How to design newsletters
By: James Atkinson
Checklist for Designers
The page width should not exceed 600 pixels.
Supply us with a bitmap image not a vector. A layered Photoshop file is perfect.
Important text—headings, copy, some links—should be placed on plain colour backgrounds.
Images should be used sparingly, as they won’t ever be seen most of the time due to image blocking/substitution by the email client. Don’t rely on images to convey the key message.
Use Web-safe fonts like Arial, Verdana, Times New Roman etc. for all key message text.
Don’t use input boxes, drop-down menus, check boxes or radio buttons. If the client really needs interactivity, use a prominent link within the email that directs recipients to a web-hosted landing page.
Javascript & Flash: Don’t use it. Most email clients disable or remove it.
Have a unsubscribe link.
Checklist for Coders
Code like its 1999!
Used tables for structure (nested if necessary), not divs.
All text should be styled HTML, not images (with the exception of logotypes and other branding specifications).
Use inline style declarations; do not use linked or embedded styles.
Check your code for Outlook 2007 compatibility.
All links should have valid URLs, and don’t forget to include any tracking codes if required.
Checklist for Designers
- The page width should not exceed 600 pixels.
- Supply us with a bitmap image not a vector. A layered Photoshop file is perfect.
- Important text—headings, copy, some links—should be placed on plain colour backgrounds.
- Images should be used sparingly, as they won’t ever be seen most of the time due to image blocking/substitution by the email client. Don’t rely on images to convey the key message.
- Use Web-safe fonts like Arial, Verdana, Times New Roman etc. for all key message text.
- Don’t use input boxes, drop-down menus, check boxes or radio buttons. If the client really needs interactivity, use a prominent link within the email that directs recipients to a web-hosted landing page.
- Javascript & Flash: Don’t use it. Most email clients disable or remove it.
- Have a unsubscribe link.
Checklist for Coders
- Code like its 1999!
- Used tables for structure (nested if necessary), not divs.
- All text should be styled HTML, not images (with the exception of logotypes and other branding specifications).
- Use inline style declarations; do not use linked or embedded styles.
- Check your code for Outlook 2007 compatibility.
- All links should have valid URLs, and don’t forget to include any tracking codes if required.