Newsletter design: Ideas, free templates, and tips for 2025

Reading Time: 16 minutes

Think newsletter design is dead? Think again. 

When you’re up against competition from hundreds of other brands in the inbox, your newsletter needs to do more than share updates — it needs to have an appealing design too. Get it right, and it becomes a powerful tool for building connections, boosting audience engagement, and securing those precious conversions. 

Learning the secrets to crafting a killer newsletter will help you get noticed. Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just starting, mastering your newsletter transforms how you communicate with your customers.

In this guide, we’ll share some of the top ideas, free templates, and best tips to improve your email marketing this year.

What is newsletter design?

Newsletter design is about creating visually appealing and easily readable emails that get your message across in a clear, engaging way. 

Bold fonts, eye-catching colors, and stunning photos are used alongside written content to boost engagement rates. To put it simply, a well-designed newsletter makes all the difference in someone deciding to read what you’ve got to say rather than regret signing up for your mailing list.

You can’t just send out any old design that you’ve spent less than five minutes on. With people receiving countless emails each day, it’s more important than ever that your emails resonate with your audience. 

Professional designs can retain subscribers, strengthen your brand identity, and help your emails avoid that dreaded “delete” button.

Free newsletter design templates

Need a quick, yet intuitive way to instantly improve your newsletters? You’re in the right place. 

With Omnisend’s templates, you can design beautiful emails without the learning curve. Need to create a glitzy holiday promotion or add some excitement to your new product launch? Whatever it is, you’ll find a template perfectly suited for the occasion. Plus, if you want to get creative, our email builder makes customizing templates to suit your brand and message so smooth, you’ll wonder why the others feel clunky.

And the best part? Each template is free to use — so there’s no need to reach for your credit card. Sign up today to create a newsletter that will get your brand noticed. Below is a taster of some of the most popular templates you can start using today. Feel free to browse our full collection to find one that’s the perfect fit for you.

Newsletter design for Black Friday

Newsletter design for Christmas

Birthday newsletter design

Newsletter design for health and beauty

Newsletter designs for Easter

How to design a newsletter: Step-by-step guide

Designing a newsletter from scratch can often seem a daunting task, but it doesn’t need to be. 

In the next section of this article, we’ll take a look at the five steps that will put you on the path to success. 

It begins with defining your audience and ends with testing and optimizing your design. Here’s a breakdown of everything we’ll cover:

1. Defining your audience and goal
2. Choosing a newsletter platform
3. Picking or customizing a template
4. Adding engaging content and visuals
5. Testing and optimizing before sending

Step 1: Define your audience and goal

You could spend hours crafting a beautifully designed newsletter, but for your newsletter to succeed, you first need to have a clear understanding of your audience and purpose.

Before working on your design, ensure you know who you’re trying to reach. Conduct research to identify the demographics, preferences, and needs of the people you want to send your newsletter to. 

Your intended audience could be busy professionals, students, or customers who’ve been supporting your brand for years. Whichever it is, they’re likely to have very different needs and preferences — and trying to target your newsletter to all of them will likely fail. 

Instead, think about what they value and the type of content that will resonate with them. By doing so, you’ll be able to craft messages that feel more personal and relevant more effectively. 

Next, you must set a clear goal. What do you want your newsletter to achieve? It could be one of the following:

• Increasing sales
• Generating more clicks through to your website
• Promoting a new product you’ve just launched
• Sharing news or updates about your brand

Just as it was essential to determine your audience, so is setting your goal. This will guide every design and content decision you make. For instance, if you’re promoting a product, you should emphasize bold visuals and clear calls to action — such as a clickable button to buy. An email that’s intended to be more informative should focus on valuable, detailed content instead.

Defining your audience and goal sets the direction for your newsletter. It also means that every element — from visuals to copy — works together as effectively as possible. After you’ve done the groundwork, you’re ready to move on to the next stage: choosing the right platform.

Step 2: Choose a newsletter platform

With numerous different newsletter platforms available today, finding the right match for your brand can be challenging. 

Ultimately, it will come down to personal preference and which you find easiest to use. But before settling on one option, it’s worth comparing a few different platforms and reading reviews to better understand what they offer. 

A good newsletter platform will make it easy for you to design, personalize, and send emails while providing detailed analytics showing how your campaigns are performing. 

Omnisend’s powerful yet intuitive email builder saves you hours by letting you customize templates to your exact specifications. You don’t need any technical skills, so it’s perfect if it’s your first time creating a newsletter.

But that’s not all — Omnisend also offers advanced features, including segmentation, automation, and detailed performance analytics, to help you send the right message to the right audience. 

Step 3: Pick or customize a template

Now you’ve defined your audience and chosen a platform, you’re ready to find the template that best works for your newsletter. Need more creative freedom? You can create something from scratch if you prefer. However, templates are a great time-saving solution that guarantees your newsletter looks polished and professional.

When you’ve found a template you love, it’s time to make it your own. Remember to use branding your audience will recognize by including your own colors, fonts, and logo. Personalize the layout to highlight your message, whether it’s a bold header for a sale announcement or a clean, minimal design for an informative update.

By starting with a strong template and making it uniquely yours, you’ll create a newsletter that captures attention and gets results. 

Step 4: Add engaging content and visuals

Found the perfect template? Great. Now it’s time for the fun part — adding in all the compelling visuals and content that will captivate your audience. Remember to balance eye-catching designs with information that’s valuable and easy to read.

Any content you include should be consistent with the goals you set in step one. If you’re promoting a new product, make the key details immediately obvious to the reader. The best newsletter campaigns use short, engaging headlines, concise paragraphs, and bullet points to maximize readability. It can often be easy to overwhelm readers with too much text, so focus on delivering value in a digestible format.

Visual elements are essential to grabbing your audience’s attention. There’s plenty of inspiration out there for campaigns that do this well, but we particularly love this example from Lonely Planet’s travel diaries campaign, promoting a stay in Costa Rica: 

High-quality images, icons, and graphics help convey your message quickly and make your content more appealing. Remember to place visuals strategically to highlight important sections — for instance, featured products or calls to action. 

Personalization is another vital part of any campaign. You should aim to address your recipients by their name and, where possible, tailor content to preferences or behavior. Examples of this could include product recommendations based on past purchases or content that matches their interests.

By combining strong visuals with clear and valuable content, you’ll create a newsletter that grabs attention and keeps readers coming back for more.

Step 5: Test and optimize before sending

You’ve finished customizing your design, and everything looks great. You’re excited to send your new, gleaming newsletter out into the world! But hang on. Before you press that Send button, there are a few last things you need to take care of. 

It’s a good idea to test and optimize your newsletter so you know it looks perfect and performs well on every device. Taking a little extra time to do this can mean your campaign is far more effective. 

Your audience will likely view your newsletter on a range of different devices. It’s no good to make sure it looks great on a laptop if it’s unreadable on a smartphone — particularly when a growing number of emails open come from these devices. 

Before sending, remember to preview how your design appears on different screen sizes. Check that text, images, and buttons are still easy to read, view, and use. Otherwise, all your hard work will end up in the trash folder. 

Also, take time to thoroughly read through the content and make sure all details are correct. It won’t look professional if you include the wrong price or date, for instance. Watch out for any broken links or formatting issues. 

Finally, make sure your email is optimized to avoid spam filters. Use a clear and relevant subject line, and avoid excessive use of all caps or symbols. Be wary of using words like “free,” “bargain,” or “discount,” as these can fall foul of spam filters. 

To maximize results, consider running an A/B test. Experiment with subtle differences, such as subject lines, call to action buttons, or content layout, and see which performs better. With Omnisend, you can easily set up and analyze A/B testing, helping you refine your strategy.

By thoroughly testing and optimizing your newsletter, you’ll improve the chance of it reaching your audience by looking professional, polished, and ready to drive results.

If you want to explore any of these steps in greater detail, watch our explainer video below:

Requirements for newsletter format

Think of your newsletter’s format as the building blocks for how your design is presented. A well-thought-out format means your newsletter will be visually appealing, easy to navigate, and deliver your message. Getting the format right is an important part of the process, as it will mean your completed newsletter looks professional and engages readers. 

Let’s take a look at some of the key elements of a newsletter format:

Header

The first thing your readers see, making it crucial for branding and capturing attention. It typically includes:

• Your logo for brand recognition
• A clear and engaging headline to set the tone
• Optional navigation links for easy access to key areas of your website

Body

The main course of your newsletter and where you deliver your content. It should include:

• Text blocks for information or storytelling
• Images, GIFs, or videos to enhance visual interest
• Consistent formatting to improve readability and flow

Footer

The footer wraps up your newsletter clearly and neatly. It often includes:

• Contact information (email, contact number, or your business address)
• Social media links to encourage further engagement
• An unsubscribe link to comply with email regulations

Common sizes and aspect ratios

• Width: The ideal width for email newsletters is 600px — these dimensions will allow your newsletter to be compatible with most email clients and be accessible on mobile devices
• Font sizes: Use 22-28px for greater emphasis on headings and 14-16px for body text to maintain readability
• CTA buttons: Bold, large buttons (minimum 44x44px) work best for mobile usability

Balancing design elements

• Content-to-image ratio: Aim for a 60:40 ratio between text and visuals and avoid using too many images, which can slow load times or trigger spam filters
• White space: Use generous padding between sections to create a clean and uncluttered design that is easier on the eyes

Tips for responsive design

• Mobile optimization: Design your newsletters for mobile first, so any images and buttons you use scale properly across multiple devices
• Scalable images: Use flexible dimensions or percentage-based widths for images to maintain their quality on smaller screens
• Simple fonts: Choose fonts and sizes that are easily readable on mobile devices, and avoid overly decorative or small text

Enhance readability with visual aids

Nobody wants to read a huge block of text — particularly when viewing it on a smaller screen. Excessive scrolling can reduce the likelihood that someone will read your message in full. 

Add illustrations, icons, or dividers to easily distinguish different sections and make the reader experience more enjoyable. These elements can help break up text blocks and improve the overall flow of your newsletter.

By following these format tips, you’ll create a visually compelling newsletter that’s easily accessible and optimized for every reader.

Newsletter layout

The layout of your newsletter plays a vital role in delivering your message effectively and keeping readers engaged. Choosing the right layout depends on your goals, content, and audience preferences. Here are several popular newsletter layouts and examples of where they work well:

1. Single-column layout for simplicity

This layout is ideal for mobile-first designs and readability.

• Best for: Announcements, storytelling, or when focusing on one primary message or CTA
• Why it works: Ensures a smooth reading experience on all devices by eliminating distractions

2. Multi-column layout for detailed content

Perfect for newsletters with multiple sections, such as news updates, promotions, or blog highlights.

• Best for: News updates, product catalogs, or email digests
• Why it works: Organizes content neatly, using two- or three-column sections for clarity
• Pro tip: Maintain proper spacing and alignment to prevent a cluttered appearance

3. Z-pattern and F-pattern layouts

These layouts guide readers’ eyes naturally through the email.

• Best for: Highlighting key elements like headlines, CTAs, and visuals
• Why it works: The Z-pattern suits visual-heavy designs, while the F-pattern works well for text-rich content

4. Grid-based layouts for structure

A grid-based design provides a balanced, professional look.

• Best for: Showcasing products, event details, or multiple highlights
• Why it works: Grids help maintain symmetry and structure, making information easy to process

5. Hybrid layouts for flexibility

Combine single-column and multi-column sections for a dynamic design.

• Best for: Newsletters with diverse content like articles, promotions, and social media links
• Why it works: Allows for creative freedom while maintaining organization

6. Minimalist layouts for impact

Minimalist designs focus on essential content and emphasize simplicity.

• Best for: Bold announcements, artistic newsletters, or brand campaigns
• Why it works: Clean layouts with plenty of white space draw attention to key elements

7. Visual-first layouts

These layouts rely heavily on imagery to convey the message.

• Best for: Showcasing products, events, or photography portfolios
• Why it works: Appeals to visual learners and adds aesthetic appeal

Choosing the right layout for your newsletter plays a big part in how successful it will be in engaging your audience. You should aim to select one that you feel will help highlight your message and achieve your email marketing goals. 

By combining creativity with functionality, you can create a newsletter that truly stands out from your competitors. However, you should avoid choosing a layout that’s inappropriate for your brand or one that risks confusing your audience. 

Top newsletter design ideas for inspiration

Looking for creative ways to design your next newsletter? Here are some ideas to spark inspiration, along with top tips for how to make your emails get noticed:

Storytelling newsletter design

Purpose: Captivate readers by weaving a compelling narrative or journey.

• Design tips:
  • Use large, bold headlines to draw readers into the story
  • Add high-quality images or illustrations to enhance the narrative visually
  • End with a strong, relevant CTA that ties back to the story, such as “Join the journey” or “Support our cause”
• Ideal for: Nonprofits, personal brands, or blogs aiming to build an emotional connection

Promotional newsletter design

Purpose: Drive sales or highlight a special offer.

• Design tips:
  • Use a single-column layout with bold visuals of the featured product or service
  • Incorporate urgency with time-sensitive headlines like “Limited time offer”
  • Place the CTA button (“Shop now” or “Get the deal”) prominently above the fold
• Ideal for: Ecommerce brands looking to boost conversions

Event invitation newsletter design

Purpose: Encourage readers to RSVP or attend an event.

• Design tips:
  • Use a clean and professional layout with clear event details (date, time, location)
  • Include an eye-catching header image representing the event’s theme
  • Add a CTA like “Reserve your spot” or “Register now” near the top
• Ideal for: Corporate events, webinars, or local meetups

Educational newsletter design

Purpose: Share knowledge or provide value through informative content.

• Design tips:
  • Break up information with subheadings, bullet points, and infographics
  • Include a short summary of each topic with links to full articles or resources
  • Use a CTA like “Learn more” or “Start reading” to drive clicks
• Ideal for: Online courses, schools, or blogs with educational content

Product showcase newsletter design

Purpose: Highlight a product or collection to spark interest.

• Design tips:
  • Use a grid-based layout to showcase multiple products or a single, large image for a hero product
  • Include concise descriptions and prices below each item
  • Add CTAs like “Shop now” or “See the collection” for each product or category
• Ideal for: Retail brands, ecommerce stores, or product launches

Holiday-themed newsletter design

Purpose: Celebrate a season or holiday while promoting relevant content or offers.

• Design tips:
  • Use festive colors, seasonal imagery, and cheerful fonts
  • Incorporate holiday greetings and special promotions tied to the occasion
  • Add a CTA like “Celebrate with us” or “Shop holiday deals”
• Ideal for: Seasonal campaigns, event promotions, or gift guides

Community-focused newsletter design

Purpose: Build a sense of connection with your audience.

• Design tips:
  • Highlight user-generated content, testimonials, or community stories
  • Include a section for upcoming events or ways to get involved
  • Add a CTA like “Join the conversation” or “Share your story”
• Ideal for: Nonprofits, social enterprises, or brands with an active community

Each of these newsletter design ideas can be adapted to suit your brand’s style and goals. With the right visuals, layouts, and CTAs, you can create emails that inspire, inform, and convert your audience.

Key principles of newsletter design

If you want to design a newsletter that grabs people’s attention and keeps them engaged, you’ll need to balance aesthetics with functionality. The following section covers tips you can use to create emails that look great and deliver fantastic results:

Readable and scannable layouts

The best newsletters are easy to read and understand, even at a glance. Here’s how to make yours the same: 

• Structure content into sections: Break your content into smaller, digestible sections with clear separation to make it easier for readers to follow along 
• Headlines and subheadings: Use bold, engaging headlines and informative subheadings to structure your content in a logical order and capture attention
• Bullet points: As you’ll know from reading this article, bullet points or numbered lists help present information quickly and clearly

Consistent branding

Consistency is key to building trust and reinforcing your brand identity.

• Logo placement: Include your logo in the header or footer for instant recognition
• Brand colors and typography: Don’t go too crazy with colors and fonts — stick to the ones that are recognizable to your brand to maintain a cohesive and professional look
• Visual style: Use images and design elements that align with your brand’s overall style and message

Visual hierarchy

Your design should easily guide readers through the message — avoid using anything too creative that could confuse them. 

• Focus elements: Use larger fonts, bold colors, or prominent placement to highlight key content, such as headlines or CTAs
• Z-pattern layouts: Structure your content to guide the reader’s eye in a natural flow, from left to right and top to bottom
• Contrast and white space: Use contrast to emphasize important elements and white space to prevent clutter and improve readability

Mobile optimization

With the majority of people likely to read your newsletter on a smartphone, prioritizing response design is vitally important. 

• Flexible layouts: Test that your newsletter adapts seamlessly to various screen sizes, using scalable fonts and images that adjust for smaller displays
• Mobile-friendly fonts and buttons: Use larger fonts and easily clickable buttons (minimum 44x44px) for a better mobile experience
• Use optimization tools: Use templates and tools designed for responsiveness so your newsletters will look great on any device

Calls to action (CTAs)

Calls to action are a crucial part of any newsletter — they’re the driving force behind engagement and conversions. 

• Placement: Position CTAs prominently, such as near the top of the email or after a key piece of content
• Design: Use bold colors, clear fonts, and a contrasting background to make CTAs stand out
• Action-oriented text: Write compelling, action-driven phrases like “Shop now,” “Learn more,” or “Sign up today” to encourage clicks

By using these principles in your newsletter design, you’ll create emails that engage your audience, strengthen your brand, and help you achieve your goals far more quickly. 

Conclusion

Newsletter design is at the heart of successful email marketing. A well-designed newsletter captures attention, keeps readers engaged, and drives meaningful actions — whether that’s clicking a link, making a purchase, or staying connected with your brand.

Remember, the key to great design is balancing creativity with functionality. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different layouts, visuals, and CTAs to discover what works best for your audience. 

FAQs about newsletter design