Flashy graphics, intricate designs, and an email full of content may seem like a good idea, but simplicity can sometimes be the most important tool for an effective email campaign.

Graphics and images are important ways to add interest to your emails, but you do not want to go overboard. In today’s world of sensory overload, your reader may be looking through your email while watching TV, working, waiting in traffic, or doing a million other little things, so you want to make sure that the message of your email is clear. Choose simple images and graphics that add to the text as opposed to take away from it.

Another aspect of simplicity is color choice. Three colors are enough for an interesting palate, especially if you are using graphics or images. More than three colors combined with graphics may create sensory overload for your reader, distracting them from the overall purpose of the message.

Luckily, many templates are already created to appeal to simplicity. Email Template Pro and StreamSend offers multiple templates that let the message of the email triumph over busy graphics or color palate.

Whether you have an in-house graphic designer or rely on web-based products, graphics are an effective way to make emails visually interesting, making them worth the extra cost. Although text is important, a graphic can catch the readers’ attention and make them want to read on.

The pro of having an in-house graphic designer is that you can have graphics exactly as you want them. The cost may be prohibitive for smaller businesses, but many graphic designers also do free-lance work. With graphic designers, you can customize the end result, and you know you are ending up with a unique graphic that is not available elsewhere.

However, if having in-house designers is not an option, many template providers and websites offer graphics packages that contain images for any and every purpose. While you may not be able to customize your image, you will have many to choose from, all for one price. Email Template Pro and StreamSend are great online resources for engaging templates that feature graphics.

Whichever option suits your business the best, graphics are a sure way to bring your emails to the next level.

In the time of social media, there are many ways to increase your presence online. One popular tool many businesses utilize is a weblog, and an easy way to inform your reader about your blog and updates is through your email campaigns.

One way to use your blog in your emails is by sending out each new post. The email template can have a place for the update and links to the actual blog site where customers can leave comments and find other blog entries. Another way to send blog update announcements is just to send a teaser email that contains an excerpt. Readers can then follow links from the email to read the full entry.

Another option is to include a link to your blog in each email you send. Depending on what template you use, you may have a dedicated section for a link to your blog and possible updates that your customers will see in each email you send, providing them with just another way to connect to your business online and possibly make purchases.

In the time of social media, there are many ways to increase your presence online. One popular tool many businesses utilize is a weblog, and an easy way to inform your reader about your blog and updates is through your email campaigns.

One way to use your blog in your emails is by sending out each new post. The email template can have a place for the update and links to the actual blog site where customers can leave comments and find other blog entries. Another way to send blog update announcements is just to send a teaser email that contains an excerpt. Readers can then follow links from the email to read the full entry.

Another option is to include a link to your blog in each email you send. Depending on what template you use, you may have a dedicated section for a link to your blog and possible updates that your customers will see in each email you send, providing them with just another way to connect to your business online and possibly make purchases.

Although template packages can cost money, they can save you money in the long run. Templates come ready to use; some already have graphics, pictures, and color schemes and are as easy to use as just dropping in text where you want it.

Because templates are easy to use, you save money by saving time. In addition, you will not have to hire graphic designers to create the template for you also. Templates come with professional designs and color schemes, so you always end with a professional looking product that is sure to attract your customers.

Another money-saver is that you would not need to purchase any template creator programs.  In the end, a little investment in a template program can save you money and also make you money. Email Template Pro and other sites also offer free templates, which is the ultimate money-saver.

Email Template Pro offers both free templates and subscription services, as does StreamSend. Shop around online for your options and see the money-savings pile up!

A great way to entice customers to read your emails is by offering special discounts and promo codes. Email-only specials can build customer trust and also give them an opportunity for more purchases. Whether you are highlight specific products or offering general discounts, an email is a convenient way to let a special group of customers know about your deals.

Use a template like the Product Showcase Template from Email Template Pro or templates from StreamSend to highlight your special promotions. Include pictures, enticing graphics, and text to spice up your campaign, and do not forget to include key facts like the promotion, when it starts and ends, applicable promotion codes, and exclusions. A special email-only promotion code will also help you track how many purchases came from customers on your email list, which may help you know how effective your email campaign is overall.

If you are still considering the idea of beginning email campaigns for your business, then you may be thinking about what you should send out. Depending on the type of business, you may need to advertise specials, products, or services you offer. If you are just starting, you may want to start out small and highlight a few special elements of your business.

For instance, if you are introducing new products or services, an email is a great way to let your customer base know, thus generating more awareness and possible sales for your business. You can even use a free template like those on Email Template Pro to highlight and showcase your information complete with pictures, texts, and links.

Another item to include in an email campaign is if you are having special sales or prices during the holidays or any other time. Whether it’s a monthly special or holiday sales, an email is a convenient and practically free way to let your customers know about special deals.

These are just a couple of ideas of what to include in an email campaign; there is practically no limit to what you can include!

Whether you design an Email template yourself or use a template from Email Template Pro or a company like StreamSend, it never hurts to have some inspiration for your email design and campaigns. Letting something inspiring drive your email look and message can help set your email apart from the many others filling up your customers’ inboxes.

Luckily, inspiration is free! A great place to start is to consider the season. If springtime flowers are blooming, why not choose a design that celebrates the warmth and bright colors of the season? Meanwhile, as those first flakes of snow start to drift down in the winter, a winter-themed email campaign is timely and engaging.

Other sources of inspiration could be a song, picture, or event. Holidays are also common inspirations that help connect to your customer, in addition to providing an effective platform to advertise products or services. Inspiration could be found anywhere, and if you are filling stuck in an email marketing rut, look around you! You never know what could be right outside your window or on your desk that can provide the inspiration for a great email marketing campaign.

When you’re creating your email and choosing templates, don’t always choose the most fancy or the brightest template that you find. Your templates send a message, and they need to serve a purpose. Don’t make the mistake of choosing the wrong email template for your email message.

If you are sending your subscribers serious information, like information on grave plots or the cause to save baby seals, your template does not need to be in the wackiest, brightest colors. If you are sending your subscribers humerous or funny information, your email template does not need to be dark and somber. Your template will start to send your message before the customers even read the title, so make sure that you are sending the right message by choosing your template accordingly.

For help choosing the right template and keeping your subscriber information organized, visit StreamSend. StreamSend offers a number of helpful emailing services that will make sure you are always on top of your game.

As you send out emails to your list of recipients, its important to effectively construct your email in a way that’s pleasing to the eye. We have several free email templates on our own site that can help you out with this process depending on if you’re selling goods, services or simply need a colorful background to go with your email. If you feel like your skills have improved enough to start creating your own newsletter, it’s important to start slow and not move into the design process too fast. Don’t start from scratch your first time – use a basic HTML template to put you on the right track and customize the template to fit your needs. For some designers, customizable templates are all they desire.

Remember, if the company you work for provides incentives for new users to sign up  for newsletters, it’s important to incorporate this incentive in your ad design to attract new users. For example, if a soda company provides a “buy one get one free” beverage for signing up for a newsletter, make sure you include this message using attention-getting technique, like bright colors or interesting font, and display the message beside or under the main title of your advertisement.

Be bold in your newsletter – use color where it counts, and link your messages directly to the pages of the Web site. Be sure to preview your newsletter before you send it out, and use researching tools and data-gathering tools from sites like StreamSend to get the best results. StreamSend has several customizable templates to browse through and perhaps get a few ideas in coordination with design.