Email design & more

The arrival of fall not only brings a change in the weather but also opens a window of opportunity for email marketers to tap into the sales season.

Did you know that according to OptinMonster, a striking “47% of email recipients open an email based on the subject line alone?” This makes your email subject lines a key player in your autumn marketing strategy. 

Let’s dive into a world where creativity meets strategy, exploring a variety of fall email subject lines designed to captivate your audience and boost your autumn sales.

Fall email subject line tips

Let’s explore some pivotal tips that will elevate your fall email subject lines and ensure they capture the essence of your message and the season.

1. Personalize with a touch of seasonal warmth

Utilizing data like past purchases, location, or browsing history allows you to craft subject lines that speak directly to the individual, enveloping them in a personalized experience that feels inviting.

2. Avoid the spam trap with thoughtful wording

Crafting a subject line that avoids the dreaded spam folder is akin to carefully stepping through a patch of crunchy fall leaves – it requires thoughtfulness and precision. Steer clear of using all caps, excessive exclamation points, and words that are commonly associated with spam, such as “free” or “buy now.” Instead, focus on creating a natural, conversational tone that gently guides your subscribers into your content.

3. Incorporate timeliness and urgency

Infusing your subject lines with a sense of timeliness and urgency, such as highlighting a limited-time offer or a flash sale, can encourage subscribers to open your email promptly. Ensure that the urgency is genuine and the offers are valuable to maintain trust and engagement with your audience.

4. Highlight your brand’s personality

Fall is a season that comes with its own array of playful language and puns. Whether it’s playing with phrases related to leaves, pumpkins, or cozy sweaters, a clever pun can add personality to your communication.

5. Embrace A/B testing for your subject lines

By testing two variations of your subject lines you can gain insights into which phrases, keywords, or emojis resonate best, enabling you to send the more effective subject line to your list. 

60 Best Fall Email Subject Lines 

From the allure of sales and the unveiling of new collections to the playful charm of puns and the festive joy of holidays, each of these subject lines is a pathway into the heart of your subscribers. 

Fall sale or discount subject lines

Incorporating the seasonal charm of fall into your sale subject lines not only enhances their appeal but also creates a timely and relevant context that can resonate with your subscribers, inviting them to explore your offerings and, ultimately, make a purchase.

Subject line examples:

• "🍂 Fall Into Savings: Up to 50% Off Starts Now!"
• "Harvest the Savings: Exclusive Fall Discount Inside!"
• "Sweater Weather, Sweeter Deals: 30% Off Fall Fashion!"
• "Unbe-leaf-able Deals: Your Exclusive Fall Sale is Here!"
• "Autumn Exclusives: Enjoy an Extra 20% Off Sale Items!"
• "Fall in Love with Our Autumn Sale: Up to 40% Off!"
• "🎃 Spooktacular Savings: Frighteningly Good Deals Inside!"
• "Cozy Up to Exclusive Fall Discounts – Limited Time Only!"
• "A Cornucopia of Savings: Shop Our Fall Sale Now!"
• "Rake in the Deals: Your Fall Discount Awaits Inside!"

Real-life example:‍‍

• ‍Brand Name: Hay‍
• Subject line: "Crisp, cozy, colorful (and 15% off)"‍
• Purpose of the email: Announce their “Autumn Sale.” 

Fall subject lines to introduce new collections or products

Introducing new collections with fall-centric subject lines seamlessly blends the anticipation of the new with the comforting familiarity of the season, crafting a delightful and enticing invitation to explore, discover, and shop.

Subject line examples:

• "🍁 Fresh Picks for Fall: Explore Our New Arrivals!"
• "New Season, New Styles: Shop the Fall Collection Now!"
• "Autumn Elegance: Discover Our New Fall Jewelry Line!"
• "Wrap Up in Style with Our New Fall Outerwear!"
• "Fall Flavors Have Arrived: New Seasonal Menu Inside!"
• "Step into Fall: New Boot Collection Just Dropped!"
• "Cozy Up with Our New Fall Home Decor!"
• "Sip into Autumn: New Fall Beverage Line Launched!"
• "Fall Beauty Unveiled: Explore Our New Makeup Line!"
• "Fresh Fall Reads: Discover Our New Book Releases!"

Real-life example:

• Brand Name: Juvee
• Subject Line: “Bringing You a Taste of Autumn” 
• Purpose of the email: Promote the launch of their Caramel Apple drink.

Subject lines with fall puns

Fall provides a fertile ground for playful wordplay that can bring a smile to your subscribers and create a lighthearted, engaging entry point to your email content.

Subject line examples:

• "Orange You Glad It’s Pumpkin Season? 🎃"
• "Nuts About Our New Fall Collection!"
• "Oh My Gourd, These Fall Deals Are Unbe-leaf-able!"
• "Squash Your FOMO: Fall Sale Now On!"
• "Leaf Your Worries Behind: Fall into Relaxation!"
• "Yam-tastic! Sweet Deals on Our New Fall Menu!"
• "Apple-y Ever After: Fall in Love with Our New Arrivals!"
• "A-maize-ing Deals Just for You This Fall!"
• "Harvest the Fun with Our Fall Festival Lineup!"
• "Spice Up Your Wardrobe with Our Fall Collection!"

Real-Life Example:

• Brand Name: FitVine Wines
• Subject Line: "No tricks, just treats 🎃🍷🦇”
• Purpose of the email: Promote their FitVine.

Holiday-specific fall subject lines

Crafting holiday-specific subject lines allows your brand to resonate with the festive spirit and sentiments that naturally permeate through the season. By aligning your messages with the holidays and celebrations that your audience holds dear, you create a bridge of relevance and shared joy, enhancing the connectivity and appeal of your emails during this festive fall period.

Halloween

• "No Tricks, Just Treats: Spooktacular Deals Inside!"
• "Unmask Frighteningly Good Offers This Halloween!"
• "Boo-tiful New Arrivals to Spook and Delight!"
• "Witching You a Happy Halloween: Special Treat Inside!"

Thanksgiving

• "Gobble Up the Savings: Thanksgiving Deals Inside!"
• "Grateful for You: A Thanksgiving Treat Inside 🦃"
• "Feast Your Eyes on Our Thanksgiving Specials!"
• "A Cornucopia of Thanks: Exclusive Offer Inside!"

Veterans Day

• "Honoring Heroes: Special Veterans Day Sale!"
• "A Salute to Savings: Veterans Day Exclusive!"
• "Celebrating Courage: Special Offer for Veterans Day!"
• "Thank You for Your Service: Exclusive Veterans Day Deal!"

Black Friday

• "Black Friday Bounty: Unbeatable Deals Inside!"
• "Sneak Peek: Black Friday Deals Unveiled!"
• "The Black Friday Sale You’ve Been Waiting For!"
• "Unlock Black Friday Savings Early: VIP Access Inside!"

Real-Life Example:

• Brand Name: Carhartt 
• Subject Line: "Black Friday: Early Access"
• Purpose of the email: Promote their Black Friday early access sale. 

Fall subject lines that reference fall weather

Subject lines that reference the weather crafts a narrative that is immediately recognizable and engaging to your subscribers, inviting them to explore your offerings with the comforting, familiar backdrop of the fall season.

Subject line examples:

• "Fall Breeze, Autumn Ease: Wind Down with Our Cozy Picks!"
• "Rainy Day Rescue: Stay Dry with Our Stylish Raincoats!"
• "Sweater Weather is Better Weather: New Arrivals Inside!"
• "Crisp Air, Don’t Care: Explore Our Fall Essentials!"
• "Stay Cozy in Our Must-Have Fall Layers!"
• "Chilly Days, Stylish Ways: Warm Up with Our Collection!"
• "Embrace the Chill: Hot Deals on Cool Styles Inside!"
• "Leaf the Cold Behind: Warm Up with Our Hot Picks!"
• "Autumn Showers, Stylish Hours: Waterproof Favorites Inside!"
• "Warm Hues, Cozy Shoes: Step into Fall Comfort!"

Real-life example:

• Brand Name: Hotel June
• Subject Line: "Feels Like Fall"
• Purpose of the email: Encourage travelers to book a stay at Hotel June by promoting new fall specials. 

Fall subject lines about autumn activities and events

From apple picking and leaf-peeping to festive gatherings and holiday preparations, these subject lines evoke anticipatation of these cherished moments. By aligning your messages with the activities that define the fall experience, your emails become a celebration of the season, intertwining your brand with the warmth and nostalgia.

Subject line examples:

• "Harvest Happiness with Our Fall Collection!"
• "Leaf-Peeping Essentials: Gear Up for Autumn Adventures!"
• "Apple-Picking Season is Here: Grab Your Fall Favorites!"
• "Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice: Fall Flavors Have Arrived!"
• "Get Festive: Everything You Need for Fall Gatherings!"
• "Fall Crafting: Create Your Cozy with Our DIY Kits!"
• "Bake Up a Storm: Autumn-Inspired Baking Essentials Inside!"
• "Cozy Campfires Await: S’mores, Stories, and Styles Inside!"
• "Haunted Happenings: Spooky Styles and Decor Inside!"
• "Thanksgiving Prep Starts Now: Get Ready to Feast!"

Real-Life Example:

• Brand Name: HomeAway
• Subject Line: "Get in the fall spirit with a cabin stay”
• Purpose of the email: Encourage customers to book a cabin stay. 

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Elevate your fall email campaigns to new heights

The harmony between a captivating subject line and a visually engaging email design is where the true magic happens.

With Beefree’s fall email templates, you gain access to a curated selection of designs that encapsulate the warmth and vibrancy of fall and perfectly compliment your captivating subject lines.

We’ve teamed up with Really Good Email’s Matt Helbig and a group of email experts for a roundup of the hottest email design trends.

How can you incorporate email design trends into your brand? 

“You have to know what's right for your audience, your brand, and your company. Don't just adopt a trend because it's the cool thing to do. 

Focus on the foundations, what makes a really good email is this email is customer-centric and solves a problem that someone might have. 

A lot of the time, company emails are very self-serving, but keep in mind that the person at the other end is not just a dollar sign; they are people as well. Use human language and not corporate gobbledy. 

Be clear about what you are making, why, and who it's for. Its really important to communicate your message clearly and tell people, you know, come to our site, come visit us. Send emails with a purpose and think about, “How can I make this person's day better?”

Accessibility is always a big thing. At Really Good Emails, we see a lot of all-image emails and that’s rarely ever accessible. You want to meet your readers where they are, whether it's on a mobile device or they have a disability and can't access your email. 

Beyond just including something like alt text, it's making sure your email is available on all devices that they might be reading on.

Lastly, just treat the inbox as a sacred, personal, and safe place. It is a safe place and you have some responsibility behind what you're sending to your audience. Your email should be a delight and a nice surprise in an inbox filled with annoyance and filtered spam emails. People should look forward to receiving your email in their inboxes.”

_{Matt Helbig, Integrated Manager at Beefree & Really Good Emails}

Email design trends for 2024 & beyond 

#1: Raw & unfiltered 

“As an amateur photographer myself,  I'm always excited to see that this trend continues to gain momentum. It's all about capturing images in their most natural state with minimal to no editing or retouching.

Unlike traditional stock photos or marketing images, which are often very produced, very stylized, very polished – raw and unfiltered embrace imperfection. This style, this trend, shows real people, real environments, and it captures genuine moments.

It's often characterized by natural lighting, minimal post-production editing, and authentic expressions and scenarios, which makes it feel very spontaneous and very candid. 

This trend is becoming popular largely due to social media. We're very used to seeing what at least appears to be authentic situations and with consumers demanding more transparency from brands we are kind of skeptical of overly polished images or images that we may feel are too photoshopped. 

Another plus of “raw and unfiltered” is that it can evoke a sense of nostalgia and help to strengthen the connection with your audience. 

Finally, and one of the most important, I think, is that it can be very cost-effective. You don't have to pay for the big production, the expensive photographer, or all the editing.”

_{Kristy McCarley, Founder & Managing Director of Pure Firefly.} 

#2: Chunky text

“This trend of oversized text is really dominating the visual space. If you're a design geek, this can be super fun to experiment with to add a sense of playfulness and grab a reader’s attention as soon as the email is open.

This trend is really popular because of the rise in appreciation for minimalism and the need to create quick digestible content. It allows you to convey that message in a really concise way. 

If you're trying to decide whether to experiment with this or if it's right for your brand, just keep in mind that you don't want it to be overwhelming. There should be a balance between the size of the text and its chunkiness so that it doesn't affect readability.” 

_{Kristy McCarley, Founder & Managing Director of Pure Firefly.} 

#3: Deep & dark

‘’This trend was sparked or spurred by the prevalence of dark mode, but think we've moved way beyond that now. 

I just love the spectrum of dark colors that I see brands bringing into the inbox to create this kind of mood instantly within their email. 

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My cautionary tale is to test the heck out of it beforehand. For a few email clients with some partial color inversion, darker tones turn into a salmon pink, which can strain the eyes. You obviously don't want to accidentally serve the audience that wants dark mode, something that's way outside of your brand guidelines.’’

_{Laura Sullivan, Head of Brand & Marketing at Inbox Monster}

#4: Color blocking

"These big, bold areas of color usually help you differentiate visual hierarchy in emails or make a section in an email stand out.

If you do a little bit of Googling on the history of color blocking, apparently this is a big fashion trend coming back from the 1960’s which is what gives color blocking a little bit of a retro feel."

_{Justin Jordan, Head of Strategy & Community at Beefree}

#5: Longing for Dial-up

"This trend combines old-school nostalgia with some of the new fun trends we’ve mentioned previously. This is all about the nineties being cool again. 

This summer, I have gone to so many concerts with 90s bands coming out and playing. For example, I saw a Green Day show, and they played the entirety of Dookie because it was Dookie's, I think, 25th or 30th anniversary of being released. That night, I felt like I was 18 again. The next morning, maybe not so much. But I was totally willing to relive 18 for an evening. 

If you've got that demographic, then take advantage of it. This is not for every brand; you really have to know your audience, know your style, and see if it works."

_{Justin Jordan, Head of Strategy & Community at Beefree}

#6: Ticker GIFs 

"Ticker GIF also known as the repeating text, usually at the top of the email, really grabs attention and makes the email feel lively and energetic. It can add playfulness similar to the chunky text, and it's eye-catching.

I’m kind of on the fence about ticker text because I'm affected by movement in email. So sometimes, if it's a little too fast or if it just feels like too much, I will look away, but I know there are other subscribers, the audience that loves it and really get into it.

I say be very thoughtful about the use of it. Make sure you have enough contrast. If you're using it to highlight a key message, it can be great. Or a sense of urgency for like a promotion or limited time offer. Just be aware that it can overwhelm some subscribers and it may be distracting and sometimes it's just not the right fit for the campaign."

_{Kristy McCarley, Founder & Managing Director of Pure Firefly.} 

#7: Styled letter 

"This trend is leading in popularity because it approaches email with a human voice instead of a product or brand. With the rise of AI, people’s spidey sense is up for things that aren't authentic and real and this approach helps tackle that. 

Style letter is a good balance between using plain text and brand elements like fonts and colors to make it feel a little bit more personalized.

In the example below, which is written by Justine, is all written in her voice, like when I read it, I could hear her reading it.

This trends is relatively low effort. You don't always need a designer to do something like this. You can make things stand out by using bullet points or adding a GIF. 

I like to think of email almost like as a tool belt, you know, you can use a plain text email or you can use a well-designed email. It doesn't have to be one or the other. 

You just know that your reader has this problem that they’re trying to solve, and you can use different types of content to make your email get the job to be done"

_{Laura Sullivan, Head of Brand & Marketing at Inbox Monster}

#8: Hover effects

We are seeing brands do some really cool, fun hover effects in email. It's a good way to tell people that something's clickable.

I think it's catching on because it's interactive. I think it catches your eye when you're scrolling, especially on like a desktop environment where it's supported. And some of these, especially hover effects, are little things you can add at the end of the email that may not change the whole design, but they show that you are spending the time and attention on your email designs and your marketing.

_{Matt Helbig, Integrated Manager at Beefree & Really Good Emails}

Honorable email design trend mentions: 

Typography: Weird fonts

Typography: 3D Text

Shapes: Waves

Imagery: Hand models

Interactivity: Choose your own adventure

Movement: 360 rotate

Messaging: Sustainability

Final hot take: 

"It’s important for me to share the disclaimer that trends are not going to save your business; however, they can help you better communicate your message. 

I've mostly been on the B2B side of things for my entire career. And so every time I look at what all the cool things that retail and e-commerce brands are doing, I'm reminded that B2B doesn't have to be boring.

While all of these trends may not not be totally a “hot” for your brand,it cool to at least be informed about what other brands are doing in the space and maybe one of them will work for you.

This is not an endorsement for any trend in particular. Choose your trends responsibility. Don't use it if it might not be for your brand. 

And finally make sure that whatever you do, you continue to be really good and make some really good looking emails."

_{Matt Helbig, Integrated Manager at Beefree & Really Good Emails}

‍You can watch the entire live event with Q&A here. 

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Newsletters are more than just digital letters; they're a bridge, connecting brands to their audience in the most personal way. In the vast sea of online content, creating a newsletter that stands out and resonates can be a challenge. 

Dive into this blog, and you'll discover 60 captivating newsletter ideas that readers absolutely adore. Whether you're a seasoned newsletter professional or just starting out, we've got the inspiration to help you craft content that not only informs but also engages and inspires your audience. Let's get started!

Why are newsletters important?

Newsletters are like the unsung heroes of email marketing. Not only do they keep your audience informed and engaged, but they also play a pivotal role in building and nurturing relationships. Think of them as a regular touchpoint, a friendly "hello" that reminds your subscribers of your brand's value. 

From sharing company updates to spotlighting new products, newsletters organize key information in a digestible format, ensuring your audience stays connected and in the loop. In essence, they're a bridge between your brand and its community, fostering trust and loyalty.

What to include in a newsletter

Crafting a newsletter? It's not just about filling space; it's about delivering value. The key is to provide content that resonates with your audience's interests and keeps them eagerly awaiting your next update. 

For instance, if you're focusing on business, perhaps share some behind-the-scenes insights or company milestones. Looking for something light-hearted? Fun trivia or seasonal highlights might be your go-to. From monthly recaps to themed specials and educational deep-dives, the possibilities are vast. 

Dive into this article, and you'll discover a treasure trove of newsletter ideas, whether you're in the mood for business insights, seasonal tidbits, or educational gems.

60 newsletter ideas to elevate your campaigns

So, you're on the hunt for newsletter content ideas that not only captivate but convert? You're in the right place! With a wide range of topics and themes at your fingertips, the challenge isn't about finding content—it's choosing which pieces of content to spotlight. 

Whether you're aiming to inform, entertain, or inspire, the right idea can transform your newsletter from a mere email into a must-read. Dive into these 60 ideas, spanning business insights to themed wonders, and watch as your campaigns soar to new heights. Ready to elevate your email game? Let's dive in!

Interactive newsletter ideas 

When it comes to newsletters, who said business can't mix with fun? Fun newsletters are the sprinkle of joy in your subscriber's inbox, offering a delightful break from the usual. They're not just about entertainment; they're about forging a deeper connection with your audience, showing the lighter side of your brand, and making your emails the ones they genuinely look forward to. Let's explore some ideas that'll infuse your campaigns with a dose of fun!

1. Trivia quizzes

There's something inherently engaging about quizzes. They challenge, entertain, and offer a moment of playful competition. Including trivia quizzes in your newsletter can boost engagement rates and encourage interaction. Plus, they're a fantastic way to highlight product features or company milestones in a fun manner.

We recommend initiating these emails with a direct and inquisitive questions about the topic. Not only does this challenges the recipient's knowledge but also establishes a personal connection, making them feel as if they're part of an exclusive inside joke only they know about.

2. Behind-the-scenes

Let your subscribers in on the backstage magic. Whether it's a sneak peek into your office culture, the making of a product, or a day in the life of your CEO, these glimpses humanize your brand and foster a sense of community.

3. Memes and GIFs galore

Who doesn't love a good meme or GIF? Incorporating these into your newsletters not only adds a touch of humor but also makes your content more relatable and shareable. It's a modern way to comment on current events or industry trends with a light-hearted twist.

4. Customer spotlights

Shine a light on your loyal customers. Share their stories, testimonials, or fun ways they use your product. It's a win-win: you get engaging content, and they get a moment in the spotlight.

5. Interactive polls

Engage your subscribers by seeking their opinions. Whether it's about a new product feature, industry trends, or just a fun "this or that" choice, polls can drive interaction and provide valuable insights.

Dipping into newsletters like the one below, you'll see a masterclass in sparking customer interaction. Interactive polls not only spark email engagement, but it give your audience a voice, making them feel important and valued by your brand. Additionally, these emails are a goldmine for gathering genuine feedback about your offerings. It's a win-win: your subscribers feel heard, and you gain priceless insights. Talk about a conversation starter!
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6. Themed playlists

Music connects people. Share themed playlists related to your industry, season, or just for fun. It's a way to set the mood and offer something extra to your subscribers.

7. DIY tips and hacks

Everyone loves a good hack. Share DIY tips related to your products or industry. It's not just informative but also showcases the versatility of what you offer.

8. Jokes and puns

A little humor goes a long way. Share industry-specific jokes or puns that resonate with your audience. It's a simple way to bring a smile to your subscribers' faces while building a bond and brand recognition! If you want to go beyond using funny email copy, consider offering a pun-y sale to go along with the joke. Now that's how you serve up a memorable newsletter!

9. Virtual scavenger hunts

Engage your subscribers with a virtual scavenger hunt. Hide clues in your website or social media channels and let them embark on a digital adventure. It's interactive and can be a unique way to highlight features or products.

10. Caption contests

Challenge your subscribers' creativity with a caption contest. Share an intriguing image and ask them to come up with a witty or humorous caption. It's interactive, fun, and can lead to some hilarious results. These types of newsletter ignite a two-way conversation between your brand and customers. By weaving in a playful caption contest, you're not only keeping subscribers engaged, turning passive readers into active participants. 

Business newsletter ideas

Navigating the business world requires a blend of strategy, insight, and communication. Business newsletters serve as a bridge, connecting your brand with clients, stakeholders, and employees. They're not just about sharing updates; they're about showcasing your brand's journey, achievements, and vision. 

Whether you're celebrating milestones, introducing new initiatives, or sharing industry insights, these newsletters position your brand as a thought leader. Let's explore some ideas that'll infuse your campaigns with professionalism and purpose.

11. Company milestones

Celebrating achievements, big or small, fosters a sense of pride and community. Sharing these moments in your newsletter not only keeps your audience informed but also builds trust and showcases growth.

12. Employee spotlights

Your team is the backbone of your business. Highlighting their stories, achievements, or unique skills humanizes your brand and showcases the talent behind the scenes.

This employee spotlight newsletter is a stellar example of how businesses can really humanize their brand. By highlighting new employees and their roles, they are setting the tone for collaboration and building a company culture of acknowledgment. It's not just about showcasing numbers and achievements; it's about celebrating the individual and showing that there's a genuine people behind the impressive work they will go on to do. This not only fosters a sense of community and camaraderie within the company but also strengthens trust and connection across teams.

13. Case studies

Showcase real-world applications of your products or services. Case studies provide tangible proof of your brand's impact and can drive conversions.

14. Upcoming events

Whether it's a webinar, product launch, or networking event, keep your audience in the loop. It drives engagement and offers opportunities for face-to-face interactions.

15. Industry trends

Stay ahead of the curve by sharing the latest industry trends and insights. It positions your brand as a knowledgeable player and provides value to your subscribers. The following template showcases the most recent Color of The Year as it relates to this fashion brand.

16. Product updates

Keep your subscribers informed about the latest features, improvements, or launches. It's a way to drive excitement and showcase continuous innovation.

17. Testimonials and reviews

Word of mouth is powerful. Share genuine testimonials or reviews to build trust and showcase the positive impact of your brand.

By spotlighting endorsements from customer who know the ins and outs of your offer, you can brilliantly broadcast the wide-reaching wonders of your product. Pair each testimonial with a candid snapshot to add an additional a personal touch, making the brand feel less like a distant entity and more like a trusted friend sharing success stories.

18. Business tips and advice

Share valuable advice or tips related to your industry. It positions your brand as a helpful resource and can drive engagement.

19. Expert interviews

Bring in industry experts for interviews or guest posts. It provides fresh perspectives and boosts your newsletter's credibility.

20. CSR initiatives

Showcase your brand's commitment to social responsibility. Sharing CSR initiatives resonates with ethically-minded subscribers and highlights your brand's values.

Monthly newsletter ideas 

Consistency is key in communication, and monthly newsletters are the embodiment of that principle. Serving as a regular touchpoint, they offer a curated snapshot of the past month's highlights, ensuring your audience stays informed and engaged. Whether you're recapping events, sharing insights, or previewing what's on the horizon, monthly newsletters are a reliable way to maintain a steady connection with your subscribers. Let's delve into some ideas that'll make your monthly updates eagerly anticipated.

21. Monthly recaps

Think of monthly recaps as your brand's highlight reel, capturing all the noteworthy moments, wins, and stories from the past 30 days. It's like giving your subscribers a VIP pass, ensuring they're always in the loop and never miss a beat. Picture this: a vibrant timeline dotted with key events, achievements, and news, making your subscribers feel like they've been right there with you every step of the way. 

22. Featured blog posts

Highlight the top-performing or most insightful blog posts from the past month. It drives traffic to your website and offers added value to your readers.

23. Customer of the month

Celebrate a loyal customer by sharing their story or experience with your brand. It fosters community and showcases real-world brand interactions.

24. Monthly poll results

If you run regular polls or surveys, share the results. It's a way to show subscribers that their opinions matter and provide insights into popular opinions or trends.

25. Upcoming promotions

Give your subscribers a heads-up about any special deals, discounts, or promotions coming up in the next month. It builds anticipation and can drive sales.

26. Spotlight on success stories

Dive into the transformative journeys of your customers or clients. Each month, highlight a success story that showcases the real-world impact of your product or service. Share challenges faced, solutions provided, and the outcomes achieved.

27. Monthly challenges

Engage your subscribers with a fun challenge or goal for the upcoming month. It can be related to your product, industry trends, or just for fun.

28. Voices from the community

Dive into the conversations happening around your brand. Each month, curate a mix of shout-outs, stories, and feedback from your community, whether it's on social media, forums, or direct messages. It's a way to show you're listening and value every voice.

29. Sneak peeks

Offer a glimpse into any upcoming product launches, events, or initiatives. It builds excitement and keeps your audience in the loop.

30. A personal note

Add a personal touch by including a note from the CEO or a team leader. It humanizes the brand and fosters a deeper connection with the audience.

Seasonal newsletter ideas 

As the seasons change, so do the interests and needs of your audience. Seasonal newsletters tap into the current mood, offering content that's timely, relevant, and resonates with the spirit of the season. Whether it's the festive cheer of the holidays, the rejuvenation of spring, or the warmth of summer, these newsletters capture the essence of the moment. Let's dive into some ideas that'll make your seasonal newsletters a breath of fresh air in any inbox.

31. Holiday gift guides

During the festive season, everyone's on the lookout for the perfect gift. Curate a list of top products or services that make for great presents, tailored to your audience's preferences.

32. Seasonal recipes

Share recipes that highlight the flavors of the season. Whether it's a summer smoothie or a winter stew, it's a tasty way to engage your subscribers.

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33. Seasonal DIY projects

Engage the crafty side of your subscribers with DIY projects that align with the current season. It's a fun and interactive way to celebrate the time of year.

34. Seasonal discounts and promotions

Offer special deals or promotions that celebrate the season. It's a timely incentive that can drive sales and engagement.

35. Event recaps

If your brand hosts or attends seasonal events, share a recap with highlights, photos, and key takeaways.

36. Seasonal trends

Highlight trends or popular items for the upcoming season. It keeps your subscribers in the know and positions your brand as a trendsetter.

37. Fundraising initiatives

During seasons of giving, showcase any charitable initiatives or partnerships your brand is involved in. It resonates with the spirit of the season and highlights your brand's values.

38. Seasonal challenges

Engage your subscribers with challenges that align with the season, whether it's a winter fitness challenge or a spring cleaning spree.

39. Decor and styling tips

Share tips on how to style clothes, homes, offices, or events in line with the season's theme. It's a creative way to immerse in the seasonal vibe.

40. A personal seasonal note

Add a personal touch with a note reflecting on the season, sharing personal stories, or looking forward to upcoming events.

Themed newsletter ideas 

Themes can be the creative spark that ignites interest in your newsletters. They offer a cohesive narrative, making your content more engaging and memorable. Whether it's celebrating a global event, tapping into pop culture, or exploring a specific topic in-depth, themed newsletters stand out in an inbox and offer a fresh perspective. Let's explore some ideas that'll give your newsletters that thematic flair.

41. Cultural celebrations

Celebrate global events or cultural festivals, showcasing diversity and inclusivity. It's a way to educate and engage subscribers about different traditions and customs.

42. Pop culture moments

Tap into trending pop culture moments, whether it's a hit TV show, a viral meme, or a blockbuster movie. It makes your content timely and relatable.

43. Historical throwbacks

Take a trip down memory lane by highlighting significant historical events or milestones related to your industry or brand.

44. Eco-friendly focus

Dedicate a newsletter to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. It's a way to showcase your brand's commitment to the environment and offer green tips.

45. Tech and innovations

Highlight the latest tech trends, innovations, or gadgets related to your industry. It positions your brand as forward-thinking and in-the-know.

46. Book or movie recommendations

Share curated lists of books or movies related to your industry, season, or any theme. It offers added value and positions your brand as a curator of good content.

47. Art and creativity

Celebrate the world of art, design, and creativity. Showcase artists, design trends, or creative projects that inspire.

48. Travel and exploration

Take your subscribers on a virtual journey, exploring destinations, cultures, or travel tips. It's a way to inspire wanderlust and share unique experiences.

49. Health and wellness

Focus on well-being, sharing health tips, recipes, or fitness challenges. It's a way to promote a balanced lifestyle and offer valuable advice.

50. Hobby and passion projects

Highlight hobbies or passion projects, encouraging subscribers to explore new interests or dive deeper into existing ones.

Educational newsletter ideas 

Knowledge is power, and educational newsletters are the torchbearers of that power. They serve as a platform to enlighten, inform, and provide value to your subscribers. Whether you're breaking down complex topics, sharing industry insights, or offering tutorials, these newsletters position your brand as a trusted educator. Let's explore some ideas that'll make your newsletters a treasure trove of knowledge.

51. Industry deep dives

Offer in-depth analysis or insights into specific industry topics, trends, or challenges. It establishes your brand as an authority and provides valuable content to your subscribers.

52. How-to guides and tutorials

Break down processes or tasks with step-by-step guides. It's a practical way to offer hands-on knowledge and assist subscribers in mastering new skills.

53. FAQ sessions

Address common questions or misconceptions related to your industry or product. It's a way to clarify doubts and offer direct value.

54. Webinar recaps

If you host webinars or online sessions, share key takeaways, highlights, or recordings. It extends the reach of your content and offers a recap for attendees.

55. Research and studies

Share the latest research, studies, or surveys related to your industry. It keeps your subscribers updated and offers data-driven insights.

56. Guest expert columns

Invite industry experts or thought leaders to contribute to your newsletter. It offers fresh perspectives and boosts the credibility of your content.

57. Book summaries or reviews

Offer summaries or reviews of influential books related to your industry. It's a way to promote continuous learning and offer reading recommendations.

58. Interactive quizzes

Test your subscribers' knowledge with interactive quizzes related to your industry or recent content. It's engaging and offers a fun learning experience.

59. Resource roundups

Curate a list of valuable resources, tools, or articles that can benefit your subscribers. It's a way to offer added value and save them research time.

60. Learning challenges

Encourage continuous learning by introducing monthly or weekly learning challenges. It can be related to a skill, topic, or habit.

Bring your newsletter ideas to life with Beefree

We've journeyed through a galaxy of ideas for a newsletter, from the fun-filled to the educational, and from the seasonal to the thematic. But, as we all know, even the most captivating content needs a stellar design to truly shine. That's where Beefree steps in. With Beefree’s intuitive email editor, you can effortlessly pair your top-notch content with equally impressive designs, ensuring your newsletters aren't just read, but remembered.

Whether you're crafting a monthly recap or diving deep into industry insights, Beefree ensures your vision translates perfectly into the inbox. With customizable templates, user-friendly tools, and a plethora of design options, you're equipped to create newsletters that resonate, engage, and inspire.

Ready to elevate your newsletter topic game? Dive into Beefree for a world of design possibilities. Get started with a free account and let's make your next newsletter one readers will love! 

2024 was a banner year for email markers everywhere. From sleek newsletters to interactive promos, you flexed your creative muscle to new heights and did it with a level of speed and efficiency that made crafting award-worthy emails look easy. 

At Beefree, we’ve had a front-row seat to all the incredible ways you scaled your email production. With templates that sped up creation and workflows that brought your team closer, you’ve redefined what it means to create emails that inspire and deliver.

Let’s dive into the numbers, trends, and stories that made this year unforgettable for email makers like you. 

Total number of emails created: 1,648,180

That’s right—over 1.6 million emails were crafted using Beefree this year, each one a testament to your creativity and efficiency. Everyone from small startups to large enterprises, and teams across the globe harnessed the power of Beefree.

The templates that powered your success

Out of the 1.6 million emails created this year, 178,199 started with a little help from our template catalog.

Our most loved categories included:

• ‍‍‍Templates for Gmail & Mailchimp: Whether you were crafting a campaign or a one-off blast, these platform agnostic templates made it easy to integrate design and delivery effortlessly.‍
• Password-reset emails: You proved that even the most utilitarian messages deserve to be noticed.
• ‍Notification email templates: From order confirmations to system alerts, these templates kept your communications clear, concise, and on-brand.

These favorites highlight a vital truth: even the simplest communications can leave a lasting impression. Templates have become your secret weapon, allowing you to hit the ground running, save time, and focus on the creative flair that makes your emails stand out.

Total time saved per week: 2 hours

Time is money, and in 2024, Beefree users saved big. On average, 59% of users shaved off at least 2 hours per week on email creation, giving them more time to focus on strategy, creativity, and all the other things that make their emails shine. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

An impressive 81% of users reported being able to design emails at least 3x faster since implementing Beefree. What used to take hours now takes mere minutes with pre-designed templates and built-in collaboration tools. 

More time saved = more time to design

By cutting down on the nitty-gritty of email production, like formatting, coding, and repetitive edits, Beefree gave you the freedom to focus on what truly matters: design. 

With more time on your hands, you experimented with bold new layouts, fine-tuned your visual storytelling, and perfected those interactive elements that kept your audience engaged.

84% of Beefree users saw an increase in design quality after implementing our tool and 84% have increased on-brand email creation by 50% or more. 

Think about it: The less time on production meant more time to think creatively and innovate.

New height reached 

With more time on your hands and even more accessible design solutions, 2024 became the year you pushed boundaries and achieved more than ever before. And as your email production scaled, so did your ambitions. 

This surge in productivity and creativity signaled that you were ready for the next step—a plan that could grow alongside you and offer even more tailored support for your evolving needs. Recognizing this, we launched our Business Plan in May, designed specifically to meet you where you’re at. 

This plan was crafted to offer the advanced features and scalability that busy teams need, like enhanced collaboration tools and more customization options. 

Is the Beefree HTML Email Builder Right for You? >

After upgrading to a paid plan, 41% of Beefree users saw an ROI in just under a month! 58% report that Beefree has been a KEY part of scaling their email programs. 

Beautiful design matters 

A well-crafted email design does more than look good; it communicates your brand’s personality, values, and message in a way that’s instantly recognizable and engaging. It draws the reader in, guides their eyes through the content seamlessly, and encourages action, whether it’s clicking through to a website, signing up for an event, or making a purchase.

In 2024, you embraced the power of beautiful design like never before, and you were rewarded for it. Beefree users increased their CTR by an average of 25%.

The marketing ROI on the one email alone was immeasurable. Open rates increased by over 20%, engagement rates by 31%, and best of all, the subscribers fell under a healthy .1%. All are driven by the creative firepower of Beefree. 

Aimee Meester, Founder and CEO, Madison Taylor Marketing 
Read the case study

In a digital landscape where first impressions are everything, beautiful design isn’t just nice to have—it’s a necessity. And with Beefree, creating visually appealing emails has never been easier, empowering you to continue delivering designs that captivate and convert.

We can’t wait to see what you create next.

A few weeks back, we kicked off the first-ever 2024 Really Good Email Awards (cue the confetti). The “award show” was paired with downloadable resources sharing the ins and outs of what made these emails winners. Today, we’re taking it one step further and sharing how you can build award-winning emails in Beefree.  

But first, what is an award-winning email? 

Winning emails like Miro’s welcome series and the AllTrails x Calm collab didn’t just meet expectations—they redefined them. Besides being the most loved by the RGE community, the winning emails beautifully balanced creativity, trends, and best practices. They gave us insight into the future of email design and how to break the rules intentionally. 

While each email was different in its own unique way, we noticed a consistent pattern in them all: On-brand, but never boring. Let’s take the emails by Sundays as a really good example of staying on brand. Everything from their Black Friday emails to their order confirmation emails follows the same brand guidelines, ensuring a cohesive experience at every touchpoint. 

This realization was validating! As marketers, we know how important presenting a cohesive experience is for brand recognition, awareness, and loyalty. But as passionate designers, we're always looking at the next cool design trend. This pattern of "on-brand, yet never boring" pushes us to explore new and creative ways to showcase our branding and spread our message.

Designing on-brand, never-boring emails with Beefree

Beefree makes balancing creativity with your brand guidelines seamless. Its combination of brand management, productivity solutions, and a no-code drag-and-drop editor enables everyone to create beautiful designs that inspire people to action and drive results. 

Step 1: Set your brand guidelines

Your brand, your rules. Lock in colors, fonts, and logos so your emails look like you —even if Greg from accounting gets a little too creative with the copy. 

There are several ways to set your brand guidelines in Beefree, but our favorite is to use our “Get Brand Styles” feature, which can be accessed in your workspace’s style settings.

Once you’re in your settings, click on “Get brand styles” and input your website’s URL. From there, Beefree will retrieve your brand’s colors, fonts, and social links. You can learn more about this feature here. 

Once you import your brand’s essentials, you can continue to add brand elements. You can get as granular as you’d like. From a predefined width for emails and pages, to the appearance of your CTAs. 

With our Advanced Style Kit, you can even set predefined background colors, set the appearance of lists, and tables. 

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Once you add your style settings, every email your team creates with Beefree will have the same brand colors, icons, links, fonts, and whatever else you decide to assign. Now, let’s say you want to take things one step further. 

Step 2: Create re-usable content blocks 

Beverage brand and winner of our Endless Cheer Award, “Athletic Brewing,” is a great example that following a template doesn’t have to be restrictive. 

All of their holiday templates follow a similar layout: A hero section with a standout image, a large title, body text, and a CTA followed by a similar content block below. 

Beefree’s Saved and Synced Rows are an easy way to build out templated layouts for your emails. Most users turn frequently used content blocks, such as headers or footers, into Saved Rows so they can easily use them in other designs. You can also save rows as “Synced” when you want to apply any changes made to a row to all of your other email templates. 

You can find all of your Saved and Synced Rows in the builder's Rows tab by selecting “My Saved Rows.”

Templates and re-usable content blocks aren’t just made to help you speed up creation time; they’re about allowing you and your team more time to be creative. The less time you spend worrying about what layout to create, the more time you can spend coming up with clever messaging or taking high-quality product shots. 

Let’s get to the fun stuff.

Step 3: Bring your visions to life 

In our downloadable resource, we shared the characteristics of each email that made it stand out. We highlighted key elements such as persuasive copy, value-driven content, actionable CTA’s, interesting layouts, and so much more. 

We could spend hours sharing tips and tricks to emulate the award-winning characteristics of an email, but for now, we’ll share some of Beefree’s features that can help take your emails from “meh” to “Why didn’t I think of that?” 

Display conditions

Why settle for one-size-fits-all when you can design emails that feel like a direct DM to each recipient? Beefree’s Display Conditions feature allows you to pick a condition (or write one from scratch if you are technically savvy), apply it to a row, and thus show different content based on the recipient. 

We can see a great example of how Display Conditions could be used in Rael’s award-winning email below: 

The “Hook, Line, and Sinker” Awards goes to Rael for its charming abandoned cart email that feels like a warm reminder rather than a hard sell.  Instead of just pushing one product, the thoughtfully curated product suggestions make it easy to explore complementary items. 

Interactivity

Throughout all winning emails, we saw brands bring their message to life with movement. Whether they used videos, gifs, icons, or crafted visually interesting layouts – making their emails interactive was crucial in getting our attention. 

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With Beefree, you can turn your designs into playgrounds. Easily add videos, GIFs, countdown timers, surveys, hover effects, and more. To see what’s possible, we recommend browsing through our template catalog! 

Mobile design mode 

Part of crafting a truly on-brand experience is ensuring that your brand looks good anywhere. Beefree takes responsiveness and dynamic design to the next level by allowing you to create custom mobile experiences. With Mode Design Mode you can re-arrange, re-size, and remove elements for smaller screens. 

Step 4: Let AI take care of the little things 

Creating award-winning emails takes vision, creativity, and time. But let’s be honest—sometimes, the little tasks, like tweaking ALT text or sourcing the perfect image, can slow you down.

With Beefree’s AI-powered solutions, you can let your eager intern handle the busy work while you focus on making your emails unforgettable.

AI Image Generator

Struggling to find the perfect image? Beefree’s AI Image Generator lets you create custom visuals that enhance your email’s message. Just add an image block to your email and in the Content Properties panel on the right, click “Create with AI,” then fill out the details. For additional prompt suggestions visit this support page. 

Alt Text Generator

For us, alt text isn’t just a best practice—it’s essential for creating accessible emails. But crafting the perfect descriptions for every image can feel like a chore.

 Beefree’s AI ALT Text Generator takes care of it for you, automatically generating accurate and descriptive ALT text for your images, gifs, icons, and stickers. 

AI Copy Assistant 

When Greg from accounting gets a bit of writer’s block or when you need a little help writing a catchy CTA, AI is here to help generate bold and fresh ideas. 

Ready to start designing? 

A really good email involves a balance of best practices and bold moves. The winning emails didn’t just make an impact; they set the standard for what’s possible in email marketing. Now, it’s your turn to take the lessons, insights, and inspiration from these campaigns and channel them into your next great idea. Start designing with Beefree for free!

If you’re looking for even more inspiration or tactical takeaways, don’t forget to download the deck or watch the Award ceremony replay! 

HubSpot is one of the world’s leading CRMs, seamlessly merging sales, marketing, and customer service into a single, powerful dashboard. With tools for email marketing, lead generation, and landing page creation, HubSpot enables you to connect with customers more effectively and drive meaningful results.

However, HubSpot’s design tools can sometimes feel restrictive for marketers looking to create distinctive branding or highly customized designs.

This is where Beefree comes in—the ideal solution for HubSpot users looking to flex their creative chops in designing emails and landing pages. With drag-and-drop editing, advanced customization options, and an extensive template library, Beefree makes it easy to capture your brand’s identity and stand out in today’s crowded market.

1. 1,700+ free customizable email and page templates

HubSpot’s templates work for simple designs, but users often describe them as “bland” or “limiting.” 

Beefree users are spoiled for choice with over 1,700 free customizable templates that go far beyond HubSpot’s basic designs. These templates serve as the perfect starting point for building impactful campaigns.

Beefree’s intuitive design tools let you tweak the template in real time, making it easy to produce professional-quality creations that perfectly reflect your brand’s identity—no design experience required. These pre-built layouts are major time-savers, too, with 82% of users reporting faster email creation using Beefree.

2. Advanced design elements for true creative freedom

Customization can be a challenge for many HubSpot users; for instance, some report that it’s “impossible” to create a table without coding the design yourself. Unfortunately, not every user has the technical skills—not to mention the time—to perfect their emails with HubSpot alone. 

Beefree elevates your designs with an extensive collection of creative elements, all easily customizable using its powerful editor.

Some of these elements, like rounded corners and unlimited columns, aren’t available in HubSpot. Others, like creating a table to present data in a clean and organized way, are far easier to build in Beefree.

These creative elements make it that much easier to showcase your brand identity, communicate your message effectively, and design beautiful, original campaigns. They help you move beyond cookie-cutter designs and deliver something truly unique.

Remember: Eye-catching emails grab your audience’s attention instantly, helping your message stand out in crowded inboxes while staying true to your brand.

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3. Reusable content blocks for always-on-brand campaigns

Beefree’s reusable content blocks make it simple to maintain consistency across all your campaigns.

Simply save your branded elements—headers, footers, logos, and CTA buttons—once, then re-use them in future designs with a single click of a button.

This convenient feature helps HubSpot users streamline their workflow by eliminating repetitive design tasks — potentially saving you hours per campaign. 

4. Mobile-responsive designs out the box

Beefree’s editor includes built-in mobile responsiveness, which means your emails and landing pages automatically adjust to any screen size with no extra effort. This ensures your campaigns look great on every device, from desktops to smartphones.

For even greater control, Beefree supports mobile design mode, enabling HubSpot users to fine-tune your designs for smaller screens. Simply select the device size you’re optimizing for and make adjustments using the intuitive visual editor.

This allows you to deliver a tailored, on-brand experience, no matter how your audience views your content.

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5. Easy integration

Whether you're crafting unique branded elements or designing dynamic content, Beefree gives you the tools to create campaigns that align perfectly with your brand vision. Best of all, integrating HubSpot with Beefree takes just seconds. 

Beefree and HubSpot: A match made in email heaven

Integrating Beefree with HubSpot offers a powerful solution for marketers looking to elevate their email campaigns. HubSpot provides the engine for powering your marketing, while Beefree boosts the creative aspect, letting you bring your brand vision to life with ease.

For example, one of Beefree’s customers, Folderly—an all-in-one email deliverability platform—experienced significant improvements by combining HubSpot and Beefree. 

By designing emails in Beefree and sending them using HubSpot, Folderly streamlined their workflow, reducing campaign creation time from days to hours. This efficiency freed the team to focus on other key tasks, while maintaining high-quality, on-brand designs.

This integration not only sped up their processes but also boosted open rates by 15%, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining Beefree's advanced design tools with HubSpot's marketing automation.

“With Beefree, we can create beautiful designs and quickly integrate them into our workflows. By connecting our HubSpot account to Beefree, we can easily transfer the email designs to HubSpot, making the entire process highly efficient and smooth.”
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- Kate Lavrenchuk, Marketing Lead at Folderly

Read more about Folderly’s success story with Beefree here. 

Universities are like small cities. They are made up of dozens (sometimes hundreds) of departments, schools, and initiatives. Each of them has their own goals, audiences, and communication needs. While this decentralized structure is great for creativity and independence, it often leads universities to struggle to balance the creation of on-brand newsletters with data security. One always has to give, and it’s not the latter. 

So, how do you give all these teams the freedom to create without compromising brand integrity and data safekeeping? Well, the right tools and a little strategy can make all the difference.

In a recent conversation with Rice University’s Owl Business Analyst, Sonja Fulbright, we revealed all the challenges that led the university to lean on Beefree—not only to bring their decentralized teams together in one platform but also to increase the speed and quality of the university’s emails. 

What are the challenges universities face in email creation? 

As mentioned above, universities thrive on independence. Each department has unique needs, whether it’s rallying support for the latest research initiative or getting fans hyped about SEC football rankings. While this setup fuels creativity, it also brings some serious challenges:

• Off-brand emails: A well-meaning department might throw together something that doesn’t quite hit the mark.
• Inefficiency: Teams spend hours wrangling email tools that just don’t cut it.
• Data risks: Sensitive info gets passed around in ways that make everyone nervous.

In an effort to tackle some of these challenges and unify teams, Rice University chose to integrate the Blackbaud CRM. However, for Sonja Fulbright and her team, this meant folks felt less empowered to design on their own. The accompanying Blackbaud Internet Solutions (BBIS) platform, used for managing emails and landing pages, was so complex that different schools and departments became heavily reliant on Sonja’s team for design support and sending. Sonja shares:

"Building emails in BBIS was like coding an entire website from scratch—it was a nightmare. 

Although we could create decent emails in BBIS, they were all built-in tables, which required someone skilled in HTML. When something went wrong, we had to dig through code to fix random formatting issues.”

It’s no wonder Universities sometimes feel stuck trying to stay on brand. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Overcoming the challenges with Beefree

Decentralized teams doesn’t have to mean off-brand communications and bringing everyone in one place, and finding new solutions that don’t impact data security doesn’t have to be complex. For Rice University:

“Adopting Beefree was incredibly easy… We were able to get started right away.”

With Beefree, every department gets the tools they need to create standout emails without compromising the university’s brand or security – here’s how:  

#1: On-brand communication becomes a non-negotiable 

Your university’s brand is more than just colors and logos. It’s your identity. It’s how people recognize you, trust you, and connect with your mission.

When branding is inconsistent, it can cause confusion—or worse, make your school seem less credible. In many universities, the people creating and sending emails are not marketers or designers, just regular folks who have a message to get across.

Sonja states, “We're not the public affairs department. We're not the keepers of our University's brand, but we are trying to be good campus partners and encourage the use of Branding standards.

The best part about Beefree is being able to lock down assets like logos, colors, and fonts and say, ‘Here’s everything you need to follow the university’s brand guidelines—go forth and build emails.’”

#2: Designing is faster than ever 

Sonja Fulbright from Rice University shared she “spent six hours trying to create one email template, and it still wasn’t finished.” 

This is a relatable challenge for many Higher Education teams juggling tight schedules. Time spent trying to figure out complex solutions is time taken away from what really matters, like connecting with their alumni, donors, and engaging their student body.

Sonja adds, “Even though it was not technically my job description, I got sucked up into building templates for people in that platform, and I was like, there has got to be an easier way to do this.”

Luckily, there was. In six hours, Sonja created 8 newsletter templates in Beefree, and designing an email went from a 48-hour affair to only 45 minutes. 

A standout time-saving feature for Sonja and other universities is the ability to save and sync reusable content blocks.

“The ability to save rows made a huge difference for us. We used building blocks like standard footers and headers to quickly assemble emails in various ways. It’s definitely made everyone’s job a lot easier.”

Additionally, our integrations have made designing for all sending platforms a breeze. Sonja shares, “Outlook is the ruiner of all things visual; it is at the absolute worst, so the fact that I can paste code from Beefree and it renders like 99% correctly in Outlook is huge.”

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#3: Empowering everyone to create 

Many professionals in the Higher Education space struggle to bring their creative visions to life, often tied down to complex or limiting tools. For Rice University, this was no different. Remember the template referenced above that took Sonja six hours to make? Sonja shares the full story: Our Architecture School came on board and wanted us to build out templates in our old platform. I thought it was no big deal.

They had a designer share with me the most detailed markup I have ever seen in my entire life, with pixel dimensions and all of that. I knew that it'd be like coding a whole website from scratch kind of thing.” 

Whether you’re creating templates for your student body or engaging donors, your designs should make an impact. Beefree’s solutions are loved by universities because they empower anyone – regardless of skill level to design with ease. 

With a template catalog of over 1,700+ email and landing page templates and dozens of free guided courses and tutorials in our Beefree Academy, we have everything you need to get started. Sonja shares:

"Beefree has been a key tool in making it easier to get people on board. The [enterprise plan] lets us extend access to people using our database for email campaigns. At the same time, departments can set up their own [workspaces], and we can collaborate easily.”

#4 Data security is top of mind

If there’s one thing universities juggle as much as emails, it’s sensitive data—donor lists, alumni records, student info. The last thing you want is for that data to get mishandled in the shuffle of creating and sharing emails. That’s why many universities opt for Beefree. Beefree integrates seamlessly with your CRM, keeping all that valuable info exactly where it belongs.

As Sonja Fulbright from Rice University puts it:

“The fact that Beefree doesn’t store any of our data made adoption easy. Everything stays within our CRM.” 

The big picture: Empowered teams, consistent branding, zero hassle

Successful university communication comes down to balance. Departments need space to create and connect with their audiences. But that creativity doesn’t have to come at the cost of branding, security, or efficiency.

Beefree can bring it all together by providing a centralized university email tool that can help universities go from overwhelmed to organized and from inconsistent to cohesive.

The Senior Web Content Specialist at Rice University shares:

‍“Beefree is the best email designer I've ever used. It gives me the ability to take a design from a print piece and customize it for the best viewer experience in an email format." 

Ready to simplify your email marketing efforts? Join hundreds of university teams like Rice University in transforming their email workflows with Beefree. Sign up now -- it's free!

We’ve teamed up with Really Good Email’s Matt Helbig and a group of email experts for a roundup of the hottest email design trends.

How can you incorporate email design trends into your brand? 

“You have to know what's right for your audience, your brand, and your company. Don't just adopt a trend because it's the cool thing to do. 

Focus on the foundations, what makes a really good email is this email is customer-centric and solves a problem that someone might have. 

A lot of the time, company emails are very self-serving, but keep in mind that the person at the other end is not just a dollar sign; they are people as well. Use human language and not corporate gobbledy. 

Be clear about what you are making, why, and who it's for. Its really important to communicate your message clearly and tell people, you know, come to our site, come visit us. Send emails with a purpose and think about, “How can I make this person's day better?”

Accessibility is always a big thing. At Really Good Emails, we see a lot of all-image emails and that’s rarely ever accessible. You want to meet your readers where they are, whether it's on a mobile device or they have a disability and can't access your email. 

Beyond just including something like alt text, it's making sure your email is available on all devices that they might be reading on.

Lastly, just treat the inbox as a sacred, personal, and safe place. It is a safe place and you have some responsibility behind what you're sending to your audience. Your email should be a delight and a nice surprise in an inbox filled with annoyance and filtered spam emails. People should look forward to receiving your email in their inboxes.”

_{Matt Helbig, Integrated Manager at Beefree & Really Good Emails}

Email design trends for 2024 & beyond 

#1: Raw & unfiltered 

“As an amateur photographer myself,  I'm always excited to see that this trend continues to gain momentum. It's all about capturing images in their most natural state with minimal to no editing or retouching.

Unlike traditional stock photos or marketing images, which are often very produced, very stylized, very polished – raw and unfiltered embrace imperfection. This style, this trend, shows real people, real environments, and it captures genuine moments.

It's often characterized by natural lighting, minimal post-production editing, and authentic expressions and scenarios, which makes it feel very spontaneous and very candid. 

This trend is becoming popular largely due to social media. We're very used to seeing what at least appears to be authentic situations and with consumers demanding more transparency from brands we are kind of skeptical of overly polished images or images that we may feel are too photoshopped. 

Another plus of “raw and unfiltered” is that it can evoke a sense of nostalgia and help to strengthen the connection with your audience. 

Finally, and one of the most important, I think, is that it can be very cost-effective. You don't have to pay for the big production, the expensive photographer, or all the editing.”

_{Kristy McCarley, Founder & Managing Director of Pure Firefly.} 

#2: Chunky text

“This trend of oversized text is really dominating the visual space. If you're a design geek, this can be super fun to experiment with to add a sense of playfulness and grab a reader’s attention as soon as the email is open.

This trend is really popular because of the rise in appreciation for minimalism and the need to create quick digestible content. It allows you to convey that message in a really concise way. 

If you're trying to decide whether to experiment with this or if it's right for your brand, just keep in mind that you don't want it to be overwhelming. There should be a balance between the size of the text and its chunkiness so that it doesn't affect readability.” 

_{Kristy McCarley, Founder & Managing Director of Pure Firefly.} 

#3: Deep & dark

‘’This trend was sparked or spurred by the prevalence of dark mode, but think we've moved way beyond that now. 

I just love the spectrum of dark colors that I see brands bringing into the inbox to create this kind of mood instantly within their email. 

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My cautionary tale is to test the heck out of it beforehand. For a few email clients with some partial color inversion, darker tones turn into a salmon pink, which can strain the eyes. You obviously don't want to accidentally serve the audience that wants dark mode, something that's way outside of your brand guidelines.’’

_{Laura Sullivan, Head of Brand & Marketing at Inbox Monster}

#4: Color blocking

"These big, bold areas of color usually help you differentiate visual hierarchy in emails or make a section in an email stand out.

If you do a little bit of Googling on the history of color blocking, apparently this is a big fashion trend coming back from the 1960’s which is what gives color blocking a little bit of a retro feel."

_{Justin Jordan, Head of Strategy & Community at Beefree}

#5: Longing for Dial-up

"This trend combines old-school nostalgia with some of the new fun trends we’ve mentioned previously. This is all about the nineties being cool again. 

This summer, I have gone to so many concerts with 90s bands coming out and playing. For example, I saw a Green Day show, and they played the entirety of Dookie because it was Dookie's, I think, 25th or 30th anniversary of being released. That night, I felt like I was 18 again. The next morning, maybe not so much. But I was totally willing to relive 18 for an evening. 

If you've got that demographic, then take advantage of it. This is not for every brand; you really have to know your audience, know your style, and see if it works."

_{Justin Jordan, Head of Strategy & Community at Beefree}

#6: Ticker GIFs 

"Ticker GIF also known as the repeating text, usually at the top of the email, really grabs attention and makes the email feel lively and energetic. It can add playfulness similar to the chunky text, and it's eye-catching.

I’m kind of on the fence about ticker text because I'm affected by movement in email. So sometimes, if it's a little too fast or if it just feels like too much, I will look away, but I know there are other subscribers, the audience that loves it and really get into it.

I say be very thoughtful about the use of it. Make sure you have enough contrast. If you're using it to highlight a key message, it can be great. Or a sense of urgency for like a promotion or limited time offer. Just be aware that it can overwhelm some subscribers and it may be distracting and sometimes it's just not the right fit for the campaign."

_{Kristy McCarley, Founder & Managing Director of Pure Firefly.} 

#7: Styled letter 

"This trend is leading in popularity because it approaches email with a human voice instead of a product or brand. With the rise of AI, people’s spidey sense is up for things that aren't authentic and real and this approach helps tackle that. 

Style letter is a good balance between using plain text and brand elements like fonts and colors to make it feel a little bit more personalized.

In the example below, which is written by Justine, is all written in her voice, like when I read it, I could hear her reading it.

This trends is relatively low effort. You don't always need a designer to do something like this. You can make things stand out by using bullet points or adding a GIF. 

I like to think of email almost like as a tool belt, you know, you can use a plain text email or you can use a well-designed email. It doesn't have to be one or the other. 

You just know that your reader has this problem that they’re trying to solve, and you can use different types of content to make your email get the job to be done"

_{Laura Sullivan, Head of Brand & Marketing at Inbox Monster}

#8: Hover effects

We are seeing brands do some really cool, fun hover effects in email. It's a good way to tell people that something's clickable.

I think it's catching on because it's interactive. I think it catches your eye when you're scrolling, especially on like a desktop environment where it's supported. And some of these, especially hover effects, are little things you can add at the end of the email that may not change the whole design, but they show that you are spending the time and attention on your email designs and your marketing.

_{Matt Helbig, Integrated Manager at Beefree & Really Good Emails}

Honorable email design trend mentions: 

Typography: Weird fonts

Typography: 3D Text

Shapes: Waves

Imagery: Hand models

Interactivity: Choose your own adventure

Movement: 360 rotate

Messaging: Sustainability

Final hot take: 

"It’s important for me to share the disclaimer that trends are not going to save your business; however, they can help you better communicate your message. 

I've mostly been on the B2B side of things for my entire career. And so every time I look at what all the cool things that retail and e-commerce brands are doing, I'm reminded that B2B doesn't have to be boring.

While all of these trends may not not be totally a “hot” for your brand,it cool to at least be informed about what other brands are doing in the space and maybe one of them will work for you.

This is not an endorsement for any trend in particular. Choose your trends responsibility. Don't use it if it might not be for your brand. 

And finally make sure that whatever you do, you continue to be really good and make some really good looking emails."

_{Matt Helbig, Integrated Manager at Beefree & Really Good Emails}

‍You can watch the entire live event with Q&A here. 

‍

Maximizing your agency’s ROI with Madison Taylor Marketing 

Founded over 15 years ago, Madison Taylor Marketing has become a well-known agency in Denver, Colorado, for its success in bringing unprecedented results to clients. The agency's smart strategies have helped clients ensure alignment, reduce costs, optimize their resources, and, more notably, maximize ROI by almost 300% across all marketing efforts. 

In a live session with Chris Copen, Chief Operating Officer, Cassie Renier, Creative Specialist, and Andrea Davis, Creative Manager, they shared their insight into how agencies can maximize their ROI with email marketing. 

What is ROI? 

“ROI, or Return on Investment, is one of our most important performance indicators as an agency. 

ROI is not just a metric, but it measures the profitability of our business and our investments and helps us understand the value that we're generating from our efforts and resources. 

By tracking ROI, we are trying to ensure that our strategies are effective, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions.

For agencies, achieving a high ROI is really important because it reflects our ability to deliver value to our clients and continually optimize operations. Ultimately, this empowers us to drive growth for ourselves.

For our clients, our ability to achieve high ROI demonstrates our ability to use budgets wisely to deliver maximum value and achieve their business goals efficiently.”

_{Excerpt from Chris Copen at our live session with Madison Taylor Marketing.
Optimized for readability and engagement} 

With a return of $36 per $1 spent, why do agencies struggle to increase email marketing ROI? 

“We have found that that email is a powerful tool for achieving ROI for our clients. It's been around for a long time, and it's a tried and true tactic. While people have changed their media consumption habits, email continues to produce results for us. Email marketing connects our clients directly with their audience segments, allows us to deliver personalized content, and drives conversions.

Despite its potential, though, we have definitely experienced struggles over the years.

For both ourselves and our clients, we’ve found that the main challenge with email marketing is how much time and effort it takes.

Creating visually appealing and effective email campaigns requires significant time and effort.

We have found ourselves really bogged down in the minute of design details and trying to craft the “perfect” layout and visual elements. While important, this detracts from strategic activities that might yield higher returns.”

We've also experienced the challenge of hard coding emails and getting those emails to work across platforms. This process is not only time-consuming but also prone to errors. Little mistakes in the code can lead to rendering issues across different email clients, which has obvious consequences for a campaign’s effectiveness and ROI.

In addition to that, there's the issue of too much back-and-forth. When we collaborate on email campaigns, this often involves multiple rounds of feedback and revision. 

All of that just adds to the cumbersome and lengthy process and leads to diminishing returns - addressing all of those is critical in unlocking the full potential of email marketing for ROI. 

_{Excerpt from Chris Copen at our live session with Madison Taylor Marketing.
Optimized for readability and engagement} 

How can agencies optimize their email marketing ROI

“By optimizing our email creation process, leveraging automated tools, reducing manual coding, and streamlining our feedback mechanisms, we were really able to improve our ROI. Cassie has been one of our leaders in helping us find the right tools and helping us increase our productivity and efficiency.”

^{- Chris Copen}

1. Find the email marketing tools 

"Finding the right tool enables and empowers us to execute our vision and our client's vision without hindering their goals.

As a designer, when I'm looking for the right tool for email marketing, there are a few things to look for.

Ease of use is the first thing. Whatever tool you use should be user-friendly, intuitive, and allow me to create and customize designs quickly and effectively. 

Another need is a high degree of flexibility. I need to be able to create unique and visually appealing emails that align with the specific branding of all of our clients. We shouldn’t have to sacrifice elements of a client's brand to fit within the constraints of a design platform. 

The collaborative nature of a tool is also crucial. The right tool should facilitate seamless communication and collaboration, not only with our clients but also internally, throughout the revision process. That includes features like real-time editing, feedback, integrations, approval workflows, and so on. This helps us ensure we are always on the same page internally and with our clients.

Lastly, the right tool should integrate smoothly with other platforms and tools, such as CRM systems, analytic tools, and marketing automation platforms. This helps ensure that we have a cohesive, streamlined process from design to delivery and analysis and are not bouncing between a bunch of different platforms. 

Our previous process before finding Beefree was inefficient and unsustainable. It was clear that our approach was hindering our ability to meet client expectations and deliver high-quality, unique campaigns. 

Recognizing this was the first step toward improving our process. We needed a tool that would propel our agency to go above and beyond what our clients had asked for."

_{- Cassie Renier}

_{Excerpt from our live session with Madison Taylor Marketing.
Optimized for readability and engagement} 

2. Optimize your design and collaboration processes 

“When it comes to making something like email marketing work, alignment between vision and capability is so important.

When we're working as a team of marketers and designers, we need to effectively collaborate on an idea from start to finish.

Often, agencies run into issues executing on a vision because of limitations in capabilities, whether human, tools, or resources.

What we've found that works really well is to first clarify the client's situation and goals to ensure we're moving in the right direction. Involving design teams early in the process is crucial to understanding the full context and aligning on the vision.

Then, we need to be able to move from strategy to deliverables in the most cost-efficient manner. This means reducing the time spent on ideation, creation, and revisions. This is another reason why finding the right tools is important.

Beefree, specifically, allowed us to streamline our processes and enabled us to produce high-quality designs rapidly, ensuring timely and relevant communication with our client’s audiences. With Beefree’s collaboration features, all team members communicate in one place, reducing the time spent on back-and-forth and ensuring everyone is on the same page. Also, with real-time collaboration clients could see changes as they happened, reducing the need for multiple rounds of revisions.

By simply optimizing our email and collaboration processes we were able to reduce the time spent on designing while still producing high-quality assets. This allowed us to respond more quickly to market demands and time-sensitive opportunities, improving our ROI.

‍_{Excerpt from Andrea Davis at our live session with Madison Taylor Marketing. 
Optimized for readability and engagement} 

How should agencies measure their ROI

“In terms of measuring external ROI, setting clear, measurable goals for each campaign is important. 

Whether it's increasing engagement, generating leads, or driving sales, having specific objectives helps define what success looks like and provides a benchmark for measurement.

Track all related costs accurately. This includes not only direct expenses like ad spend but also indirect costs such as team hours and the cost of tools we use to streamline email creation and deployment. Knowing your total investment is crucial for an accurate ROI assessment.

Analyze your key performance metrics. These metrics might include open rates, click-through rates, conversion rates, and overall engagement. Analyzing this data will provide insights into how well campaigns are performing and how the use of efficient tools contributes to these results.

Consider both short-term and long-term impacts. Immediate results, such as sales from a campaign, are important, but so are long-term benefits like customer retention and brand awareness. Understanding the broader impact helps paint a complete picture of ROI.

Regularly review and adjust strategies and processes based on our findings. ROI measurement should be an ongoing process, helping refine tactics and improve future campaigns, but also providing internal operations insights. This iterative approach ensures continuous improvement and better outcomes over time.

Evaluating distinctly the ROI of internal investments. This includes the tools and technologies we use to enhance our productivity and efficiency. Analyze the effectiveness of these tools in helping you streamline your processes.” 

‍_{Additional insights shared by Chris Copen, Chief Operating Officer at Madison Taylor Marketing.} 

How Madison Taylor Marketing cut down email development time by 66% with Beefree

CEO and Founder Aimee Meester shares how her team uses Beefree to create engaging and personalized content faster than ever before. Learn more about the business impact of Beefree on Madison Taylor Marketing.