10 html email build tips
Here are just 10 of the many tips XYZdirect uses when advising or crafting client emails.
There are many more which we will feature for you from time to time.
- The final file size of the html should be less than 20k.
- Maximum email width 750 pixels (median 6500) Recommended Depth 800 (though can go deeper if need be)
- HTML should be produced to the HTML 4.01 Transitional specification.
- The Body tag should not contain any attributes other than ways to control the margin, as this tag is removed in Hotmail and limited in other clients.
- Background images should not be used in tables where the mailing list contains large numbers of Lotus Notes users, or should be included in a way that will degrade suitably. It should also not be used due to Outlook 2007 stripping background images out.
- Executable file attachments should not be sent and JavaScript or client side VB Script should be avoided.
- Image files should be placed on a server and their path exposed in the mailing html.
- Style sheets should be included as a code block within the html and below the tag, or passed as inline parameters to HTML selectors. It is best to use custom style classes, as style parameters will cascade to all selectors within the document including those added at the server.
- If printing is a concern the maximum width should be 468 pixels. This is equal to 6.5 inches, leaving an inch margin on each side for printing on an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper.
- Avoid designs that implement a flush left and/or top alignment. Web-based email clients such as Hotmail, Yahoo and AOL Mail put a 10-20 pixel margin on the left and top of the email message. This offsets the email from any window borders, ruining a flush design. The one pixel border technique works well as a general design container (using the pencil tool with a square one pixel brush).