HTML Email Templates: 4 Tips on Using Images

Thinking of using images in your HTML emails. These helpful tips will help you avoid some of the problems involved in this endeavor.
HTML email templates are a great way to communicate information. They look classy, contain your choice of text, and can be adorned with images and other designs of your liking. When you choose to use images however, be careful to do so in a manner that assures that the e-mail is delivered, and that the image is viewed in a way that is conducive to the recipient. We will discuss a few tips that will help you avoid any of these problems with images in particular.

First, avoid using images that are too big. The last thing you want is for your email to take a long time to load, and that your client chooses to delete it before taking the time to read the content. Keep the dimensions of your image reasonable. The recommended size is, maximum 470 pixels wide by 150 pixels high.

When you are creating the images for your template, it would be ideal to make them in the size that you intend on using in the actual email. If you do need to change the size to fit your message, be sure to re-size in a proportional manner, so that the image does not look distorted. Change both the width and the length in equal portions to maintain the right proportions.

Be sure to use absolute links in your HTML template for the images that you use. If you use a relative link, it is possible that the image will not be accurately located when viewed by the recipient. It is also important to make sure that the link is active, so that the image can be selected in the email if necessary. The image is not permanently embedded in the email, so the absolute link is critical. Also, background images in the HTML code for the template are also more prone to getting filtered into spam. To avoid this problem, try using solid colors for background rather than images.

Many people opt to turn off the viewing of images in their email inbox. Always provide an alternative text for the image in the case the client has used this feature of their email service. This way, the purpose of the image is conveyed even if the image itself is not visible. On a similar note, never rely on the image to carry the crux of the message, in case it does not get viewed.

Don’t shy away from using images in your email templates! They enhance the quality of your message and often attract the interest of the recipient. However, incorrect usage of images can backfire and result in your message being ineffective or filtered into spam. Using these tips, you can avoid some common HTML pitfalls and use them to your best advantage!
HTML Email Templates:4 Tips on Using Images
html email templates

By Gary San
Published: 8/5/2009
 
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