Code your emails manually
HTML design for emails is more difficult than standard web design. This is because most design packages, such as Dreamweaver add additional bits of code that have adverse effects when rendering in certain email clients. If such software is used ensure all unnecessary code is cleaned up, alternatively have a programmer code your email.
Keep Outlook 2007 in mind during your design
Previous versions of Outlook have relied on the technology behind Internet Explorer to read code and instructions that HTML emails use to tell Outlook where and how to display all those images, colors etc. Outlook 2007 now uses Word to do that job instead.
This means that Outlook 2007 cannot cope with:
- Forms
- Background images
- Animated GIFs
- Flash
- Float or position commands
- Alt tags in images
Host images on your Web site instead of embedding them in messages
Many ISPs filter email with embedded images. The recommended file size for an email is 60KB, anything above this and you risk having your messages blocked. Fortunately, there is a simple solution, host all images on your web site and make sure all paths point to the URL. Another thing to avoid is the use of attachments.
Keep HTML e-mail 500-650 pixels wide
Avoid creating emails where the recipient has to scroll vertically to view a message. Not only is it annoying from a usability point of view, but it means that less content is displayed in preview panes. It is also advisable not to make email messages too long, the chances of content being viewed near the bottom of your communication are slim.
Keep functionality basic
Many email clients won't render forms correctly or pass data from an email form to a website / database. Use links from the email to your website for send-to-friend forms, polls, search boxes, etc. to ensure the user has a smooth experience.
Avoid the use of rich multimedia
Host rich-media such as audio, video or Flash on your website instead of embedding them in an email.
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