"Can I send my newsletter in HTML format? I want to include pictures, colors, fonts, my logo, etc."
The short answer is "Yes, you can do it".
However, this is a complex subject and you will need a complete understanding of the issues, potential problems, and suggested solutions before you begin. Please review this tutorial carefully.
Definitions
As used here, "formatted email" means an email message which contains fonts, bullets, colors, spacing, tables and/or pictures, logos, graphics, etc. plus HTML formatting codes. This is also sometimes referred to as "sending your email as a web page".
Unfortunately, many users don't realize that just because a composed message looks good when composed on their screen, in their email client, it may not look the same on the recipient's screen. That's simply inconvenient if you're sending one message to a friend, but it can be embarrassing or even result in numerous unsubscribes if you send improperly formatted email to an entire list.
The Issues
- Spam Filters - HTML email can carry dangerous "payloads" which execute simply when the message is viewed. As a result, email in HTML format gets much more scrutiny by spam filters. This might result in more deliverability problems for your messages.
- Images Off - HTML email can carry privacy-invading "web bugs" which track email readership. As a result, many ISPs and email programs (Outlook) block images within messages by default, specifically because of web bugs. Recipients can enable the images, but might not always do so. If your messages include images, realize that some recipients (many?) won't see them.
- Smartphones - Lots of recipients are now reading their email on smartphones. An HTML message created on a computer screen may not look good on a smartphone screen. If you suspect many of your recipients are using these devices, be cautious about the HTML template you select.
- Preparation Complexity - Creating an HTML message which looks good in many different email programs and displays is a challenge. Our CcToMany admin interface supports the use of a template, which can be very useful when starting a new issue (uses a previously-saved "good" format as the starting template).