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Email is ideal for rich content delivery, transactional notifications, and messages that need to be referenced later.

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When to Use Email

  • Transactional emails: Order confirmations, receipts, shipping updates
  • Account notifications: Password resets, security alerts, welcome emails
  • Rich content: HTML formatting, images, detailed information
  • Asynchronous communication: Messages that don’t require immediate attention
Email operates as a separate channel and does not participate in smart routing. You must explicitly specify channel: "email" or send to an email address.

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Sending an Email

const result = await zavu.messages.send({
  to: "user@example.com",
  channel: "email",
  subject: "Your order has shipped",
  text: "Hi John, your order #12345 has shipped and will arrive in 2-3 business days."
});
You can optionally specify a sender by passing zavuSender (TypeScript), zavu_sender (Python), or the Zavu-Sender header (cURL). If omitted, your project’s default sender is used.

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HTML Emails

Send rich HTML emails by including htmlBody. The text field serves as the plain-text fallback: 
const result = await zavu.messages.send({
  to: "user@example.com",
  channel: "email",
  subject: "Welcome to Zavu",
  text: "Welcome to Zavu! We are excited to have you on board.",
  htmlBody: `
    <h1>Welcome to Zavu!</h1>
    <p>We are excited to have you on board.</p>
    <a href="https://dashboard.zavu.dev">Get Started</a>
  `,
  replyTo: "support@yourcompany.com"
});

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Request Fields

FieldRequiredDescription
toYesValid email address
channelYesMust be "email"
subjectYesEmail subject line (max 998 chars)
textYesPlain text body
htmlBodyNoHTML version of the email
replyToNoReply-To email address

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Channel Detection

If you send to an email address without specifying a channel, Zavu automatically selects email: 
const result = await zavu.messages.send({
  to: "user@example.com",
  subject: "Hello",
  text: "This will be sent as email automatically"
});

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Setting Up Email

Before sending emails, you need to configure your sender with a verified domain.

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1. Add Your Domain

Go to Email Domains in the dashboard and add your domain (e.g., yourcompany.com).

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2. Configure DNS

Add the DKIM records provided by Zavu to your DNS: 
selector1._domainkey.yourcompany.com  CNAME  selector1.dkim.zavu.dev
selector2._domainkey.yourcompany.com  CNAME  selector2.dkim.zavu.dev
selector3._domainkey.yourcompany.com  CNAME  selector3.dkim.zavu.dev
DNS propagation typically takes a few minutes, but can take up to 48 hours in some cases.

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3. Verify Domain

Zavu automatically checks your DNS records every 5 minutes. Once verified, your domain status will change to verified.

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4. Assign to Sender

Assign the verified domain to a sender and configure your from address:
  • From address: noreply@yourcompany.com
  • Reply-To address: support@yourcompany.com (optional)

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Delivery Status

Check message status by ID: 
const result = await zavu.messages.get({ messageId: "msg_abc123" });
console.log("Status:", result.message.status);
StatusDescription
queuedAccepted, pending delivery
sendingBeing sent to recipient
deliveredConfirmed delivered
failedDelivery failed

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Common Errors

ErrorDescriptionSolution
subject_requiredMissing subject lineInclude subject field
sender_not_configuredSender lacks email setupConfigure email domain on sender
domain_not_verifiedDomain not verifiedComplete DNS verification
bounceEmail bouncedInvalid or non-existent email address
complaintMarked as spamReview email content and sending practices

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Email vs SMS/WhatsApp

FeatureEmailSMS / WhatsApp
Smart RoutingNo - explicit channelYes - auto-selected
Automatic FallbackNoYes
Recipient TypeEmail addressPhone number (E.164)
Rich ContentFull HTML supportLimited (WhatsApp only)
Delivery SpeedMinutesSeconds
Email is a separate channel and does not fall back to SMS/WhatsApp if delivery fails.

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Best Practices

  1. Always include plain text - Some email clients only show plain text
  2. Use a verified domain - Improves deliverability and avoids spam filters
  3. Set Reply-To - Make it easy for recipients to respond
  4. Keep subjects clear - Descriptive subjects improve open rates
  5. Test before sending - Preview HTML emails in multiple clients
  6. Respect unsubscribes - Honor opt-out requests promptly

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Compliance

Email messaging is regulated. Ensure you comply with CAN-SPAM, GDPR, and other applicable laws.

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Requirements

  • Consent: Have permission before sending marketing emails
  • Unsubscribe: Include a working unsubscribe link
  • Sender identification: Clearly identify your business
  • Physical address: Include your business address (for marketing emails)
  • Honest subject lines: Don’t use deceptive subject lines

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Example Compliant Email

<h1>Your Order Has Shipped!</h1>
<p>Hi John, your order #12345 has shipped.</p>
<p>Track your package: <a href="https://track.co/abc">View Tracking</a></p>

<hr>
<p style="font-size: 12px; color: #666;">
  YourCompany, Inc. | 123 Main St, San Francisco, CA 94102<br>
  <a href="https://yourcompany.com/unsubscribe">Unsubscribe</a>
</p>