VDot Media provides 9 practical email tips that might help to minimize problems with HTML rendering until such time as HTML standards for email are realized. But like Verne says:
“…Fortunately, there are bodies in place that are working on standardizing the way emails are being rendered. But something tells me that we shouldn’t hold our breath (after all, we haven’t even fully standardized the experience within browsers yet)…”
Here’s a couple more that I would add:
- Send a text-only part as well for those recipients who have configured their client to display text only messages.
- Work the preview pane. Design with the preview pane in mind. Take advantage of the widow space and try to get your key message or call to action in eye view without recipients having to scroll down to find it. Of course, preview pane sizes vary, but on average there are about 250-400 pixels (height) visible above the fold.
Pingback: The Messaging Times :: GroupMail Infacta Marketing design email email marketing emarketing newsletters :: HTML Email Design and Rendering Standards
Pingback: HTML Email Design and Rendering Standards : The Messaging Times
Thanks Mark. That’s good advice. I hear from a lot of people who use an image for their entire message rather than creating a simple HTML file. Obviously, an image-only message is likely to get caught in filters.
3. Use an HTML version of your logo if yours is primarily text and colors. Since images may be blocked, recreating your logo as HTML at the top of the email increases the chances the recipient sees it. You can use the official image elsewhere in the email if necessary.
Thanks Verne. I was happy to link to your insightful and practical article. It’s a discussion that (unfortunately) needs to be tabled as getting HTML email to render successfully is becoming more and more difficult these days.
Often, simplicity is the answer to many modern problems. We tend to unnecessarily complicate our solutions.
I think I’m going to take some time today and plug into some old skool hip hop to get my groove on.
Those are some great additions, the second one specifically. Like with most things on the web, the top portion of your work is prime real estate. Thanks for sharing!