Coding an HTML Email

Question

I am starting a 'business push' campaign and would like to fire out a few very simple HTML emails, something with a basic bit of branding to catch the recipients eye. I have a good knowledge HTML and CSS and understand the fundamental rules of 'designing like its 1997' when it comes to HTML email. However, I am adding very basic code, in this case a table, into my email window, firing it off to myself to open, only to find there is nothing there, besides completely un-rendrered HTML.

Below is the code I am adding

    <table style="width:300px">
    <tr>
      <td>Hello</td>
      <td>is it me</td> 
      <td>you're looking for</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Nightfever</td>
      <td>Nightfever</td> 
      <td></td>
    </tr>
    </table>

Could any one please help me with this a little.

Any tips would be really appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

by un-rendered html do you mean you can see the table but not the styling? — JamesMarc
– JamesMarc, Commented Mar 31, 2014 at 16:36
@JamesMarc I have added the code to my original question, and it is the code that is being delivered when I receive the email, no table, no styling. Quite literally the html text — user3380148
– user3380148, Commented Mar 31, 2014 at 16:37
How are you generating/sending the email? Are you using a server-side language or just your email client? — j08691
– j08691, Commented Mar 31, 2014 at 16:40
I am using my email client, in this case an iCloud account @j08691 — user3380148
– user3380148, Commented Mar 31, 2014 at 16:41
@RossMcKinley Just about everything you wrote is incorrect. HTML is the industry standard for marketing communications and Gmail displays HTML just fine - it blocks some CSS which is easily accounted for with inline styling. — John
– John, Commented Mar 31, 2014 at 17:20

David Randall · Accepted Answer · 2014-03-31 16:45:07Z

3

If you're simply pasting HTML code in to a new email window then it treats it as plain text so you will see the code you typed.

HTML emails have to be "processed" before sending in order to receive the design. A service such as Active Campaign will process your code for you and let you see the HTML email.

There are also a number of free templates you can look at from tutorials, boilerplates, Mailchimp and Campaign Monitor to name a few that you can play with.

answered Mar 31, 2014 at 16:45

David Randall

7703 silver badges9 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

3 Comments

user3380148 Over a year ago

Perfect diagnosis. So it's a matter of signing up with one of the above services, creating a campaign and there'll process it?

David Randall Over a year ago

@user3380148 That's right. Have a look around and see what one meets your requirements. There's plenty out there, the above were just off the top of my head.

John Over a year ago

To add to David's resources, check out this thread - it has a lot of information to get you started in the world of html email design.

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Coding an HTML Email

1 Answer 1

3 Comments

Your Answer

Linked

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

1 Answer 1

3 Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Linked

Related