HTML or Plain Text messages?

[Kanute]

Hi,

I'm using GetResponse responder service and can use either HTML or plain text format for my email messages. I'd like advice on which format to use. When testing HTML mesages with clickable links in them they often go to the spam folder in a Yahoo account, but to the inbox in Gmail account.

What are the pros and cons using either format, and what would you recommend?

Appreciate your help!

[SeanSupplee]

I believe you can use both at least you can with aweber If the person getting the email does not support html they will get the text version

[tommen]

I recommend using only plain text.This way also those people who cannot read html emails will be able to read your emails.

[Steve Baker]

I do what the masters do. Dan Kennedy, Ted Nicholas, Matt Fuery & Co all use plain text.

If it's good enough for them, it's good enough for me.

P.S. Before someone tells me about Ali Brown using html, sh'e prettier than me and can get away with using it.

[Kanute]

Hi guys,

Thank you for answer!

What about links you want people to click in plain text messages, they need to be written in full, also affiliate links..?

[Jay White]

I'm a text guy myself. HTML has its advantages, but not enough (IMO) to make the switch.

As far as links, you obviously don't want something that's got 150 characters in it. I think GetResponse automatically shortens them for you...can anybody confirm that?

[radhika]

Using text messages is always been easier and you'd be confident that they will display properly in your subscribers email clients as some email clients don't support html display.

.

[dom4biz]

Here are some clear facts;

HTML messages (when they get through) have a much higher click through rate.
text messages are universal and always visible in ALL email clients.

But at the end of the day you want RESULTS which means click through's, so since most of the reliable auto responders out there like Aweber, Get response, iContact etc allow for both so you should use both.

With all of the above mentioned auto responders you can create the same message in both HTML and text, so the people who cannot see the HTML will receive the text version with full links. Its no big deal to put full links in your email as long as it does not hinder your deliver-ability into peoples inbox.

Another key element is the page right after someone opt's in to should have some sort of "white listing" instructions, i.e. make sure to check your spam box and check off that your email you are sending from is NOT spam.

Unless you are a well know guru of sorts... (ha ha) with all the guru's out there and have a MASSIVE list you need to do as much as you can via an "attraction marketing" style to empower the results you want.

So take the time to learn and use ALL the features of Aweber or any other top system to appeal to everyone who opts in to your list.

I hope this helps.

best/dom4biz

[mbacak]

Be careful thinking some of the people mentioned above are using plain text.
A lot of them are using HTML disguised as plain text to track the clicks. :-) Matt

[Hecman104]

I tried using HTML but just found that text is so hassle free.. plus I believe it might even distract the reader if you go crazy with making it look pretty..

the purpose is getting them to take action right??

[mbacak]

I've been a plain text guy for year. Heck, I wrote a book about it in 2005. But, after a lot of testing I've found that done right HTML is actually delivering for me a lot better then it used too and it's now beating TEXT for me. Plus, with HTML you can split test headlines, by tracking opens and split test your message by tracking the clicks. Plus, when you know your avg. clicks then you can determine the amount you are likely to make on a mailing if you know the EPC. (considering you'll get what they say) just some things to think about.

[dom4biz]

mbacak - you are right on with the "FACT" that HTML emails perform better, and that almost ALL of the top email marketers use HTML for link tracking purposes.

Paul I hate to argue with you but "unopened emails" has NOTHING to do with it being HTML or text. It could be your subject line or that your emails are NOT getting into the inbox.

Hecman104 - IM marketing is a job, if making sure that you are getting the maximum out of your efforts is based on your "hassle meter" then brother think again. IM is a job, and like any job attention to detail and maximum effort is a REQUIREMENT for success. I checked out your site for "sales page writer for hire"... well you have skill, but you are not showing the effort to sell or empower your visitors.

Please everyone accept these comments as CONSTRUCTIVE - the spirit that this forum was built on, is about warriors helping each other out.

peace/dom4biz

[mbacak]

Originally Posted by Paul McQuillan

I had too many unopened emails with HTML. Go with plain text

Here's the million dollar question:

How do you know they are opening your plain text emails?

Unless I'm dead wrong, only through some form
of link tracking and that's not true open rate.

[Kanute]

Well, thanks everybody - but I'm still confused...