How to make email newsletter templates
Creating an email newsletter template involves designing a visually appealing and functional layout that effectively communicates your message to your subscribers. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create an email newsletter template:
1. Choose a template or design from scratch
You can either start from a blank slate or use a pre-designed template from a website like Canva, Mailchimp, or Adobe Spark. If you're not a designer, a pre-designed template can save you time and effort.
2. Define your brand's visual identity
Before designing your template, ensure you have a clear understanding of your brand's visual identity, including:
- Color scheme
- Typography
- Logo
- Imagery style
3. Determine the layout and structure
Decide on the layout and structure of your newsletter, including:
- Header and footer sections
- Main content area
- Call-to-action (CTA) buttons
- Image and text ratio
- White space (negative space) to improve readability
4. Design the header and footer sections
The header should include:
- Your logo
- Navigation links (if applicable)
- Unsubscribe link (required by law)
The footer should include:
- Copyright information
- Contact information (email, phone number, physical address)
- Social media links
5. Design the main content area
This is where you'll place your newsletter's main content, such as:
- Headlines and subheadlines
- Text paragraphs
- Images and graphics
- CTAs
- Links to external websites or landing pages
6. Add CTAs and links
Make sure your CTAs are prominent, clear, and actionable. Use contrasting colors to make them stand out. Also, ensure that your links are functional and easy to click.
7. Use images and graphics effectively
Use high-quality images and graphics to break up text and make your newsletter more visually appealing. Optimize images for web use to ensure they load quickly.
8. Add a clear and concise subject line
Your subject line should be attention-grabbing and accurately reflect the content of your newsletter.
9. Test and refine your template
Test your template on different devices, browsers, and email clients to ensure it looks and functions as intended. Refine your design based on feedback and testing results.
10. Save and reuse your template
Save your template in a format like HTML, CSS, and images. You can reuse your template for future newsletters, making it easier to maintain consistency and save time.
Best practices for email newsletter templates:
- Keep it simple and easy to read
- Use a clear and consistent font
- Use headings and subheadings to organize content
- Use white space effectively to improve readability
- Make CTAs prominent and actionable
- Test and refine your template regularly
Tools and resources:
- Canva: A popular design platform for creating email newsletter templates
- Mailchimp: An email marketing platform that offers pre-designed templates and a drag-and-drop editor
- Adobe Spark: A design platform that offers pre-designed templates and a user-friendly interface
- HTML and CSS coding knowledge: If you want to create a custom template from scratch
By following these steps and best practices, you'll be able to create an effective email newsletter template that engages your subscribers and helps you achieve your marketing goals.