Just because it is difficult to get excited about email design that doesn’t mean it is any less important. A number of businesses, freelancers and designers find it necessary for their overall branding and design.
The importance of combining a strong framework along with excellent design can make or break the message you send your customers. It is for this reason, you should be able to use the right resources and tools for your business.
Which begs the question: What makes great email design?
While there is no fixed answer, there are a few tips that can help you start moving in that direction for a start.
1: Keep the design simple
2: Use a direct call-to-action
3: Employ responsive design
4: Avoid too many extras and include backlinks to your website
5: Be careful with backgrounds and images as they might not work on mobile devices.
6: Ensure that the copy is to the point and exciting to read
7: Use the single-column format. Think of it as a one-column website.
8: Place relevant information above the scroll.
9: Use HTML for email instead of images as it can improve usability and load times too.
10: Test the email on a variety of devices before you send it out.
As for tools, use code editors such as Sublime Text and Atom, Chrome and Firefox browsers as well as testing tools such as Email on Acid and Litmus.
As for the top 5 email marketing tools as ranked by PCMag, they are: Campaigner, Mailchimp, GetResponse, iContact and AWeber.
Finally, if you’re looking for inspiration, surfing the Web or even your inbox can provide you with some. But no matter what: remember that simplicity is key.