Learn how to create HTML email newsletter templates in this beginner-friendly guide.
So, What is an HTML Email Newsletter Template?
Before we dive into how to create an HTML email newsletter template, let’s quickly glance over the “what” and “why” parts.
An HTML email newsletter template is an email built using HTML (HyperText Markup Language).
You’d be correct if you thought that HTML is the same coding language that is used to create websites. And when it’s applied to emails, it allows you to design email newsletters that look on-brand, polished, and professional.
HTML emails are more visually attractive and customizable than plain text emails. They include images, colors, fonts, and layouts that make them optimal for engagement and conversions.
HTML also gives you the opportunity to use multimedia that makes your newsletters more memorable—such as videos, gifs, and other interactive elements.
In short, an HTML email newsletter template is a pre-designed, pre-formatted, and reusable email file that makes it easier to create visually appealing newsletters for your marketing campaigns.
How To Create An HTML Email Newsletter Template?
There are several answers to this question—
- Write HTML code yourself and build your email templates from scratch.
- Start with a ready-made email template and customize it to make it your own.
- Use a visual drag-and-drop editor to design a template without touching a line of code.
- Hire a newsletter design agency to code and design your newsletter template.
Clear so far? Great, let’s explore each option one by one. We’ll also cover which conditions make each option the best choice.
1. Code an HTML Email Newsletter Template by Hand
Create a basic HTML template for email newsletters using the following steps. Later, you can build upon this template and customize it as per your needs.
Nonetheless, you can find plenty of step-by-step DIY guides for creating your own HTML template from various sources, including Email Uplers.
- To create HTML email newsletter templates from scratch, you will need software or a text editor. It helps you to write and edit clean HTML and CSS code. Some free and open-source editors are VSCode, Sublime, or Notepad++.
- Create the HTML structure of your newsletter with tables. You’ll use tables to structure content into rows and columns, They serve as containers for the elements within your HTML email template. Plus, they make your newsletter templates compatible with email clients that don’t support modern CSS layouts.
- The basic framework of your email template is ready. Now it’s time to add some text from top to bottom. The header is the first one. This is where your media queries, styling, and CSS animations are specified.
- Next comes the body of your email newsletter template. Add a table with a 700px width and center-align it. Insert your newsletter content, images, interactive elements, and CTAs here.
- Close with a footer. Add social and website links, links to unsubscribe, and other relevant company information.
- Use this HTML code as a base to customize for your brand’s color palette, typography, and other branding elements.
- Don’t forget to test how your email looks across devices and email clients using email testing tools like Litmus or Email on Acid.
Best for:
Experienced designers who want full creative control and customization. Ideal for those with advanced HTML skills and a specific vision that can’t be achieved with pre-built templates.
2. Use Pre-built Email Templates
Pre-built email templates are customizable templates provided by email service providers (ESPs) like Mailchimp, HubSpot, etc. Especially handy for beginners. While customizable, they can limit your ability to reflect your brand’s identity.
As personalized, custom email templates become more popular; many brands now prefer custom designs to stand out and maintain a unique brand presence.
Hence, the next option.
Best for:
Marketers with limited HTML and design knowledge, those who are short on time, or those who want a basic newsletter template that only needs minor tweaks. Perfect for cost-effective, last-minute email designs that still look professional.
3. Build In Drag-and-Drop Email Editor
Want to make email designing no-code and effortless? Drag-and-drop email editors are the perfect solution. Just drag and arrange content blocks to create engaging newsletter templates.
While the exact steps to creating an HTML newsletter template using a drag-and-drop editor may vary depending on the platform, the process is more or less similar—
- Start with a blank canvas or customize a pre-made template from the library.
- Drag, drop, and rearrange blocks until you’ve got the foundation and layout you want.
- Dress up your email with videos, GIFs, images, and more. Use HTML blocks for advanced customization if needed.
- Apply your brand’s colors, fonts, and logo to ensure consistency across all emails. Modern editors also let you set brand guidelines.
- Once your template is ready, export it in HTML so you can easily download or copy it, or send it to your email platform.
Best For:
Marketers, non-coders, and non-designers looking for a simple, time-saving way to create newsletter template coding. Ideal for those who want a quick, foolproof way to build professional emails within their ESP or CRM. Perfect for creating campaigns and newsletters with minimal effort and maximum efficiency.
4. Use Custom Email Newsletter Design Services
Designing an HTML newsletter template that works across devices and resonates with different audience segments is not as easy as pie.
A custom newsletter template design agency like Email Uplers can take this burden off your plate.
They design hand-coded, responsive, and brand-consistent email templates tested for flawless performance across all devices. They’ll handle the heavy lifting—designing, testing, and even writing your monthly email content if needed. Some providers also offer services such as CRM integration, segmentation, automation, and visual editors.
Of course, budget matters. But if investing in a reliable agency ensures polished designs, seamless functionality, and delivers results, we say it justifies every penny spent.
Nothing’s Set in Stone—Always Test and Preview!
When you create HTML email newsletter templates, no matter the approach—coding from scratch, using a pre-built template, or trying a drag-and-drop editor—the eternal truth is this: testing is key.
It’s the only way to make your email newsletters look flawless on every device and across all email clients.
If you partner with a reliable email design service, they’ll handle the testing for you. Plus, that custom HTML code you create can easily be adapted to work with major ESPs.