How to Send HTML Email That Is Not an Attachment

HTML email is essentially a web page that is sent and displayed in the recipient's email inbox like an email message. With a basic knowledge of HTML, you can create visually striking advertisements, newsletters and other messages that contain graphics, clickable links and more sophisticated design than a standard text email. Be aware that HTML emails take longer to load, take up more space and not everyone is able to receive HTML email.

Instructions

1. Create an HTML page in a text editor or HTML editor like TextPad, BBEdit, Notepad, TextEdit, Dreamweaver or Publisher.

2. Add graphics and links to your HTML page. Use absolute URLs for all links and graphics. An absolute URL gives the entire path to the image file, including the http protocol, rather than just the folder path on the server. Don't overdo it with graphics because large files will take too long to load in the recipients' email client or browser.

3. Upload your HTML page and graphics to a web server. If you already have a website, simply create a new directory to hold the pages and images for your email.

4. Open your email client. You must use an email client that supports sending HTML emails, like Outlook Express or Thunderbird. Some browser-based webmail services don't support HTML email.

5. Copy and paste or insert your HTML page into a new email message, making sure HTML formatting is enabled in your email program.

6. Send yourself a test email to make sure it renders correctly.

References

• Website 101: How to Create and Send HTML Email
• Mail Chimp: How To Code HTML Emails