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Emails: Plain Text or HTML?

by MarketingBees
15 replies
So guys, quick poll and discussion about emails. Do you prefer to send plain text emails, do you go for a basic HTML text only email, maybe an image or do you opt for a full on HTML email with your logo branded on it, colours and so on...

I'm on the latter personally. I think it's a great way to stand out, build your branding, show professionalism and link your emails to your website (with the colour and again branding).

(that's not saying if you don't use HTML emails that you're unprofessional!!)

So what do you guys use?
#emails #html #plain #text
  • Profile picture of the author JRWashington
    Most email providers support full HTML. Therefore I'd suggest using that.
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  • Profile picture of the author talfighel
    I tried to do both and to be honest, they are both professional looking in my view.

    HTML emails tend to take you more time to create but does not get you more sales.
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    • Profile picture of the author JRWashington
      Originally Posted by talfighel View Post

      I tried to do both and to be honest, they are both professional looking in my view.

      HTML emails tend to take you more time to create but does not get you more sales.
      I agree to an extend, but it really comes down to what niche you're promoting.

      An art niche would obviously profit from using images in the email.

      Whereas a law niche doesn't really require it.

      It just depends on the audience you're targeting!
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  • Profile picture of the author MarketingBees
    Agreed. I've noticed the response to my full HTML emails is higher than the basic HTML emails producing more clicks. I think this comes down to making the CTAs more prominent.
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  • Profile picture of the author MarketingBees
    I'm not just talking about images though just to clarify. It could be as simple as the different between having:
    a) The URL written out in the email (plain text)
    b) Having a clickable anchor text link (basic html)
    c) Having a clickbank button link (full html)

    ANY niche is going to have a CTA at some point and I personally think the CTR on a button CTA will be higher.
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    • Profile picture of the author JRWashington
      Originally Posted by MarketingBees View Post

      I'm not just talking about images though just to clarify. It could be as simple as the different between having:
      a) The URL written out in the email (plain text)
      b) Having a clickable anchor text link (basic html)
      c) Having a clickbank button link (full html)

      ANY niche is going to have a CTA at some point and I personally think the CTR on a button CTA will be higher.
      I understand!

      Well, links should always be cloaked! Especially affiliate links. Some links have over 100 individual symbols which is just crazy and will make your website look super bulky.

      Full HTML is great, but it should be done in moderation. I mean, you shouldn't have images everywhere, because that would decrease their loading time.
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      • Profile picture of the author dean20653
        As an outsider who is on quite a few lists, My Opinion is I like the simple HTML.

        a "Look at what I found" anchor link is far better than a long drawn out website
        and a picture or two doesn't hurt either, but honestly I don't want a webpage in my email. IF Im interested Ill click, follow, read, or buy .... No matter what your HTML skills are wont influence that for me.

        Just sharing My thoughts on the Poll
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  • Profile picture of the author MarketingBees
    Agreed that you shouldn't be sending over the top HTML emails. I just personally think pulling a few colours from your site, your logo, font style and so on is a great way to build a consistent brand.
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  • Profile picture of the author Centarra
    One of the major benefits of HTML e-mails is tracking opens. It's a much better way to be able to engage your audience and track your e-mails. For that reason alone, you should be including images and HTML in your e-mails.
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  • Profile picture of the author alamest
    Always Always HTML.... but I use both in my Autoresponder..
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  • Profile picture of the author gcbmark20
    Hi,

    For me I only use plain text with links. THAT'S IT!

    I don't want my readers to get distracted by any un-necessary images,
    graphics etc.

    Just to read, enjoy and TAKE ACTION by clicking my links in my emails.

    There are just 2 actions you want your subscribers to take:

    1) OPEN UP YOUR EMAILS

    2) READ THEM AND CLICK ON YOUR LINKS

    That's it.

    Use the power of email marketing and keep it simple.
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  • Profile picture of the author MarketingBees
    Which is why I use large graphical buttons in my emails to make the CTAs more prominent and to increase my CTR

    (But I do know where you're coming from).

    I think in the wrong hands, HTML emails can look AWFUL. But if done sensibly and with thought, they can keep your subscribers more engaged.

    I think it also comes down to the sort of website and email marketing strategy you employ.
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  • Profile picture of the author kencalhn
    what do the world's top internet marketers use? mostly text

    i like designing and making html emails, but havent found any boost in sales with those

    answer is to split TEST to see what works best w/your list
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    • Profile picture of the author MarketingBees
      Originally Posted by kencalhn View Post

      what do the world's top internet marketers use? mostly text

      i like designing and making html emails, but havent found any boost in sales with those

      answer is to split TEST to see what works best w/your list
      What do the world's largest companies use?

      I think it's obvious that I'm a fan of full HTML emails and have personally seen an increase in clicks from those emails through split testing.
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  • Profile picture of the author angel43110
    I would go with the basic html personally.
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