What Do You Need to Learn HTML Email?

HTML emails are a crucial part of digital marketing, customer communication, and business branding. Unlike plain text emails, HTML emails allow businesses to create visually appealing, structured, and interactive messages. Whether you’re a marketer, designer, developer, or business owner, learning how to build HTML emails can help you create more engaging and effective email campaigns.

This blog post covers everything you need to get started with HTML email, including essential equipment, key skills, motivations for learning, and why taking a class can accelerate your progress. We’ll also explore the differences between in-person and virtual classes and the benefits of earning a certification.

Equipment You’ll Need to Learn HTML Email

To design and develop HTML emails efficiently, you’ll need the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

A Reliable Computer

Any modern computer will work for coding HTML emails, but for the best experience, ensure your device has:

Learn HTML

• Live & Hands-on
• In NYC or Online
• Learn From Experts
• Free Retake
• Small Class Sizes
• Certificate of Completion

Learn More

• Processor: Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 (or better) for smooth performance.
• RAM: At least 8GB to multitask with design tools and browsers.
• Storage: At least 256GB SSD for quick file access and storage.

A Code Editor

Since HTML emails involve coding, a good text editor or integrated development environment (IDE) is essential. Popular options include:

• Visual Studio Code (vs. Code) – Free, widely used, and supports email-related extensions.
• Sublime Text – Lightweight and fast, great for HTML coding.
• Atom – Open-source with a strong developer community.

Email Client Testing Tools

HTML emails need to work across different email clients (Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail, etc.). Testing tools include:

• Litmus – A paid tool for testing HTML email design in various clients.
• Email on Acid – Another popular testing platform for checking email responsiveness.
• Can I Email – A free resource to check email client compatibility for various HTML and CSS features.

Web Browsers

Since emails are essentially mini web pages, you need up-to-date browsers for testing:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Microsoft Edge
• Safari (for macOS users)

Image Editing Software

Emails often include visual elements like banners, buttons, and icons. Some useful tools include:

• Adobe Photoshop (for advanced design work).
• Canva (for quick and simple email graphics).
• Figma (for email design mockups and prototypes).

An Email Marketing Platform

To send and track HTML emails, you’ll need an email service provider (ESP) such as:

• Mailchimp – User-friendly and ideal for beginners.
• Constant Contact – Great for small businesses and newsletters.
• HubSpot – Powerful email automation features.
• Campaign Monitor – Advanced customization and segmentation options.

General Skills Needed to Learn HTML Email

HTML email development is different from standard web development. Email clients often have limited support for CSS and JavaScript, so you need to adapt your coding approach. Here are the essential skills to master:

Understanding HTML for Emails

HTML emails rely on basic HTML, but you need to code in a way that works across different email clients. Important concepts include:

• Using <table>-based layouts instead of <div> (for better email compatibility).
• Inline CSS instead of external stylesheets (since many email clients block external styles).
• Using absolute URLs for images and links to ensure proper display.

CSS for Email Design

Not all CSS properties work in emails, so you need to learn:

• How to use inline CSS (style="color: red;" instead of <link> or <style> tags).
• Safe fonts for emails (Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif instead of custom fonts).
• Mobile responsiveness using media queries (@media screen and (max-width: 600px)).

Responsive Email Design

Since people check emails on different devices, emails need to be responsive. Key concepts include:

• Using fluid layouts instead of fixed widths.
• Designing mobile-friendly buttons and call-to-action (CTA) elements.
• Optimizing images for fast loading.

Email Accessibility

To ensure emails are accessible to all users, follow best practices like:

• Using ALT text for images so screen readers can describe them.
• Choosing high-contrast colors for readability.
• Ensuring a logical reading order for visually impaired users.

Email Testing and Debugging

Since email clients render code differently, testing is crucial. Skills include:

• Debugging emails using developer tools (Inspect Element in Chrome).
• Using email testing services (like Litmus or Email on Acid).
• Checking how emails look in dark mode (as many users enable this setting).

Understanding Email Deliverability

Ensuring your emails land in inboxes (instead of spam folders) requires knowledge of:

• SPF, DKIM, and DMARC authentication (to verify your email sender identity).
• Avoiding spam triggers (e.g., excessive capital letters or too many images).
• Optimizing email subject lines and preheaders for better open rates.

Why Learn HTML Email?

Why learn HTML email development? Here are some common motivations:

High Demand for Email Developers

Businesses rely on email marketing to reach customers, meaning skilled HTML email developers are in-demand. Companies hire specialists to:

• Design promotional emails.
• Create automated email sequences.
• Ensure emails work across all devices.

Improving Digital Marketing Skills

If you're in digital marketing, knowing how HTML emails work can help you:

• Design better email campaigns.
• Customize email templates beyond what drag-and-drop editors allow.
• Improve customer engagement and conversion rates.

Freelancing and Side Income

HTML email development is a valuable freelancing skill. Many companies need email templates, and freelancers can earn by:

• Designing custom email templates for clients.
• Offering email optimization services.
• Creating branded newsletters.

Better Branding for Businesses

Small business owners and entrepreneurs can benefit from learning HTML email to:

• Send professional-looking newsletters.
• Improve brand consistency in email campaigns.
• Personalize customer interactions.

Why Take a Class to Learn HTML Email?

While self-learning is possible, taking a structured class can accelerate your progress.

Benefits of Taking a Class

• Expert Guidance: Learn best practices directly from experienced professionals.
• Hands-On Practice: Work on real-world projects and get feedback.
• Structured Learning: Avoid the confusion of scattered online tutorials.
• Industry Insights: Learn tips and tricks from professionals who work in the field.

In-Person Vs. Virtual Classes

In-Person Classes

Best for those who prefer hands-on guidance and networking.

Advantages

• Direct access to instructors for troubleshooting.
• Collaboration with classmates on projects.
• Dedicated learning environment with fewer distractions.

Examples

• Web development bootcamps.
• Email marketing workshops.

Virtual Classes

Ideal for flexible, self-paced learning.

Advantages

• Learn from anywhere at your own pace.
• Lower cost compared to in-person training.
• Access to recorded lessons for future reference.

Examples

• Noble Desktop: Courses on HTML email coding and design.
• Coursera: Email marketing and development courses.
• LinkedIn Learning: Practical email design and development tutorials.

Earning a Certification

Certifications can boost your resume and credibility. Some top certifications include:

• HubSpot Email Marketing Certification – Covers email strategy and design.
• Google Digital Garage Email Marketing Certification – Focuses on best practices.
• Noble Desktop HTML Email Certificate – General HTML knowledge that applies to email development.

Conclusion

Learning HTML email is a valuable skill for developers, marketers, and business owners. You can create engaging and effective email campaigns with the right equipment, knowledge of HTML and CSS, and an understanding of email design principles.

Taking a class—whether in-person or online—provides structured guidance and hands-on experience, while earning a certification can enhance your career prospects.

Start learning today, and soon, you'll be building professional, high-converting email campaigns that capture attention and drive results! 

Key Takeaways

• HTML emails allow businesses to create visually appealing, structured, and interactive messages.
• When you start to learn to create HTML emails, you will need a computer, a code editor, email client testing tools, a web browser, image editing software, and an email marketing platform.
• Learning how to create HTML emails will teach you to understand HTML & CSS for email design, accessibility, testing and debugging, and deliverability.
• Some of the benefits of learning how to create HTML email include a high demand for developers, improved digital marketing skills, opportunity for freelancing and side income, and better business branding.
• Many people prefer to take a class to learn a new skill. You can choose between in-person and online classes.