Free HTML email templates can sometimes be inherently problematic in a very basic attribute – design. The reason for this is probably because the service provider is providing a free service, so expecting the service provider to throw all resources into a design and creative team might just be unrealistic. Nevertheless, this doesn't negate the usefulness of the offering and there are definitely some template designs out there on the internet that are quite attractive and reader-friendly. Of course, there is a standing postulate that you must remember: once you reach a certain level of production, you might have to contemplate getting yourself a design and coding team or you might have to consider the option of a paid service.

Of course, all these considerations are from the production standpoint. There is the other side of production which is deploying and hoping that readers like the website or email designs that they see. It is therefore crucial that you understand what readers are looking for from a template and accordingly engage them actively. Here are some pointers detailed out below:

Minimalism: Think of a newspaper, an ezine, the homepage of a portal and now think of a blog. There is a distinct pattern of reader affability towards blogs and this is not just because the reader visits a blog to read because 9 times out of 10, the other mediums actually have more compelling content. What is interesting to note, however, is the minimalistic approach that most blogs have. Now, this can be tricky when you are taking free HTML email templates because minimalism is a design philosophy you undertake when you have a sizeable amount of text.

Therefore, judge the amount of content that you want disseminate correctly.

Color: Colors can make and break an email newsletter or bulk email in the same capacity. There are the simple design mistakes that most people make of placing clashing colors of text and background rendering the content unreadable. However, it is a well known fact that people like to read more comfortable, traditional formats. Therefore, where you have content that needs intensive reading, stick to a black text and white background format.

Technology: One of the most important revolutions that have happened on the internet these days is the advent of video. This was probably evolution at its inevitable best and you shouldn't be left behind either. It is worth hazarding the statement that perhaps the time has come to do away with text altogether. Therefore, use embedded videos as much as possible to engage readers.

Free HTML email templates may not be able to cater to all of these demands no matter how basic they may seem. However, assuming that video technology is still quite an expensive option when it comes to good quality, this is probably the only expendable option. For now, stick to heavy imagery and some engaging gif images if it is feasible from a bandwidth standpoint,and remember to make it interesting.