Newsletter Design Question

Frostie · 25-10-04

I have finally finished my newsletter and am all set to send out at the weekend, but after testing and testing I am still having problems.

Its in html format, all images are picked up from my server, but the style sheet is hard coded in the email itself. When it is viewed via Outlook Express etc, its fine, but for some reason when its viewed via GMail none of the styles take effect.

Has anyone else come across this or know why or what I can do to avoid it?

Ideally I want to keep the style in the email, so if people download it and then go offline, that way its still formated (for those using outlook) correctly.

PS - I have checked it via Yahoo Mail, and the format is fine for this online email. Just seem to be a problem for GMail. Anyone any ideas

Martyn · 26-10-04

Have you used in-line styles or a style sheet in the head?

If you have used the latter maybe try in-line styles???

That is the best I can come up with at the moment, let me know how you get on.

Rich · 26-10-04

Last time I tried gmail removed the majority of the style information, I guess its to protect thier interface. My newsletter was still readable and I guessed Gmail users would be getting used to not perfect emails.

Other options would be to email Gmail users with a link to a webpage hosting the newsletter, or send them a simpler version.

Emma AdSelect · 26-10-04

Gmail doesn't seem to like any CSS - which is annoying if you've spent ages configuring it.

Frostie · 26-10-04

There is no answer really.

In Styles seem to work with GMail, but my god, its going to make my newsletter a huge html file!

I think what Rich has said is true, although it is not 100% a newsletter is still easily readable so will just put up with it I guess. Prefer to do this than treat GMail users as text users and send them a link.

Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions anyway.

Freebie · 26-10-04

Quote:

Prefer to do this than treat GMail users as text users and send them a link.

Perhaps it's just our newsletters, but when i send a link rather than content we see a drop of over 20% in traffic from the email.

I don't think it is just our newsletter though. Since TD started doing this i haven't read the newsletter every week, whereas i did before. I used to read it immediately - couldn't help it, now i tend to think 'i'll do it later when i have time'.

20% extra revenue is worth the few minutes hassle, and bandwidth is cheap as chips.

Just my 2p worth - even if slightly off topic.