Any TIPs to create an effective email template?

[CyberAlchemist]

I am building my list and it got a pretty amount of emails and now it is the time to think about promoting any types of products to my list. But I am wondering there are any ways to create an effective email template and looks professional?

From your experience what are best things I should focus on a email template? more text and less images? a beautiful template or just simple as possible?

 

[Ron Killian]

I personally don't like to use templates for promotional type lists. Just plain text. Though I do want to start using html, only for better looking hyper links.

Obviously depends on your biz. Or who you want to come across as.

The only template I am using right now is for an update list for my store. It's a RSS template in GetResponse. They do have some nice templates. Because I want it to look more pro. Least try

Not to say you shouldn't, it's of course up to you. Sure gives a more professional look.

Things that come to mind, a good logo or header/footer. I also have social share images (with links of course). And important links like support, contact, ect.

But since I don't' really use templates, maybe my say doesn't count.

Remember though, once you start adding images, it "could" hurt your deliverability. Plus I noticed Gmail always turns off the images on my emails, you have to click a link to show images. But in Hot mail and yahoo, images are right there on open.

I do have a couple sites that could do better with templates, so maybe I need to start using them more myself.

 

[Developer]

It would also depend on whether or not you're trying to
brand your self as well. If so, I'd obviously recommend
creating a template based on the look/feel of your site.

If you're trying to brand a name for yourself, consistency
is key. EVERYTHING you do should have the same look
and feel as this is what will help people associate your
different venues with you as a whole.

At the very least, I would start off with something sleek,
clean and clutter-free.

As Ron pointed out as well, I tend to stick with good old
text based email messages. Short and to the point, no
fancy frills or images to distract the reader from what
ever it is I am trying to explain, share, promote, etc.

If you are absolutely adamant about using some sort
of email template, most major mailing list services offer
a plethora of templates. I would through the ones they
offer and alter it to best server your own needs.