General
Downloading and using a template
Uploading a template
Tips and Tricks
Glossary

General:

What is email-marketing.com.au all about?

Email-marketing.com.au allows you to upload and download HTML email templates for free. Most files that are uploaded to this site are done so under the Creative Commons License (CCL). This means that you can download the file and change it to fit your needs, as long as you attribute the source of the template to email-marketing.com.au. Do this by placing a “© email-marketing.com.au” footer on the email

What types of email-marketing templates can be downloaded from email-marketing.com.au?

HTML email templates can be downloaded from email-marketing.com.au and used for email newsletters, invitations, announcements and messages together with specialist email-marketing systems.

Why are these templates free to download?

Email-marketing.com.au provides freelance HTML email designers with the opportunity to gain exposure for their work. Designers from Melon Media, our sister website (http://www.melon.com.au) are veterans of the industry and thought that this would be a good way to positively contribute to email marketing.

Why should I download a template from this site?

HTML templates can be intricate and take time to build. The templates provided on our site easily allow you to prepare a campaign to your target market. Sending customized and personalized email newsletters, promotions and messages is an easy and smart way to communicate with your clients, customers and colleagues.

Why should I upload my template?

If you are a freelance designer looking to gain exposure, uploading your template gives you the opportunity and platform to market yourself to the relevant target market. Users who download and use your templates may also provide valuable feedback to the usability and design of the template. We encourage users to submit and contribute HTML email templates which are email browser friendly and free to use in any email marketing/sending program of the user’s choice.

Furthermore, those who upload templates will be given credit on the website, along with a description and contact details. This self promotion may also include a link to your website and users may contact you should they wish. Please ensure that your contact details on your profile are correct and up-to-date.

Why am I required to place “© email-marketing.com.au link on the footer of the email?

Whilst we are happy to provide free e-mail templates, nominal recognition from this site is required. These and other templates are available for purchase with the removal of the “©email-marketing.com.au” footer link. Please email us at help@email-marketing.com.au for more information.

Is there a limit to how many templates I can download/upload on a daily basis?

No

Do these templates work for both PC and Macs?

Yes. However, a HTML email is a notoriously fussy medium and we recommend testing across as many different email programs as possible.

How frequently are new templates added to the site?

A minimum of one per week, usually more- this depends on submissions.

Downloading and using a template:

What software is needed to download and personalise a template?

Templates are HTML and image based (JPG and GIF) and a text editor or HTML program like Dreamweaver is required.

How technical do I need to be to download and use a template?

We try to keep the code as simple as possible so that even users with a very basic understanding of HTML can still use and alter these files.

How should I test my email campaign before sending it?

HTML emails are a notoriously inconsistent technology. We recommend testing emails by sending them to as many major email programs as possible including MSN, Hotmail, Yahoo! and Gmail and viewing them on PCs and Macs.

What should I do if I need more help?

Email us at help@email-marketing.com.au and we will respond within 72 hours. If you are looking for professional email marketing services or assistance visit please our sister company Melon Media (http://www.melon.com.au).

Uploading a template:

What format must the template be in?

Please ensure the following is in order before uploading your template:
1. The HTML is clean, validated, strict HTML 4.0. This gives the greatest consistency across browsers.
2. All images are relatively linked, and images are in the root folder (the same folder as the HTML).
3. Have a “preview” image prepared to show off your template.
4. ZIP your files together to upload them.
5. Please be sure to post a descriptive entry and tags about your template to make it easier for users to find it!

By uploading this template to email-marketing.com.au you are entering your work into the Public Domain.
Please review the Posting Policy before uploading your template so you are aware of what this means.

Will all users who download my template be required to attribute it to me?

No – templates will only contain the “©email-marketing.com.au” footer but you will be attributed in description on the website and on your member profile page.

Will I be able to track who has downloaded/used my template?

No, not as of yet. However, you can email us at info@email-marketing.com.au should you wish to know the statistics of your template.

What will happen if I upload a template but there are errors in it?

We review all uploads and will notify you of any errors.

If a user comments on one of my templates will I be emailed that comment or will it only appear on the webpage?

You will be notified by email and it will be available online via the comments section.

Is it possible to remove my template once I have uploaded it?

Yes - please email us at help@email-marketing.com.au with details and we will remove the template from the website.

Tips and tricks:

What’s the best time and day of the week to send my marketing email?

This depends on your target market. You basically want to reach people while they are at their computers. For example if you are trying to reach workers you would send your campaign on weekdays around 10am; but if your target market was families, you would send your campaign on Saturdays and Sundays. Click here to watch Paul Ryan, editor of Australian Anthill Magazine, talk about this.

What are some good methods for avoiding spam filters?

Avoid spam like words such as ‘money’, ‘win’, ‘free’ etc. and all adult related material.

Avoid using the following in subject lines:
• more than one exclamation / question marks in a row,
• a string of numeric digits,
• all capital letters,
• lots of whitespace between words for example W* I* N*,
• Not having a subject line

What kind of content should I include?

• How-to tips
• Company news
• Special promotions

How do I spread the word that a newsletter opt-in is available?

• Point people to a sign-up form in your e-mail signature
• Print it at the bottom of invoices
• Post a link on your website or blog
• Ask people over the phone if they’re interested
• Create incentive to subscribe (prize to one lucky subscriber) and incentive to read (winner announced in next newsletter)

Keep your recipient list clean

If you send emails to too many dead ends, you risk looking like a spanner to ISP and you’ll get blacklisted. Be especially careful when exporting contacts.

Provide clear links to privacy policies to prove you’re trustworthy.

Provide links to past newsletters.

Always include a link to the web based version.

Always keep in mind that the recipient is asking “What’s in it for me?”

Make it easy for people to subscribe to your newsletter from within the newsletter.

Read thoroughly before submitting. Spell check before submitting. Test before submitting.

Provide welcome sign-up and thank-you pages.

How to increase your deliverability

Leave the email open for response (i.e. never include “don’t reply to this email” clause): business is about relationships, and if your customers can’t communicate with you, what kind of service are you really providing?

Content and Design: both are important

Link, link link: you’ll be surprised at home many clicks you’ll get

The power of a good subject line: it matters!

Make sure it informs as well as sells.

Full outsourced vs Self Service Email Marketing Solutions

If you are looking for professional email marketing services or assistance visit please our sister company Melon Media (http://www.melon.com.au).

Glossary:

HTML:

HTML stands for Hyper Text Markup Language, which is the markup language used most in websites. It signifies structural semantics for headings, paragraphs, lists, links, quotes and other items. HTML is what allows images and objects to be embedded and can be used to create interactive forms. It is written by using HTML elements, made up of “tags” surrounded by angle brackets in the web page content.

HTML E-mails:

HTML Emails are formatted using Hypertext Markup Language instead of plain text. It allows vibrant visual artistry to be displayed in your inbox and the inboxes of your clients, and can really bring to life an otherwise dry e-mail or newsletter. With HTML e-mails, you can include graphics, formatted text, sound, animation and bright background colors. It helps you to communicate in a much more exciting way, leading to higher response rates and a loyal readership.