Newsletter formats can be grouped into three chief types : text, HTML and PDF newsletters. Each type has its pros and cons. By checking the features each newsletter format offer, i twill be much easier for you to choose the right format.
HTML newsletters are all the rage these days. The reason behind this trend is quite obvious ; the HTML format gives the publisher more formatting features and design flexibility.
Plain text newsletters are still in use ; the reason could be the simplicity with which they are made and their compatibility with all the different email clients that exist out there.
A few things that should be considered when working out an HTML type of newsletter :
1. Keep its width within 600 Pixels. If you set your newsletter wider than the email application’s preview pane, your readers will have trouble displaying it. To avoid such inconveniences, keep it narrower than 600 pixels. This way you ensure that it is compatible with most email clients.
2.Use plain HTML coding. The more complex your HTML is, the more incompatibility issues you will have. Email applications do not fully support HTML in the same way web browsers do. Most of them do support the basic HTML features such as hyperlinks, font color, images, and background colors.
If you use advanced and overly sophisticated HTML features, you run the risk of getting your HTML layout jumbled up by some email applications. It is always wise to stick to simple coding and avoid getting dazzled by the flashy elaborately designed templates.
3. Host multimedia files on your website. Not all email applications execute multimedia files such as flash, video and audio. So if you feel like including any such files, you can post a link in the newsletter to direct readers to the file which is hosted on your website.
4.Make scarce use of CSS. HTML and CSS are sort of complementary to each other. However, when designing your HTML newsletter, it is better to rely mainly on HTML because not all email clients support CSS. Even those which do support it are able to execute only its basic tags. CSS should be used to refine the look of your newsletter but should not be at the core of its design and layout.
The above tips are oriented to webmasters who are familiar with HTML and CSS. If you are not that sort of person, you can simply use readymade HTML templates.
To get more information about HTML Newsletter Design. Stop by John Khon’s site HTML Newsletter Design Tips where you can find out all about Creating a Newsletter in HTML.