How to Design a Newsletter That People Want to Read
In today’s fast-paced digital world, people receive dozens of emails daily — but only a few grab their attention. If you want your newsletter to stand out, you must focus not only on the content but also on its design.
A well-designed newsletter helps build trust, improves readability, and increases clicks. In this article, we’ll explore the most effective ways to design newsletters that look great and keep readers coming back for more.
1. Start with a Clear Structure
Your newsletter layout should be easy to scan. Most readers don’t read every word — they skim. That’s why a clear structure is key.
Best structure includes:
Header (logo + title)
Introduction or welcome message
Main content (articles, images, offers)
Call-to-action (CTA)
Footer (unsubscribe link, social icons)
✅ Tip: Use headings and subheadings to separate content sections.
2. Use a Mobile-Responsive Layout
Over 60% of people check emails on mobile phones. If your newsletter is not mobile-friendly, users may delete it without reading.
Tips for mobile design:
Use single-column layout
Keep font sizes readable (minimum 14px)
Use large buttons for CTAs
Avoid too much text in one block
✅ Tools like Mailchimp and MailerLite offer mobile-responsive templates.
3. Choose Readable Fonts
Don’t get too fancy with fonts. Choose fonts that are easy on the eyes and look clean on all devices.
Recommended fonts:
Sans-serif fonts like Arial, Helvetica, or Open Sans
Headings: 18–24px
Body text: 14–16px
✅ Tip: Limit yourself to two font styles to maintain consistency.
4. Keep Your Branding Consistent
Your newsletter should reflect your brand identity. This includes:
Logo placement
Brand colors
Tone of voice
Image style
✅ Tip: Use the same header/logo in every email to build recognition.
5. Use Visuals Wisely
Images make content more engaging — but too many visuals can slow down load time or distract the reader.
Best practices:
Use relevant images or icons
Compress large image files
Add ALT text for accessibility
Use GIFs sparingly for fun
✅ Tools like Canva help create custom banners and section images.
6. Include a Clear CTA (Call to Action)
What do you want readers to do after reading? Subscribe, read more, buy something?
Make your CTA clear and visible.
Examples:
“Read More”
“Get the Free Guide”
“Shop Now”
“Book a Call”
✅ Use a button instead of just text. Color it in a way that stands out from the background.
7. Stick to a Simple Color Scheme
Too many colors can be distracting. Use 2–3 main colors — typically from your brand palette — to keep things clean and professional.
Color tips:
Use dark text on a light background
Avoid too many bright or clashing colors
Use the same colors for buttons and links consistently
✅ Tools like Coolors.co can help you choose color palettes.
8. Add a Personal Touch
Make your newsletter feel personal. Use:
Subscriber’s name (if possible)
Friendly tone
Real photos instead of stock images
✅ Example: “Hey Sarah, here’s this week’s design tip!”
9. Test Before Sending
Always preview and test your newsletter before sending it to your list.
Check for:
Mobile and desktop appearance
Spelling or grammar errors
Broken links
Proper image loading
✅ Send a test email to yourself first.
10. Keep It Short and Focused
Don’t overload your readers with too much content. Stick to 1–2 main topics or sections.
✅ Tip: If you have a lot to share, link to your blog or website rather than putting everything in one email.
Conclusion
A beautifully designed newsletter builds brand credibility and encourages readers to take action. Focus on simplicity, readability, and brand consistency. Over time, you’ll notice higher open rates, more engagement, and loyal readers who actually look forward to your emails.
Remember, great design doesn’t have to be complex — it just needs to guide the reader smoothly from top to bottom with clarity and purpose.