A Review of safety newsletter by Mark Ong

Bear in mind that HTML email is tougher to develop than webpages

  • Mark Ong

    Mark Ong

    Rank: 2 Titan

    702

    • Design: 2
    • Purpose: 3
    • Originality: 2
    • Engagement: 3
    0 Votes

    Hi Ilan,

    Firstly, I must commend you on your effort, considering that you don't come from a design background.

    HTML emails are really tricky to design, and even trickier to code properly.

    I can't really point to any one thing in particular regarding this layout but do bear the following pointers in mind:

    • Take for granted that most email received will have images disabled by default
    • designing for above-the-fold is even more critical for HTML email. Consider having links/anchors near the top to summarize the various sections of each issue, like a table of contents
    • Keep your grid really rigid for easier development later on. What I mean by this is do not have unbalanced rows and columns for your content area.
    • If you're using an ESP to deliver your newsletters, do consider using their Forward Friend function for a broader reach
    • Factor in an online version for those that may not be able to view the email properly
    • Remember to factor in CAN-SPAM compliance stuff such as your company's physical address, unsubscribe link, and a short liner on where the recipients email was gotten from and why they're receiving this newsletter.

    Lastly, I have to partially disagree with you that fancy graphics are not necessary. An engaging email (whether visual or through content) is of utmost importance or you might find many recipients dropping out of your mailing list.

    • Ilan Yavor
      Ilan Yavor commented:
      Posted: on Aug 06, 2010 at 2:08 AM

      Hi!

      Thanks for your comments, I appreciate everyone's candidness. My ultimate aim is to hire a graphic designer, but I wanted to try out a concept first and get feedback to help me work with the designer.

      One important thing- at this point, the newsletters are simply links sent to our distribution list which lead to a PDF page on our website, so no fancy coding is needed here. We only have a few thousand people on the list, who are mainly business partners and clients, so I don't know if we should go to HTML emails (which, like you say, generally have their graphics blocked).