Table of Contents
- What Is An Email Header?
- Understanding Email Headers in Email Design
- What to Include in Your Email Header
- The Importance of Email Headers in Email Design
- Tips for Creating Effective Email Headers
- Related Reading
- The Role Of Email Headers In Email Marketing
- Identification and Authentication
- Routing and Delivery
- Subject Line and Preheader Text
- Personalization and Segmentation
- Tracking and Analytics
- Brand Identity and Consistency
- Effortless Email Marketing with AI-Powered Templates
- 10 Email Header Design Ideas For Creating Highly Effective Emails
- 1. Using Just Your Logo in the Email Header
- 2. Leveraging a Brand Mascot in the Email Header
- 3. Adding Color to the Email Header
- 4. Opting for Photography in the Email Header
- 5. Customizing the Email Header
- 6. Sharing Valuable Information in the Email Header Area
- 7. Complimenting the Reader in the Email Header
- 8. Including an Offer in the Email Header
- 9. Integrating Animation into the Email Header
- 10. Using a Headline to Encourage Readers to Read Your Email
- Complete Step-by-Step Guide On How To Use Mailsplash’s All-in-one AI Email Solution To Create Stunning Email Headers
- Getting Started: Uploading Brands and Products
- Design & Write Emails with Mailsplash: A Guide
- Generate with AI
- Start from Template
- Sending Emails: Integrate with Any ESP
- 13 Tips For Creating A Highly Effective Email Header Design
- 1. Keeping it simple in Email Header Design
- 2. Making it easy to scan in Email Header Design
- 3. Using contrasting colors in Email Header Design
- 4. Keeping the fonts simple in Email Header Design
- 5. Optimizing for mobile devices in Email Header Design
- 6. Using images sparingly in Email Header Design
- 7. Not overusing icons in Email Header Design
- 8. Ensuring your logo is prominent in Email Header Design
- 9. Using a Call to Action in Email Header Design
- 10. Using graphics and images wisely in Email Header Design
- 11. Remembering the alt text in Email Header Design
- 12. Using a clear and concise subject line in Email Header Design
- 13. Testing your header before you send it in Email Header Design
- Common Email Header Design Mistakes To Avoid
- Overdoing the Navigation
- Making Your Header Too Big
- Going Off-Script
- Always Changing Designs
- Related Reading
- Create Fully-Built Stunning Email Templates That Convert With Mailsplash
- Related Reading
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The design of your email header is often the first thing a recipient sees and can make or break their perception of your email. It sets the tone for what's to come, and when done right, can create a positive, lasting impression. This blog post will take you through the process of creating an email header design. By the end of it, you'll have a clear understanding of what works, what doesn't, and how to make your email design stand out.
What Is An Email Header?
The email header is crucial in email marketing. It is the first impression a subscriber gets from your email. An email header consists of essential details to authenticate an email message.
Understanding Email Headers in Email Design
The content of the email header should be simple, clear, and concise. The call to action should be clear and the product, service or information being offered should be easy to understand. All the relevant information should be found in the email header. Brand logos should be clear and the header itself should not be too cluttered.
What to Include in Your Email Header
You can include the subject line in the email header. This should be bold and attention-grabbing. You can also include the sender's name and email. This should be easy to read. The email header can also include the call-to-action. This should be the most significant part of the email header. Email headers are there to get attention and to make a person want to read the email.
The Importance of Email Headers in Email Design
Using an email header that is well-designed can help to increase the overall open and click rates. This is because people will be more likely to open your email if there is a compelling header at the top of the email.
Tips for Creating Effective Email Headers
- The header should be clear and simple.
- The images should be easy to see and the text should be easy to read.
- The email header should be designed in a way that makes people want to know more.
- You can use different colors and fonts to help make the email header stand out.
- The call-to-action should be simple and straightforward.
Related Reading
The Role Of Email Headers In Email Marketing
Identification and Authentication
Headers help in identifying the sender and verifying the authenticity of the email. Properly configured headers build trust with recipients and reduce the likelihood of emails being flagged as spam.
Routing and Delivery
Headers contain routing information, such as the "Received" field, tracking the path from the sender's server to the recipient's inbox to troubleshoot delivery issues and ensure emails reach the intended destination.
Subject Line and Preheader Text
The subject line and preheader text play a crucial role in enticing recipients to open the email, impacting open rates and overall campaign success.
Personalization and Segmentation
Headers can be leveraged to personalize and segment email campaigns, tailoring content and messaging to specific audience segments for higher engagement and conversions.
Tracking and Analytics
Email headers contain tracking information that enables marketers to monitor email performance, optimize campaigns, and measure ROI for more effective targeting strategies.
Brand Identity and Consistency
Consistent branding across email headers fosters brand recognition among recipients, encouraging engagement and actions.
Effortless Email Marketing with AI-Powered Templates
Mailsplash is an AI-powered tool to create stunning email templates that convert. Design and create stunning/converting emails (campaigns, flows, all of it) in minutes. Send with any email service provider (Mailchimp, Klaviyo, etc.). We enable freelancers, brands, and agencies to rapidly create personalized, converting email campaigns at lower cost than traditional marketing agencies, from email copywriting to personalized branded email template design.
Try our All-in-one Email Solution today for free.
10 Email Header Design Ideas For Creating Highly Effective Emails
1. Using Just Your Logo in the Email Header
Using your logo in the email header is a simple and effective way to make your emails cohesive, recognizable, and professional. It's a great choice for any brand, but especially newer brands or smaller businesses that are still working to establish a brand image. You can also include a navigation menu in your header, which is especially important for e-commerce brands.
2. Leveraging a Brand Mascot in the Email Header
If you have a brand mascot, you can absolutely make the most of it in your email header image. Brand mascots have a high familiarity rate. For instance, Disney’s Mickey Mouse has a 98% recognition rate among children between the age bracket of 3-11.
Adding your brand mascot to your email header, therefore, helps boost recognizability. On top of that, they make your business personable — giving it a human touch. Not to forget, you can add a touch of storytelling by putting your brand mascot into action.
3. Adding Color to the Email Header
Using color in your email header is an effective way to make the header pop and catch your audience's attention. Make sure to use your brand primary color to stay consistent with your branding. Simple, yet effective, using color grabs attention and makes your brand memorable.
4. Opting for Photography in the Email Header
Including photographic images at the beginning of your email can captivate your audience's attention and make your email more visually appealing. When you choose a photo for your header, it’s important to think about the photo’s versatility. Make sure it works well alongside all future content you’ll send.
5. Customizing the Email Header
While consistency is key in email marketing, you also want to keep your audience engaged. Make slight changes to the header to keep it visually interesting and add customization. Remember to keep some elements, like the position of your text or logo, consistent
6. Sharing Valuable Information in the Email Header Area
You can include important information in the header area, such as 'update your preferences' or 'unsubscribe' options. It shows your readers that you care about their preferences, making it easier for them to manage their subscriptions.
7. Complimenting the Reader in the Email Header
Adding a compliment in the email header can make your reader feel special and connected to your brand. It can inspire them to take action and read through your email. A positive remark goes a long way in engaging your audience.
8. Including an Offer in the Email Header
While the header isn't the ideal place for detailed content, you can include a special offer. This makes the offer more noticeable and entices readers to explore further. If you're having a sale, mention it in the header to draw in readers.
9. Integrating Animation into the Email Header
Animations can be more engaging than static images. Using a well-placed animation in your email header can grab readers' attention and encourage them to explore your email further. Make sure the animation is on-brand and relevant to your content.
10. Using a Headline to Encourage Readers to Read Your Email
A strong headline is crucial in the email header. It should be short yet convincing, compelling readers to read through the entire email. Keep it relevant to your content and enticing enough to grab your audience's attention.
Complete Step-by-Step Guide On How To Use Mailsplash’s All-in-one AI Email Solution To Create Stunning Email Headers
Getting Started: Uploading Brands and Products
Before you can generate an email, you’ll need to upload a brand and product.
Navigate to the “Brands” tab and select “Add a Brand”. Once you’ve defined the brand’s name, logo(s), font(s), and color(s), you can upload your product(s).
You can do so by simply pasting in the product link, which will auto-populate the product description, name, and images, as seen below. Now you’re ready to design and write stunning emails with Mailsplash.
Design & Write Emails with Mailsplash: A Guide
Generate with AI
Not sure where to start? From your dashboard, click “Generate with AI” to get to ideating. Simply select the brand(s) and product(s) you’ve uploaded and describe the email you’re looking for (e.g. an email campaign promoting new pants on sale for 25% off). You can even define the design style you’re looking for!
If you’re feeling like a pro, click “Advanced Setup” to get more detailed access to other parameters such as your target audience, the type of email, and so on. Once you’re happy, click generate and watch the magic happen! In 30 seconds or less, you’ll have a email custom-tailored to your input.
Start from Template
Already know what kind of email you’re looking to create? You can then click “Start from Template” and browse through our gallery of templates, curated for the most common use cases. We currently support 21 templates for 7 different categories, but will be continuing to update this based on your feedback! Once you select an email type, you’ll be prompted to select a brand and product and be taken straight to the builder.
Sending Emails: Integrate with Any ESP
When exporting your email generation, you’ll be able to integrate with Klaviyo by inputting your API key. It’s as simple as that. We’re working on adding support for other major ESPs!
Now you should be well-equipped to save time and money on your email marketing.
Still confused? Have feedback? Let us know by sending us an email.
13 Tips For Creating A Highly Effective Email Header Design
1. Keeping it simple in Email Header Design
The first and most important rule of thumb for email header design is to keep it simple. A complicated or busy email header will only serve to distract and confuse recipients, which is the last thing you want. Stick with a clean and straightforward design that includes only the essential elements: your logo, a brief message, and maybe a call to action.
2. Making it easy to scan in Email Header Design
Another essential consideration for email header design is making it easy to scan. When recipients open your email, they should be able to quickly and easily identify what it’s about and whether or not it’s something they’re interested in. To achieve this, keep your header short and to the point. Use clear, concise language and make sure the most critical information is prominent and easy to find.
3. Using contrasting colors in Email Header Design
When choosing colors for your email header, it’s important to use contrasting colors that will help it stand out from the rest of the email content. A good rule of thumb is to use a light color for the background and a dark color for the text.
4. Keeping the fonts simple in Email Header Design
When it comes to email header fonts, less is more. Stick to one or two simple fonts that are easy to read, and avoid using anything fancy or decorative.
5. Optimizing for mobile devices in Email Header Design
With more and more people reading emails on their mobile devices, it’s essential to make sure that your header is optimized for those devices.
6. Using images sparingly in Email Header Design
While images can be a great way to add visual interest to your email header, you should use them sparingly. Too many images can slow down loading times and can also be a drain on your recipient’s data plan. If you choose to use images, make sure they’re high quality and sized correctly for mobile devices.
7. Not overusing icons in Email Header Design
Icons can be a great way to add visual interest to your header, but you should use them sparingly. Too many icons can clutter the design and make it difficult to read. Stick to one or two icons relevant to your message, and that will help recipients quickly identify what your email is about.
8. Ensuring your logo is prominent in Email Header Design
Your logo should be prominently featured in your email header so recipients can quickly identify who the email is from. Ideally, it should be placed on the left side of the header, where it’s easily visible.
9. Using a Call to Action in Email Header Design
A call to action (CTA) is a great way to encourage recipients to take the next step with your email. Whether you’re asking them to click through to your website, download a white paper, or sign up for your newsletter, a strong CTA can help you achieve your goals. Your header is the perfect place to include a CTA, so make sure it’s prominently displayed and easy to find.
10. Using graphics and images wisely in Email Header Design
Graphics and images can be a great way to add visual interest to your email header, but you need to use them carefully. Too many graphics can slow down loading times and can also be a drain on your recipient’s data plan. If you choose to use graphics and images, ensure they’re high quality and sized correctly for mobile devices.
11. Remembering the alt text in Email Header Design
When including graphics and images in your email header, don’t forget to add alt text. This text will be displayed if the image doesn’t load, so it’s essential to be descriptive and helpful.
12. Using a clear and concise subject line in Email Header Design
Your headline is the most important element in your header design. It should be attention-grabbing and compelling enough to make recipients want to read more. Avoid using weak or generic headlines. Make use of good email writing tips to do that. The subject line is one of the most important parts of your email, as it is what people will see first. Make sure it is clear and concise and tells the recipient what the email is about.
13. Testing your header before you send it in Email Header Design
Before you send your email, test your header to make sure it looks the way you want it to. Send yourself a test email and view it on both desktop and mobile devices to see how it looks. You should also run your email through a spam filter tester like Mail Tester or IsNotSpam to ensure your header isn’t triggering any spam filters.
Common Email Header Design Mistakes To Avoid
Overdoing the Navigation
When designing an email header, it's crucial to keep the navigation menu concise and clear. Limit the number of choices to avoid overwhelming the recipient.It's an email, not a website. Keep the options to a minimum to streamline the user experience and guide the reader seamlessly through the email content.
Making Your Header Too Big
Size plays a significant role in email header design. Strive to keep your email headers less than 70px high if they don't include a menu. If you do have a menu, aim for a height of fewer than 200px. Oversized headers can take up valuable email real estate and may push the actual content of the email further down, leading to a less engaging user experience.
Going Off-Script
Consistency is key when it comes to email header design. Maintain a strong brand presence by including your logo and key brand colors in the header. Your email header is not the place to experiment with new, off-the-wall ideas that may confuse your recipients. Stick to the established brand guidelines to ensure instant recognition and trust.
Always Changing Designs
Frequent changes in the email header design can make your emails less recognizable to your audience. Consistent branding helps in establishing trust and reliability with your readers. If the header design varies from one email to another, some recipients may question the legitimacy of the sender, causing them to overlook or delete your emails. Aim for a consistent design to maintain brand recognition and trustworthiness.
Related Reading
- Email Graphic Design
Create Fully-Built Stunning Email Templates That Convert With Mailsplash
Mailsplash is the latest innovation in Email Header Design technology. Our AI-powered tool allows users to create visually stunning and high-converting email templates in just a matter of minutes. With Mailsplash, you can effortlessly design and develop email campaigns and flows that will capture the attention of your audience and drive them to take action.
Our tool is user-friendly and allows you to easily integrate your email templates with any email service provider, such as Mailchimp or Klaviyo. Whether you are a freelancer, brand, or agency, Mailsplash enables you to rapidly generate personalized, conversion-focused email campaigns at a fraction of the cost compared to traditional marketing agencies. From email copywriting to personalized branded email template design, Mailsplash offers a comprehensive all-in-one email solution.
Try Mailsplash for free today and experience the future of email marketing.
Related Reading
- Figma For Email Design
- Transactional Email Design
- Stripo Alternative
Written by
Hello, I'm Saif Akram, founder of MonetizeMail, an innovative email marketing agency. We're proud partners with Klaviyo and Customer.io, specializing in boosting MRR and reducing customer churn. Our agency has scaled over 50 brands, generating over $18M in revenue. With proven expertise in enhancing engagement and driving sales, I'm passionate about transforming businesses through effective email marketing strategies.
