{"id":24017,"date":"2025-05-12T11:55:49","date_gmt":"2025-05-12T11:55:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/academy.siteground.com\/en\/?p=24017"},"modified":"2025-07-22T08:27:44","modified_gmt":"2025-07-22T08:27:44","slug":"email-header-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/academy.siteground.com\/en\/email-header-design\/","title":{"rendered":"13 Great Email Header Design Ideas + Best Practices"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Your email header is prime real estate\u2014it\u2019s the first thing people see, and it sets the tone for everything that follows. When the design looks sharp and on-brand, with your colors, logo, and fonts, it instantly tells people you mean business. You don\u2019t have much space, so make it count: be clear, be bold, and make sure your message lands at a glance.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article will explore exactly how to create an email header design and provide 13 great email header design examples to inspire you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"SiteGround<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>The Role of Email Headers in Marketing<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Email headers are often the first thing readers notice when they open an email,<\/strong> and that\u2019s what makes them such an important marketing asset. It’s the place to position your company logo and other key elements that encourage readers to dive into the email content. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, keeping a consistent brand look across email headers helps build familiarity and trust with your audience, which can lead to more conversions and sales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>What Is a Good Email Header?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A good email header captures attention by using the right visuals and effectively communicates your brand’s identity <\/strong>through elements like logos and colors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Essential Elements of Email Headers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Creating a professional email involves several key components that work together to strengthen brand recognition and engagement<\/a>. Let\u2019s review the essential elements of an email header to help you get a better understanding and knowledge of what to look for in your designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"key<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

An email header usually starts with the company name and logo<\/strong>, which helps you instantly recognize who the message is from. A clear heading <\/strong>follows, letting you know what the email is about right away. Adding a personal touch, like a tagline <\/strong>saying “Hey, Alex,” makes you feel appreciated and part of the conversation. Sometimes, there’s even a CTA<\/strong><\/a> inviting you to click a link or explore an offer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Altogether, these elements create a welcoming start that grabs your attention and makes you want to read more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Importance of Email Header Design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Email headers can really make a difference in how well your emails perform. Headers help your emails stand out and become familiar to your subscribers. This can significantly impact email marketing metrics<\/a> like open rates and engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>13 Tips for Great Email Header Designs + Examples<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Capturing your audience’s attention from the start begins with designing an effective email header. It not only sets the tone for your email but also reinforces your brand’s identity. Using creative layouts and personalized elements can make your emails more engaging and memorable. Consistency in design helps maintain brand recognition, while incorporating links and calls to action can improve user experience.<\/strong> Here are 13 tips with examples to guide you in creating standout email headers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. Include a Logo and Company Name<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Featuring your logo and company name in the email header is an excellent way to emphasize your brand identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2b50Yelp<\/strong> provides a good illustration prominently featuring their logo and company name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"email
Source: Really Good Emails<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Why It’s Effective: <\/strong>Placing Yelp’s logo and company name at the beginning of the email immediately strengthens brand recognition and trust. The straightforward design keeps the focus on Yelp, making it easy for customers to identify and remember their trusted source for local business reviews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Relate to Your Audience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Connecting with your audience on a personal level can make all the difference in how they perceive your brand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2b50<\/strong>A noteworthy example of this approach comes from Netflix. <\/strong>The brand uses personalized messages like “Here\u2019s what you\u2019ve watched” with user-specific recommendations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"email
Source: Really Good Emails<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Why It’s Effective:<\/strong> Talking directly to the user about their interests makes them feel special and understood, which strengthens engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Make Sure Your Design Stands Out<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To make your email headers stand out in busy inboxes, use images, animations, and colors to catch attention and establish your visual identity<\/strong>. A simple design with the right font ensures readability and focuses on key information, guiding readers toward desired actions while conveying your brand’s message effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2b50YouTube <\/strong>stands out as a great example of including striking visuals in their \u201cYear of YOU\u201d campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"email
Source: Really Good Emails<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Why It’s Effective: <\/strong> Eye-catching images draw people in and match YouTube’s creative vibe, making the email visually appealing and consistent with the brand’s identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Optimize Your Email Header Size for Different Devices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The email header size is key for design and reader engagement. With most emails opened on mobile, a responsive design is a must.<\/strong> Use HTML header templates and test headers on various devices to ensure they display correctly. For desktops, aim for 600 pixels wide and 150-200 pixels high; for mobiles, 320-480 pixels wide and 100-150 pixels high. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure logos and CTAs are clear and readable. A well-sized header maintains a professional look, enhancing readability and interest. Focus on a balanced design to highlight key elements without overwhelming the viewer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2b50 Grammarly <\/strong>uses a clean, responsive header design that looks good on all devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"email
Source: Really Good Emails<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Why It\u2019s Effective: <\/strong>Grammarly\u2019s design keeps the text and images centered, regardless of the device the reader is using. Both the text and images are fully readable and strategically positioned, ensuring nothing distracts the eye while reading on either mobile or desktop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Add a Navigation Bar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some brands incorporate a navigation bar at the top of their email headers to make it easier for readers to explore the content.
\u2b50 Drizzly <\/strong>serves as a great example for including a navigation bar for seamless browsing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"email
Source: Really Good Emails<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Why It’s Effective: <\/strong>This approach allows users to easily click through your content, making the experience more visually appealing and intuitive for navigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Keep the Industry in Mind<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your design reflects the industry in which your company operates, so customize email headers for the respective industry<\/strong>. Creative businesses might use bold colors, while financial firms may opt for classic styles. Understanding your audience and adding elements like logos and social media links can make your emails more engaging and true to your brand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


\u2b50 Koala Eco <\/strong>utilizes simple visuals with eco-friendly colors and a bee image to emphasize their commitment to natural products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"email
Source: Really Good Emails<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Why It\u2019s Effective:<\/strong> Koala Eco is a great example of keeping the industry in mind because their simple visuals and eco-friendly colors, paired with a bee image, perfectly convey their commitment to natural and sustainable products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Keep It Clear and Simple<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Keeping your header clear and simple ensures that your message is immediately recognizable and easy to understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2b50 <\/strong>When it comes to minimalism and simplicity, IKEA <\/strong>is king. The brand <\/strong>features minimalist header designs with just the logo and a sleek image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"email
Source: Really Good Emails<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Why It’s Effective: <\/strong>The clean design lets the brand stand out, appealing to IKEA fans who love simple and functional style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Use Your Mascot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Incorporating a mascot, such as an animal or other character that represents your brand, into your email header can create a memorable and personable connection with your readers, making your brand more relatable and recognizable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2b50 Tradegecko <\/strong>uses the Gecko in their email headers, which is a great example of how incorporating a mascot can make the brand more relatable and memorable, helping to establish a friendly connection with readers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"email
Source: Really Good Emails<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Why It’s Effective: <\/strong>The mascot is instantly recognizable and adds a friendly touch, which helps build a loyal audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Use Animations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Using animations in your email header can capture attention and add a dynamic element to your message, making your brand more engaging and lively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2b50 <\/strong>Known for their playful approach, Duolingo<\/strong> exemplifies how subtle animations, like their owl mascot flapping its wings, can capture attention and add a dynamic element to your message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"email
Source: Really Good Emails<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Why It’s Effective:<\/strong> Fun animations are engaging without being too much, reflecting Duolingo’s playful approach to language learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Customize Your Header for Every Campaign<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your email header isn\u2019t just a static space for your logo or navigation\u2014it’s valuable space for driving home your message. Adapting it for each campaign can make a big difference. From seasonal visuals to campaign-specific taglines, customizing your header keeps your emails cohesive, timely, and more engaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2b50 Disney <\/strong>updates their headers to match each campaign\u2014not just with branding elements, but with visuals and messaging that reflect the theme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"email
Source: Really Good Emails<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Why It’s Effective:<\/strong> By customizing headers to fit different themes, you keep your content fresh and engaging. It shows off your brand’s creativity and adaptability, ensuring each email feels relevant and exciting\u2014just like how Disney keeps its audience captivated with imaginative storytelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. Assign Different Purposes to Header and Footer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Assigning different purposes to your header and footer can strategically guide your audience\u2019s actions, maximizing engagement and enhancing user experience by offering clear calls to action in distinct areas of your email.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2b50 GoPro <\/strong>uses a “Shop Now” CTA in the header and a “Subscribe” CTA in the footer, effectively guiding users towards immediate action while also encouraging ongoing engagement, making it a strong example of strategic CTA placement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"email
Source: Really Good Emails<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Why It’s Effective: <\/strong>Clearly distinguishing between the header and footer with specific CTAs helps guide the reader’s journey, encouraging immediate action while also nurturing ongoing engagement with GoPro’s community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n