5 Things to Think About when Downloading HTML Email Templates

When you decide to download HTML email templates, it is usually a no-brainer situation that you are in This is because this is probably the cheapest method of creating HTML pages for mass dissemination

When you decide to download HTML email templates, it is usually a no-brainer situation that you are in. This is because this is probably the cheapest method of creating HTML pages for mass dissemination. Templates are basically layouts that are available and modifiable but are largely a schematic that you can follow to ensure that you are able to just plug in your content with minimal effort. Templates are so popular that when it comes to even making websites, rarely do people have to bother with a month long website creation exercise that involves dealing with a cantankerous team of creative people. Rather, a novice with the right software can also design and modify existing templates.

This doesn?t mean that you shouldn?t put some serious thought into the exercise and you must consider the following aspects.

1. Cost. This aspect might seem like a straightforward decision in favor of using templates. However, consider that you are using an HTML template. If your team or you are not adept at using tools like style sheets, using downloaded HTML email templates can be a bigger headache for you and end up costing you more to rework than a regular from-scratch creation.

2. Range of designs. When you download HTML email templates, consider where you are acquiring them from and how many designs are available. It may seem like a tedious task to window shop for templates but this is also a good sign that you are with the right service provider who has invested time and effort in a good product range.

3. Technical expertise. Most templates would appear to be a simple case of download-modify-deploy. However, the fact is that many templates require modification in a style sheet called a .css file. This is a file that contains the entire layout and format instructions, which have to be repeatedly called on by the main HTML file. A css file is usually written in xml. This combination already complicates things. Therefore, you need to have some level of expertise on call to review the pages you end up creating.

4. User profile. It is a common mistake that most people make in that they choose the snazziest and most media rich templates available. While this may seem like the natural way to go to gain user attention, you must consider the fact that some of your users might have mail clients that block media display. Additionally, you must also consider the fact that some of your recipients might just not have adequate bandwidth either.

5. When you download HTML email templates, especially for a bulk email marketing campaign, you will come across some service providers that can offer you another bouquet of services like email tracking and other tracking statistics. Take the time to look and size up the product bouquet of different service providers before evaluating on one. When you create newsletters, you should also consider templates that are high in image content rather than text content.

Karl Cruize is a best practices activist and advocate for Benchmark Email ( http://www.benchmarkemail.com/email-marketing/html-email-templates ) a leading Web and permission-based service for sending email newsletters.