Designed emails are typically for marketing purposes and are sent through a CRM (customer relationship management system, like Slate) or an email marketing platform (like MailChimp or Constant Contact). These same skills apply if you are using “layouts” in Google Mail or another email client. Emails like this are more like webpages than a traditional email and often offer the ability to view in a browser.
It is important to remember that although users can have images included in this type of email, not all recipients have images turned on in their email client, so the use of alt text is heavy for many email users, not just those using assistive technology.
Note: The skills required here are similar to those necessary for Frontend Web Content, electronically.
The Five Principles
- Identify Content Types: Styles (headings), Bullets (lists), Hyperlinks. Content types are displayed and labeled consistently.
- Provide Text Equivalents: Alt Text
- Use Color Carefully: Contrast, Sensory Characteristics
- Provide Descriptive Hyperlinks: Link purpose and location
- Use Clear Language: Overview, Concise and specific, avoid jargon
Additional Considerations
- Include a signature and contact information: Add your name, title, and contact details.
- Typography: Minimum font size 12pt or 16px; do not use all caps; left align text when possible; use space between paragraphs
- Attachments: Include important content in the body of the email; attachments need to be made accessible before sending, please refer to the appropriate content type below for more details