Seven Common HTML Email Coding Mistakes

HTML email is a prominent marketing tool that works wonders when the coding is done in a correct manner. For freelancers in particular, HTML email coding is in great demand with respect to their clients because of the profitable result that it yields as a marketing technique.

The Basics of HTML Coding

While there are many who are of the opinion that the coding process is easy it is actually more intricate than creating an HTML website. This is primarily because a huge base of email clients that use HTML email and making mistakes would be a little too costly for your business.

The basic reason for which business entities are moving towards HTML email over plain text message is that it enables greater clarity and visibility of the source of information in the first place.

Additionally, it is easier for clients to correlate with the brands of the companies with which business is being conducted regularly. On the other hand, companies can also expect to get more business or expand from the existing platform.

The Seven Mistakes to Avoid in HTML Email Coding

However, there are some inherent mistakes that are commonly made while coding HTML email and it is not unusual even in the hands of the experts. What are these mistakes that should be avoided in the process of email HTML coding ? Let us find out in the points below:

  • Overuse of images: While an image has the potential to speak or voice those thoughts that are difficult to express in mere words. However, if the client has to wait a whole day for an image to load, it loses its purpose in today’s fast-paced world.

  • An image should never be incorporated directly because it tends to make the email heavier and there are more chances of the image getting blocked by the clients. The solution is using images from the server. In other words, the first step is using a server and then proper paths that head back towards the server.

  • Coding the CSS improperly is another common mistake that create difficulty for the clients to interpret the same. However, coding the CSS inline and using HTML features is a suitable option.

  • Usage of spam content should be avoided at all accounts. After all, when it is business, you cannot spare the slightest of recklessness. Using gregarious and catchy phrases is not an apt solution if it lacks in the basic objective.

  • You might forget the plain text version of the email although it must be used as an alternative. This is not only important because spam filters may choose to deal with this action in a severe manner, but all your clients may not be able to access the HTML format.

  • Using JavaScript or ActiveX in HTML email should also be avoided to a great extent. While this usage is common for prevention of viruses, if your code has these things such as pop-up window links, Flash movies and similar stuff, you will be unable to achieve the purpose for which coding is being done. Therefore, even if you are using HTML from web page, it is necessary to ensure that it is cleansed of the JavaScript. Similarly, using Microsoft PowerPoint. Word or Excel may add extra codes not in line with your HTML attributes that are eventually blocked by email receivers.

  • You must remember that HTML email is a marketing strategy. Thus, before reaching out to your clients, you must test the entire campaign by sending about five emails to yourself in order to avoid expensive mistakes that might ruin the entire marketing campaign.

A Final Tip

The above-mentioned mistakes are vital and must be recognized by major businesses for eliminating the impediments in this amazing marketing tool called HTML email and assist in marketing your products and services.

 

Image Credit: nolanus

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11 comments

Hyptia @ Private investigators in Jamaica July 19, 2013 - 3:12 am
Yes this is much noticeable thing in this competition era because if you will make a litter mistake in that then it could be prove costly for you.
Martin July 19, 2013 - 3:33 am
If you are coding your email locally with some kind of WYSIWYG application, they'll often keep graphics in some folder on your computer, and reference graphics with "relative" links (relative to the location of your HTML file). Always make sure you go back and check that your tags use absolute paths. One little tip is to go ahead and upload all your email's graphics to your server at the very beginning of your project. That way, you'll have to use absolute paths from the get-go.
ZK July 19, 2013 - 3:37 am
Thanks Martin for this awesome tip :)
Dana Dame July 19, 2013 - 5:53 am
Very good tips. Usually developers missed to do these things but it will effect somewhat in SEO.
Brian Solari July 19, 2013 - 4:29 pm
Great tips, I have definitely made a few of these mistakes before. You live and you learn. Thanks for sharing.
vikram July 21, 2013 - 7:36 am
Hey Allyson, Very useful tips. Actually i myself have made few of the mistakes you have discussed above. Thanks for sharing this article.
click here July 22, 2013 - 4:08 am
Every online business owner, webmaster and coder should know about these common mistakes because these kinds of common or general mistakes always waste lot of time. After read your post regarding these email codes i learn lots of things about these common HTML mistakes.
Eileen July 25, 2013 - 12:03 am
Interesting tips! Learning HTML code can be quite confusing and this article will help avoid committing mistakes.
Janet Bartoli July 29, 2013 - 8:31 pm
Great post! I could not agree more with Testing your email - all too often I have found too many neglect this vital final step. Simple as testing your own before sending out!
Rew July 30, 2013 - 9:32 am
Testing is so key to this whole thing. HTML, while being a very easy programming language, can also be incredibly frustrating. Something as simple as missing a letter (which you will search for for about an hour) can make your email go completely haywire.
Business Mail Design September 15, 2013 - 2:50 pm
It's a good read for HTML email designers. Every designer should keep these tips in their minds while designing and coding email from their clients.
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