Building HTML eMails

HTML & CSS
1

hello from still volcanic ash in the sky Wakefiled, UK :slight_smile:

I’m on a mission to release my self from using mailchimp, not because I have any issues with it just because the company I work for hasnt got anu money so Ive got to build them ourselves.

This means I have to do two things:
1, Build HTML eMails
2, Encorporate a list management system
3, Option for users to switch to plain eMail

Ok first part is nearly complete. Here is my effort so far:
http://www.pauserefreshment.co.uk/news/draft_1_newsletter.html
So part one is nearly ticked off and with the eMail sitepoint book on the way
I’m confident knocking up eMail templates will be no problem.

But its point 2 & 3 I have a learning curve to take on. How for example do i do a list management system such as this -
http://pauserefreshment.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=cffdba008a2b7f6335d3621f8&id=31957118a3

The mailchimp system automatically updates subscribe lists, how could I replicate this?

Also mailchimp allows users to select a plain text version for recipients inboxes how do I replicate this also?

Any insights welcome :slight_smile:

2

I went through this whole phase some time ago, last year. I found that the only open-source software that could handle what I wanted to do was PhpList and while it looks like crap it does work quite well. I’d be happy to see someone else recommend another piece of software that does this.

However, I don’t want my clients to deal with that interface so I’m currently using CampaignMonitor where I do templates and clients themselves can easily manage the campaigns and content. Costs are small for what you get.