Tips for Re-Designing Your Email Template

Your e-mail template is another extension of your overall brand. It needs attention to stay fresh and functional.  Follow these tips to improve the visual impact of your email marketing template.

• Avoid background images – images help break up text and direct readers to online resource if they’re used correctly so test the message first. Background images often don’t appear in all email clients. Be sure to host any images you use on a Web site. 
• Image alt tags are your friend – use one or two words to describe what the image is for recipients that have email clients that block images. 
• Use an HTML programmer – “What you see is what you get” programs add extra code that can disrupt your template.
• Choose a horizontal layout over vertical – horizontal layout allows readers to scroll down and see more in a preview panel.
• Honor your brand – your organization has a visual brand represented by your Web site and other promotional materials. Keep your template in line with your brand but remember the reader’s needs.