Your online email marketing campaigns can flounder over something as simple as formatting.

Here 7 key points to ensure your emails have a high readability rating:

Email format #1. Format the text lines between 55 and 65 characters. Anything more makes it harder to read and can give the message a ragged look if the recipient’s email program is configured differently.

Email format #2. Use only short paragraphs with plenty of space in between. Hit the Enter key twice between paragraphs so your email is easy to read and absorb.

Email format #3. If listing an email address or a URL, put it at the beginning of a new line. It is much easier for the recipient to see and use. (Example: See the style of the Resource Box below)

Email format #4. Use the Reply button to answer email. The previous message is then included so the recipient has the background immediately available. The > symbol appears on each line of the previous message. Insert your comments or answers under the relevant block of text.

Email format #5. Use CAPITALS only for effect, to emphasize key words or phrases. Do not write blocks of text in capitals.

Emai format #6. Use exclamation marks judiciously. Emphasizing statements with !!!!!! cheapens and lessens rather than adding serious emphasis.

Email format #7. Avoid the use of fancy fonts and colors unless you know definitely the recipients are using HTML enabled email software. Although HTML formatted email is now quite common, a huge base of users still use plain text.