Newsletter Tip #27

I wanted to share a tip regarding sending and receiving newsletters embedded in email (e-newsletters) that require html formatting.

As business owners, we have no control over the type of email software that our clients and customers may have. But we want to ensure that they receive the information that we send and can read it.

Although sending information embedded in email is a fast and efficient way to communicate, not everyone has html ready email software and even if they do, the message may not appear exactly as we sent it. So how do we ensure that our clients can read what we have sent? One way is to ask our clients if all the recipients have html capable email software (this is not that difficult if the newsletter is meant for internal distribution). However, if the newsletter is going to be distributed to a wide variety of users, then we are back to square one.

A common solution is to send the newsletter in pdf format. Yes...I know what you are thinking. Not everyone has a pdf reader. This is certainly true, but Adobe provides a free pdf reader to be quickly downloaded and utilized. For a quick comparison of html versus pdf formatting, see http://www.lib.waldenu.edu/orientation/htmlvspdf.html.

Personally, when I send embedded information within an email, I also like to attach a pdf version. I certainly recognize that in today's fast paced world, embedding information in an email format takes away an extra layer that your customer won't have to deal with. But just be aware that there are drawbacks to this method.

Let me hear from you. I'm always interested in different points of view. Any information and/or comments that will remove "roadblocks to success" in reaching customers are welcome!