A collection of resources for creating effective HTML email templates
What are the requirements of an effective HTML Enewsletter template?
What would you say are the essential features a good quality email template that works both for subscribers and the company broadcasting the mail alike? Well there are many factors which may affect this, but from a communications effectiveness point of view, I would say some of the key features of email templates are that they:
- The main marketing messages and offers are clearly communicated.
- They get their message across whether images are blocked or not.
- They render effectively in all the most common email readers.
- Don’t look like templates… - they remain engaging because they can change with dynamic content.
- Support different marketing activities like new product launches, campaigns and events.
- Have blocks for tailoring content That prioritise offers?
- Support the full range of relevant standard features, so for a retail enewsletter that's a Table of contents, Search and category browse on site, Update profile, Forward to a friend or social sharing.
- Prompt on managing delivery or viewing in a browser.
- Are scannable and skimmable?
- Maximise response through good use of calls to action.
Examples of effective email templates
OK, so what do these look like in practice? Well let's start with some newsletter examples. These are taken from my review of a 24 point creative checklist for enewsletters". This compilation from Smashing Magazine of engaging enewsletter templates also gives some inspring examples as does this HTML Email Gallery from Campaign Monitor.
1 B2C transactional newsletter example
B2B informational newsletter examples
Best practice in creating HTML Email templates
I've heard many companies say: "Our web design said they could create our Enewsletter templates". Some are happy, but many others aren't. Creating Email templates using HTML isn't as straightforward as creating web sites using HTML. I would always recommend using an agency or developer who has experience of this. Many techniques you may use like linked Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) won't work so you have to create in-line CSS. What works in one email reader may not work in another.
These are the some of the best guides I have seen for issues to consider with creating HTML Email which I recommend on my email marketing courses. I've provided them here so you can check your in-house designer or agency is aware of some of the best sources
Free example E-mail templates
Finally, you may also find these free HTML Email templates useful, either to use as a template to start, or discuss layout options: