CATEGORY: DesignBest practice

Back to Basics: Top 5 things to consider when designing a template

It can be quite overwhelming staring at a blank screen knowing that what you create will be the basis for a series of coms or even the backbone of all your branded coms - so whether you are creating a template yourself or commissioning a designer to do it for you - here are our top 5 things to consider when creating a template.

(Alternatively take a look at our library of best practice templates or brief our experts to create one for you)

Here are our top 5

Layout

I have already mentioned structured, logical order – depending on the email purpose follow the “F in email” or inverted pyramid to position key messages. Once you have your key elements in place try the “squint test” (see below) and see what your take away from your message.

CTAs

Clear, bold motivating and in a logical place – does your CTA need some explanation to boost motivation or is the headline enough to drive interest. Answer the reader’s question “what’s in it for me?” and be imaginative, there is no excuse for “Read more”

Responsiveness

Again simplicity is key, so there are no stacking surprises when your design is viewed on a smaller screen. Design “mobile first” as designs translate better to increased size than reduced – and ensure your CTAs are big enough to select on a mobile screen.

Accessibility

Keep it structured, simple and concise. Use the tools available to make your message logical and clear. Use headings (tagged as headings), simple language, meaningful alt text and lists where relevant.

Dark mode

Be mindful of your choice of colour, both for accessibility and dark mode – make sure there is a suitable contrast and for icons/logos use .png with transparent backgrounds. But test you design thoroughly as different email clients handle colour in different ways – only way to be sure is to test.

The Squint Test is quite literal – display your design on screen, take a step back and squint your eyes (close them partially to distort your vision). The design should become blurry and only the largest, most basic shapes of the interface should be able to be perceived. It is still clear the message that you are trying to get across?