https://conta.cc/4i2MgAc

[RobinJ827]

We are using CC for a neighborhood newsletter - this is our first one, so I just want to make sure I have done things appropriately. I keep hearing that the more pictures you use, the more likely it is to go to a spam folder, but with a newsletter, we really do rely heavily on pictures to capture readers' interest.

Look forward to your feedback. https://conta.cc/4i2MgAc 

[Nick_S]

Hi @RobinJ827,

Thank you for sharing your email with us. Newsletters are tough, because depending on how active your organization is and what you want to say, their length can get unwieldy at times. They key is figuring out what to share and how much of it to share before directing them somewhere else, like a website. Or, consider using dynamic content options so only content that is relevant to certain segments of your audience will see it.

All of what I just said is me musing than anything related specifically to the newsletter you shared.

It's true that a lot of images might flag an email as spam. It's all about finding the right balance between images-to-text. Images are integral to engaging email design, so I wouldn't shy away from using them, just be mindful if your email looks like it's more images than text, the spam risk increases.

All right, to your email! Overall, the color palette is simple and easy on the eyes. My first recommendation is to consider the font you use. Some images use different font from the email itself and from what I can tell there's even a couple of different font styles used in the text bodies. I recommend reviewing email-safe and web-safe fonts you can use in your email and try to keep it to one font, if possible.

Speaking of images, I would consider thinking "does this make sense as an image or could it be text instead?" For example, you have a "New Phone System for the Pavilion" image that could probably be recreated 1:1, if not close to, as just text. Additionally, when opened in a mobile email client the numbers would be clickable and take the reader right to Phone app if they were inclined to call. Even if it's viewed on desktop, by making it real text, the reader could also copy and paste the number somewhere else, if needed. Basically, if the image is mostly text anyway, just put in the text itself.

Oh, and at the top of the email with your logo. Even though the image of the verdant nature is lovely, it just repeats the name of the neighborhood that is already represented by the logo. Usually, we say "logo right at the top" but personally, if I had to choose between the logo image and the nature image, I'd go with the nature image. Maybe you can switch back and forth depending on the nature of the email. Plus, your logo is also represented at the bottom of the email (which is good).

For images, again, I'd review their dimensions, too. For example, under "Valentine's Day Dinner Dance" you have images with different dimension ratios. Preferably, they would be the same dimension or they would be staggered (i.e. left-align one image with right-align text and below it right-align image with left-align text, if that makes sense). I'd also check the image quality or file type. The image in the "General Manager Update" section appears a bit blurry and the person in the photo is sat far away so you can't even really make out his face. Maybe a different photo that is more of a portrait of the manager would work better, too. Also, when placing them also play around with their sizing within the email itself. The image in the "New Resident Orientation Sessions" section is just a group of people, so no one person is the focal point, but you could probably expand it so that the sides extend across the width of the email body to let it really pop.

Note: You might already be aware of this, but I just want to point out that there is an image placeholder block in the 'Ladies' Luncheon' section.

Lastly, I would review the placement of the buttons. Some of them are center-aligned and others are left or right-centered. I'd say unless there is an image that is left or right aligned in the same section as a button, keep the buttons center-aligned across the board. I also don't think they need to be multiple colors, unless that is an aesthetic choice that you think works for your audience.

Thank you again for sharing your email. I hope my advice is helpful and please come back and share any updates you make!