting individual components inside the block will surface additional settings specific to those components.
To get more familiar with fallback blocks, read this article:📄 Fallback blocks
Multiple blocks in one email
Be careful with using multiple Zaymo blocks in an email. Some setups--like multiple product blocks--work well. Other setups--like multiple reactivate or SMS capture blocks--will break the email. You will see the results in the previewer
When using product blocks to add products to a subscription such as "add one time" or "add to subscription", ensure the purchase option is added in the right-hand side settings panel. Subscription options will only display if a selling plan exists for the product in your subscription platform (e.g., Skio, Recharge).
Once you have created a block that you know you will reuse, save it to your library by clicking the bookmark. This will allow you to quickly drag the same block into future emails without the need to rebuild it. The same rules apply for using multiple saved blocks as mentioned previously.
Change copy
Make sure that the copy now makes sense with the interactive content. You may need to update text to say "make changes to your order below" instead of "click here to make changes to your order"
4. Preview/test
Before exporting, skim through the three previewer options:
Apple
Gmail
Fallback
Gmail and Apple both use the interactive version. Fallback shows the non-interactive version. Make sure that both the interactive and non-interactive versions look how you would expect.
As long as you are using the Demo Profile setting (default setting), you can interact with the block as if you were a customer. This will not trigger any real actions.
To get more familiar with Zaymo's previewer, read this article:📄 How to preview an interactive email
5. Export to Klaviyo
Click Export to to send this email to Klaviyo. The email will show up in the Klaviyo template library, and you can use the email as you normally would in any campaign or flow. All Zaymo exports should have a tag next to the template that says AMP.
Important: Because Zaymo uses a dual‑version system, the Klaviyo template editor and preview always show the fallback version, whereas sending a test email to Gmail or Apple Mail displays the interactive version. Review both versions in Zaymo’s editor.
Note: Templates do not auto‑sync between Zaymo and Klaviyo. After editing a template in Zaymo, re‑export it and replace the email in your Klaviyo flow or campaign. You don’t need to clone the template first—just export the updated version.
Known limitations
Don't use Klaviyo's dynamic product feeds
Klaviyo dynamic product feeds only work in drag-and-drop templates in Klaviyo. Once a template is imported to Zaymo, it exists as an HTML template, and Klaviyo strips the dynamic product feed from the template (read Klaviyo's help doc here)
Instead, we recommend using fallback blocks in the fallback version of the email. Zaymo's dynamic blocks will more than make up for the lack of Klaviyo's dynamic product feed.
Implementation partners - email agencies
Zaymo is happy to hop on a 1-on-1 strategy/implementation call whenever you would like. However, for ongoing and high-touch help with creating Zaymo emails, it may be helpful to use an email agency that is familiar with Zaymo.
Reach out to your Zaymo rep if you would like an introduction to a certified partner that has experience with Zaymo email implementation.