The HubSpot Community Asks: Where Did My Saved Sections Go?
Ever feel like you're playing hide-and-seek with your HubSpot email templates? You've diligently created saved sections, but when it's time to update them, figuring out *where* they're used can be a real headache. That's exactly the situation HubSpot user Bailey_Sykes ran into in the HubSpot Community. They asked: "Currently working on a project to overhaul our email templates and wondered if there is a way to see what saved sections are in use within the contents tab when editing? feel like it works for custom modules but not for saved sections - any ideas?"
The Straight Answer: Not Exactly Ideal
Unfortunately, the news isn't great. As community expert karstenkoehler pointed out, HubSpot's saved sections are treated more like copy-pasted snippets than dynamically linked elements. "No, there isn't, unfortunately. Saved sections are essentially just something you paste from a clipboard but that doesn't reference back to its origin (like a module). There isn't any way to see where save sections were used."
Think of it like this: once you save a section and then paste it into multiple templates, those copies become independent. Changes to the original saved section won't automatically propagate to the templates where you used it. This can lead to inconsistencies and a lot of manual updating.
The Module Workaround: A Centralized Solution
Bailey_Sykes followed up with a smart question: "Do you know of a way around this at all? is there an easy way to save a section as a module for example?"
Karstenkoehler confirmed there's no direct conversion from saved sections to modules. However, he suggested the correct workaround: using modules from the start. Modules offer centralized control. When you update a module, those changes reflect across all templates where the module is used.
How to Create and Use Modules in HubSpot
Here’s a quick guide to get you started:
- Navigate to **Design Manager:** In your HubSpot account, go to **Marketing > Files and Templates > Design Tools**.
- Create a New Module: In the design manager, click **File > New file** in the upper right-hand corner. Choose "Module" and select whether it’s a global module (for sitewide changes) or a regular module.
- Design Your Section: Build your section within the module editor using HTML, CSS, and HubL.
- Use the Module in Your Templates: When editing an email template, you can now drag and drop your newly created module into the desired location.
Using modules requires a bit more initial setup, but the long-term benefits of centralized control and easier updates are well worth the effort. No more hunting through countless templates to make a single change!
Why Modules Matter for E-commerce Stores Using HubSpot
If you're running an e-commerce store and using HubSpot for your CRM and marketing, modules are especially crucial. Think about elements like:
* **Product Teasers:** A module showcasing your latest products or special offers.
* **Shipping Information:** A consistent section detailing shipping policies.
* **Return Policies:** Clear and accessible return information.
* **Call-to-Action Buttons:** Standardized CTA buttons for different promotions.
By using modules for these elements, you ensure a consistent brand experience across all your email communications. This builds trust and helps drive sales.
ESHOPMAN Team Comment
We agree with the assessment that saved sections are not ideal for managing reusable content in the long run. While quick and easy for one-off situations, they lack the central control that modules provide. For e-commerce businesses using HubSpot, investing the time to create modules for key email components is a smart move that will save time and reduce errors in the long run. Consider this a best practice for maintaining brand consistency and operational efficiency.
So, while there's no magic button to track down where your saved sections are hiding, switching to modules provides a much more robust and manageable solution for your HubSpot email templates. It might take a little extra effort upfront, but the peace of mind and streamlined updates are definitely worth it. And who knows, maybe HubSpot will enhance saved sections in the future, but for now, modules are your best bet!
