If you are anything like me, then you know how difficult and troubling it can be to work with html email templates that you have designed yourself. I found that one of the first things that I needed to do in order to make sure that the email design remained intact when I put together the email was to remove any of the background images that I had originally embedded in the email. This is because not all email browsers will allow the images to appear in the manner in which you intend them. So, after sending out a few scrambled email messages I removed the background image and found that it translated much better.

While I still do use some pictures in the main portion of the email design, you have to make sure that you word and place your email scheme around the fact that these images may not show up. Because of viruses and other problems many browsers will automatically block images that are sent through the email. So, while you may want to include the images in your email template, I found that it was also essential to make sure that any information that might be in the pictures would also need to be relayed through the text of the email in case the photos were not readily available.

Once I was able to keep these things in mind it was a lot easier for me to put together the html email template that worked best for my needs. For the most part I have decided to try and keep my email designs as minimal as possible while still trying to relay as much important information as possible in a well placed and neat manner. This way the email recipients can get all of the relevant information that you are trying to relay to them without all of the hassle that a cluttered or scrambled email can cause. Not to mention the fact that cleaner, simpler emails always have a more professional appearance.

The best email templates are the ones that are clear to read, easy to follow, and are laid out well.  The best email newsletter templates include a number of features.  For example, most start off with a small line about why the person has received the email.  These messages usually mention how the person subscribed to the list, and they often give subscribers the chance to unsubscribe.  While you don’t want that to happen, it is a good item to have on your email newsletter templates.  If you don’t have an unsubscribe link, some people may start to think you’re spamming them.

Another good aspect of a great email template design is the ability to access a plain text version of the email.  This way, people who don’t want to display or can’t display HTML will still be able to get your email.  You may also want to provide a link to a webpage posting of your HTML version in case customers, after viewing the plain text version, decide they want to see the HTML newsletter.  Don’t forget to spend some time on this plain text version, too.  Just because it doesn’t have as many extras, graphics, or colors doesn’t mean that it’s not important.

Finally, think about the amount of information you’re presenting in your emails.  If you’re going to be including several full-length articles, it may be more helpful to send out extracts that link to the full articles instead of including all of the full articles in your email.  This way, your customers won’t find themselves wading through long articles that they have no interest in reading.