How do you make an email look like a web page

[webintel]

Because of the technical caliber of people on this forum, I always hesitate to ask questions that show how little I know about the tech side of the web.

However, I feel that I am really missing something in my marketing efforts because I don't know how to make an email that appears like a web page. I get them from other marketers all the time, and feel they are much more powerful marketing messages than just plain text.

I would like to add pictures to my text, but dont know how to do it. I don't want to add an attachment because of everyones fear of the garbage that comes with attachments.

I also have a banner that I wish to make clickable to my URL but don't know the proper code to add to it to make that happen.

Any non technical explanations are truly appreciated. The explanations need to be very simple as in for (dummies)

Thanks in advance for any help you may offer in these matters.

Russ Wilson/Webintel

[jestep]

Basically you need to get an email program that allows you to create html emails. This way you can make tables, divisions, pictures, and anything else that you would commonly see in web pages.

If you use outlook or even gmail now, they both have rick text editors that allow you to place images and links throughout your emails.

Depending on how web page like you want your emails, outlook could be good, or look for an html email editor. You may need to learn some html to make more professional emails with an html email editor, but for basic ones, outlook should be fine.

Here is a google search to get you in the right direction:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q...ng+html+emails

[pagetta]

If you open open an HTML page with MS front page, in the file menu there is an option to 'send' the file, and if outlook is set as your default email then the file will automatically appear as a web page in your email.

[timmathews.com]

I think a quick way is to create the web page, then view it in internet explorer.
See, its a web page, then click file, send // page by email.
Thus, you have done it.

[steve0]

A helpful hint.. (possibly)

Place all the images you want to use in a directory "/e_images/" on your web site.

In your email, make sure all your image references include the complete url.
""
that way.. no attachments necessary..

[jbousquet]

in outlook you can send email by visiting the published page and saving it as a favorite.
Open the favorite in outlook and then select Actions- and send webpage by email-

pretty easy really-
hope that helps

[compusolver]

jestep has a good tip - use an email editor.

Most of the other tips only get you an attachment that won't open to a web page until the recipient double-clicks it.

A more direct route is to use a server-side script that sets up the headers of the email for HTML. Then you can do your HTML coding and it will appear just as "slick" as the spam we all get. (Uggh!)

[Nutrition Discounters]

Arial Software makes top-notch e-mail marketing software that will send out HTML e-mails (Although it might not be very simple to use). They give you an HTML editor for you to create the e-mail.

http://www.arialsoftware.com

Also, a company such as Constant Contact offers a service that handles sending out the e-mails you create. They also come with a HTML editor.

http://www.constantcontact.com

When doing HTML e-mails make sure you also test how the e-mail will look to your visitors. The one e-mail you send may look different in Yahoo, AOL, Hotmail/MSN or any other email client. Make sure the e-mail looks the same no matter what the end-user uses.

(Good idea to post your e-mail on the Web and put a link in your e-mail to that page. That'll ease worries of compatibility.)

[RollerBall]

As far as I can tell, none of the previous suggestions will allow you to send email to an opt-in list, which is the object of the whole exercise. Just sending single emails ain't no good for a webmaster ;-)

I use a brilliant program called Postman Pro. It's a free download if you don't mind having a little discreet ad for the product at the bottom of all the emails you send out. Try it. It's great.

Oh BTW you will need to just create your email as a web page in eg Frontpage and as suggested save the pics you use in a non-public folder on your web site. But those things should be easy for you. Postman Pro is what makes it easy to send it out to your mailing list - and it handles HTML or text emails whichever you prefer on the day.

[fuzzygay]

All the proposed solutions are for client-side, if you are planning to send e-mails from a server, then you have to set up the email headers to set the HTML property. Step-by-step instructions are:

1) Create your HTML page (HTMLText)
2) Set your email headers as follows:
objMail.From = "me@spammingyou.com"
objMail.Subject = "Happy Holidays!"

objMail.BodyFormat = 0
objMail.MailFormat = 0

objMail.To = "victim@hotmail.com"
objMail.Body = HTMLText

You need to add the lines BodyFormat and MailFormat for the mail to be sent in HTML format.

3) Send the e-mail: objMail.send

If you are using SMTP (CDONTS), this is straightforward, I gave you the complete example. The <objMail> is the component that handles the email messaging service. Hope this is what you are looking for.

[ADAM Web Design]

fuzzygay: you forgot to mention the programming language that was done in. :)

For those who don't know, that's an ASP sample.

However, there is one thing that fuzzygay didn't know or forgot to mention. (Not sure which it is.) Windows 2003 servers don't support the CDONTS mail component anymore, preferring instead to use the CDO component (why, I have no earthly idea, but it's what they do).

http://www.paulsadowski.com/WSH/cdo.htm reveals all the properties of CDO including HTML emailing (CreateHTMLBody).

[DrTandem1]

Let's keep this simple, if possible. Many hosts offer such applications in even their most basic plans. It is usually very simple to set it up. They usually include an opt-in script that you can place on your web site.

You create an HTML page and then from the application you select sending that web page to the email addresses on your list. With one click you could send out thousands (or more) emails that look like a web page.

Here are some tips, if you choose to do that. Make sure that the people on your list really opted-in to receive your email. Offer them the option of removing themselves from your list on the email itself. Also, give your contact information that includes your name, business name, URL, physical address and phone number on the outgoing email.

Another very important tip is to include a text message that says something to the effect that "If you are having trouble seeing this email, please either click on or copy-and-paste this URL: http://www.yourdomain.com/emailpage.htm"

Many email clients (web-based and local) are set up not to receive images or email from such programs and may mark them as spam. I have had clients follow my instructions and have had very positive results from such mailings.

Be sure to test your message to just yourself and see how it looks. This will assist you in crafting an email that has a better chance of being accepted and read. Good luck.

[wwwizzard]

Top notch software to be installed on any webserver: http://interspire.com/sendstudio.
It allows you to create double opt in sign up forms, automated bounce handling, send emails in text and html at the same time (the email recipient's email program will determine which one it will open), track opening of the emails and more.
You can play with their demo on their website before buying...

[TrafficProducer]

HTML emails

Just remember some user will not accept HTML emails, because of fears of implanted KeyLoggers, Viruses and Trackers etc..

Some emailer's can post an option for the user to view in HTML as a webpage or normal Text.

Not sure which software can do this, sorry.

[webmaster@pinecone.com]

Don't forget about the CANSPAM requirements. You should have a way for recipients to unsubscribe from your list as well include contact info, etc.

We use a site called directbizmailer.com (http://www.directbizmailer.com) for our list mailing. It's a do it yourself email service for small businesses.

[DrTandem1]

Originally Posted by webmaster@pinecone.com

Don't forget about the CANSPAM requirements. You should have a way for recipients to unsubscribe from your list as well include contact info, etc.

We use a site called directbizmailer.com (http://www.directbizmailer.com) for our list mailing. It's a do it yourself email service for small businesses.

Hey guys, please read all of the posts. I think mine covered that.

[chrison600]

Hi all,

A couple of thoughts here:

I actually just did this (made an email look like a web page). I took a page from my website and modified the code to work in an HTML compatible email client.

My advice is to only attempt it on your own if you are comfortable editing code manually, or maybe using a decent editor (Dreamweaver, GoLive, etc.).

You'll have to be able to edit the HTML code, then send it to test it. I myself use a product called Gammadyne Mailer to test and send to my internal list and supplemental bulk email services.

Another option is to use a bulk email service exclusively, which is actually better for activity tracking and SPAM control. Activity tracking uses special, unique links that identify not only the links that are clicked out of each email, but which email they were in.

Most of the better email services employee very good SPAM control devices AND they might even be "whitelisted", where ISPs or recipients have selected emails from that sender as allowed or even preferred. Which means your emails will actually be more effective through the email service than through an installed software.

You should be able to control the email design well enough using either the email service or your own software. Another advantage of the email service is that they will usually host your image files for you. When I send emails on my own, I have to host them on my website. When I send them using the service, they require that I use the images hosted on my website.

Good luck!

Chris

[MtraX]

I use an app called Group Mail for html emails, it can send up to 100 recipients in the free version. Very easy to use...

I agree with sending emails with hosted pics if you're going to send to a big list, it will reduce bandwidth of outgoing mail.

MtraX

[danielchan]

My exprience is to create an html page, save as stationery, then send from microsoft outlook. One thing that really works for me is that I take the time addressing each message recipient personally, rather than sending out in bulk with one click.

Cheers, Daniel www.sumerdigital.com

[brucet]

Infacta Groupmail will allow you to import an HTML page, merge it with an address list and send it as a personalised email. It's free for up to 100 recipients at a time.

[MtraX]

Bruce

Did you even read my post?! ;-)

MtraX

[spiderbait]

Hi there,

Just a quick mention of a valuable program that's freely available. Many webhosts actually include it in their package, but if not, it's not too difficult to install.

It runs on the server and does two things quite well:

• Maintains your opt-in list allowing subscription and unsubscription, including letting your subscribers choose html or plain text

• contains an html editor for messages as well as a separate input area for the plain text version

The program is PHPlist and you can find it here http://tincan.co.uk/phplist

And a word from the wise, many of the larger email providers (such as Gmail) don't allow CSS styles in email messages. So, it's best to write your messages using plain vanilla, old-school html, such as <font> tags, tables for placement, and so on.

If you create your email in an editor and then paste it into the PHPlist editor, it will show you what it will look like.

The downside of PHPlist is that there's a fair-sized learning curve to get comfortable with it and while there's a support forum, sometimes messages go unanswered. But if you are reasonably resourceful and can tough it out, you'll find it worth your while.

Anyway, that's my two cents worth. Hope it helps.