How can you improve email readability with typography?

If using plain text: Use web safe fonts, at least 16px (especially for mobile), and have adequate spacing. I stick to sans serif like Helvetica or Arial. Highlight links by bolding and/or italics and underline. If using images (or custom coded with custom fonts): Max 2 fonts, font size can get funny with images coz size stays the same regardless of device: so just be mindful of relative sizing and placement. Better yet, have desktop and mobile versions. Use alt-texts everywhere. Plenty of whitespace and contrast. For any live texts, regardless of email, make sure to use web-safe fonts as fallback in case your brand fonts don't render properly. Happy Emailing ??

I do what I can to stick to the "Rule of 2". No more than 2 fonts. No more than 2 font sizes. Anything beyond that can make the email look busy, disjointed, and a little bit chaotic. Which creates friction for the reader.

Font selection is like choosing the perfect outfit for your email—it sets the tone and vibe. I've found that sticking to one or two fonts that align with my brand's personality really enhances readability and makes a lasting impression. Plus, avoiding font overload keeps things clean and classy. It's all about finding that sweet spot where style meets substance.

when you write an email that you are sending to your audience, potential clients, you need a clear font that is easy to read on mobile and desktop and that is used on Microsoft and IOS otherwise you risk let the system apply the one similar. Please use only one font and to create contrast you can use color (your brand color), bold or underline.

Before you decide what font to use to make identifiable with the brand also consider compatibility with various devices. Opt for web-safe fonts such as Arial (sans-serif) for compatibility across devices and email clients. This ensures a consistent and readable appearance, preventing potential font rendering issues.

Using the right font size and spacing in emails is crucial for readability and user experience. A font size of at least 14 pixels for body text and 22 pixels for headlines, coupled with appropriate line height and letter spacing, can significantly improve the legibility and overall aesthetic appeal of the content. These adjustments create more white space and breathing room for the text, making it easier for subscribers to read and scan the email.

Here are a few simple but practical steps to follow that will enhance a reader experience: -> Set body text at 14-16 pixels for optimal readability -> Maintain a line spacing (leading) -> Use this sizing 1.5 times the font size, like 14px with 21px line spacing, enhancing content clarity.

With the prevalence of mobile devices, ensure that typography adjusts effectively for different screen sizes for optimal readability. Don't make your reader have to zoom in on their mobile device, just to read your emails.

For what it's worth, in almost all my emails I use 16px for body text. It's a great size for mobile yet small enough that it doesn't take up too much space.

Text alignment is like the invisible hand guiding readers through your email journey. I've found that sticking with left alignment keeps things tidy and natural, ensuring a smooth reading experience. While center alignment can add flair, I tend to reserve it for special occasions to avoid disrupting the flow. And as for justify alignment, it's a balancing act—I appreciate the neatness, but those uneven gaps can be a bit distracting. Ultimately, it's all about finding the right alignment that enhances readability without overshadowing your message

Justify alignment is the one I use however if I need to insert a quote or a phrase i insert it in center alignment and with spaces on top and bottom. Like this I give the importance needed to that piece of text

Ensure your alignment feels intentional and consistent. Any variations in alignment must have purpose otherwise they will disturb the users experience. This includes optimising your saved segments based on the communication you are sending! If everything is centre aligned, and you add a left aligned saved section this will stand out and draw the users attention away from the main message.

Alignment can seem simple, and less important but the visual impression subconsciously sets a reader's intentions to stay or leave the content. Here are the best practices to follow: -> Stick to left alignment for easy Western reading habits -> This maintains a natural flow, enhancing the overall readability and user experience.

Headings and subheadings are like signposts guiding readers through the twists and turns of your email adventure. I've found that using them not only helps organize my thoughts but also makes it easier for my subscribers to digest the content. Keeping them clear and descriptive ensures that everyone's on the same page, while playing with font sizes and styles adds a touch of personality. It's all about creating that visual roadmap that keeps readers engaged and eager to explore what lies ahead

Using headings is a great way to signpost the reader through content, effectively giving them an at a glance overview whilst reinforcing key points. With using different sizes, weights and colors, less is definitely more. It's a good practice to use one style for a headline, a second style for subheads and to highlight CTAs in one consistent colour if the content is online.

When you create content look at it from the reader's perspective, and analyze the text is easy to consume and has enough spacing to "breathe" and enjoy the content. Here are a few rules to consider: -> Employ hierarchical heading tags (H1, H2) to structure content. -> For example, use H1 for main headings with a font size of 22px and H2 for subheadings with a font size of 18px.

Headings and subheadings break your email into manageable chunks. They guide readers through your message, highlighting key points. Make sure these stand out by using a larger font size or a bold style. This structure makes your email skimmable, so readers can quickly find the information they need.

Emphasizing key words and phrases is like adding a splash of colour to your email canvas—it makes those important points pop! I've found that a subtle tweak in typography can really draw attention to the heart of the message. It's like giving a gentle nudge to say, "Hey, pay attention to this!" While it's tempting to go all out with bolds and italics, I've learned the hard way that less is often more. A delicate balance ensures that the emphasis remains impactful without overwhelming the reader.

Be creative and use various approaches to deliver to your reader the best experience in the easiest possible way. How can you do it? Use emphasis, for example" -> Use text formatting options like bold -> Use italics judiciously to highlight keywords -> Use capitals or a combination of lower and upper case. For instance, employing bold for crucial benefits draws attention without overwhelming the reader.

Colors can evoke specific emotions or actions, which can be leveraged to highlight key messages or calls to action. red = urgency orange = energetic green = healthy, tranquil blue = trust and professionalism

Good design doesn’t just make an email look nice—it makes it easier to read. Poor typography can turn great content into a chore. Emails with smart typography drive higher engagement. But it’s not just font size or line spacing—it’s about making key messages stand out. Emphasize important words with bolding, color, or font size—but don’t overdo it. Think of it like a conversation; you wouldn’t shout every word, only the key points. Use emphasis to guide your reader through your email. Test different approaches and remember, what you emphasize tells your reader what’s important.

Bold or italicize important words or phrases to grab attention. This emphasis guides your reader to the most crucial parts of your message. But use this sparingly. Too much emphasis can overwhelm and dilute the impact of your key points.

Test, test, test. Very important. You want to make sure your emails get to your audience how you intend it to. Ensure you know how your chosen fonts and typography styles appear across various devices, email clients, and accessibility settings. Conduct cross-device testing to ensure consistent rendering on desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Test compatibility with popular email clients to maintain consistency in font appearance and readability.

From a readibility/accessibility perspective it is always better to have a strong colour on a white background. Yellow on white should always be avoided as it's difficult to read. Equally white copy on a dark background can be extremely difficult for some readers. To be really inclusive, there are fonts such as the dyslexia font which have been specifically created with accessibility front of mind.

Before sending, test how your email looks on different devices and email clients. This check ensures your typography choices work well across all platforms, maintaining readability for every reader. Small adjustments based on this testing can make a big difference in your email's effectiveness.

Many marketers may be wondering why accessibility is important. It's pretty simple: By incorporating these best practices, we not only make our email campaigns more inclusive but also demonstrate our commitment to accessibility, diversity, and a user-centric approach. "Accessibility is not just about addressing the needs of persons with disabilities but creating an inclusive society for all. Taking visual and cognitive impairment seriously in our design and communication is not just a legal obligation but a moral responsibility to ensure that no one is left behind in our digital world." - Unknown

Consistent use of Email Typography I consider the consistent use of brand email typography as one of the ways to stay on top of the minds of your target audience. Consider two email typography that works well together without creating so much conflict in the mind of your readers. Consistent use of a choice typography breeds a recognizable brand identity.

When you are writing emails on the name of a brand You need to be coherent with the brand colors, fonts and images. So design your templates accordingly and when you are starting a new email campaign you pick it. Have a beautiful header that will identify your emails immediately so your audience knows it's you/brand It's also a good idea and very polite to include in the header : if you do not wish to receive my emails please unsubscribe at the bottom of this email: "Thank you for reading me until now and you are always welcome to subscribe again."

Beyond these tips, think about color contrast and accessibility. High contrast between text and background improves readability, especially for those with visual impairments. Ensure your email is accessible to everyone by choosing typography that doesn't sacrifice clarity for style.