There are many benefits to using a newsletter template – it makes your e-mails look much more professional, classy, attractive, and it can save you and your company a tremendous amount of time in the process. You don't need to be tech savvy or knowledgeable – all you need is a basic ability to use computers and you are on your way to sending some fancy emails! Here are a few ways you can maximize the template facility.

Templates by definition are great because they give you an outline to work with. The outline will include a general idea of the layout – a place for the header, the text, images, and footer. These are the basic elements of the newsletter, and the advantage of template is that it gives you this without requiring you to do the designing. While it is nice to customize a template – and you certainly have the option of doing that – over-customizing defeats the point of using one. Changing the layout or exercising different color schematics or fonts is understandable, but don't get bogged down in too much customizing otherwise you will be defeating the point of using the template to begin with. Strike a balance between what you want and what is time efficient!

Secondly, design is one of the most attractive and distinguishing features of using a newsletter rather than a plain text e-mail – it catches the eyes depending on how it is approached. Use this to your advantage – use colors that will accentuate the theme of your message. Use appropriate images that capture what the text of your message cannot. If a short video clip would really entice your viewer, be savvy and include a snippet that will be enough just to spark their interest.

Solid and catchy copy is equally important as design, and in some ways even more important. Because certain design features can get lost in certain email services, be sure that your copy is to the point, and easily accessible upon a quick viewing of the email. Keep your sentences short, casual yet professional. Don't underestimate the importance of the Subject line of the email: often this one phrase will deter your reader from opening the email. Be sure to mention the crux of your message in the subject line.

Finally, it is also important to find that delicate balance of how many times it is appropriate to send your message, and at what intervals. If you inundate your clients' inbox with your messages, they will likely get turned off and delete them in the future even if it something that may be relevant to them. Send a friendly reminder a bit in advance and then again send the message on the day of your offer or event. If you are not sure about what is most effective in terms of timing, do a test and split your list into several groups and compare the responses. Use this data for future message deliveries.