Recently, I’ve found myself creating design, not for the web, but for HTML emails. It has been an experience reverting back to techniques used in the previous century, prior to the advent of CSS. I’ve also learned from mistakes made, and I’d like to share what I’ve learned with you.
Use a Email Management Service
Using one of the many services out there (i.e. ConstantContact, MailChimp, Lyris, etc.), you can send out effective and professionally designed HTML email communications without knowledge of HTML by using pre-established templates. These services also allow those marketers with the proper skills to create custom HTML emails. Most systems are designed to ensure the greatest compatibility with the greatest number of email clients. They also offer great reporting and metrics to provide information on open rate (for HTML emails only), clicked links, etc. Lastly, the systems handle all subscriber management tasks, such as subscribes, un-subscribes, etc.
