Why Email Advertisement Design Matters

Email marketing remains one of the most cost-effective and high-converting channels for businesses. 

But simply placing ads in emails won’t drive results—how you design them matters.

A well-designed email ad ensures:

• Higher open rates by standing out in crowded inboxes.

• Better engagement through compelling visuals and copy.

• More conversions by leading readers toward a clear action.

Whether you’re running a newsletter, promoting a product, or selling sponsorships, mastering email ad design best practices is essential.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

4 Key Elements of High-Performing Email Ads

1. Crafting Attention-Grabbing Subject Lines

The subject line is your first impression. It needs to entice readers to open the email while staying relevant to the ad.

Best practices for email ad subject lines:

• Keep it short and clear (under 50 characters).

• Use curiosity or urgency to drive engagement (e.g., “24-Hour Exclusive Offer”).

• Personalize when possible (e.g., “John, Your VIP Discount Awaits”).

• Test variations to find the best-performing subject line.

Example:

• Generic: “Get 20% Off Your Next Purchase”

• Improved: “John, Unlock Your Exclusive 20% Discount – Ends Tonight”

2. Using Eye-Catching Visuals

Email ads should be visually compelling but not overwhelming.

What works best:

• High-resolution images relevant to the product or service.

• Minimalist layouts with clear hierarchy.

• Consistent branding to maintain professionalism.

A strong example is Nike’s email ads, which use simple product shots with a bold call to action.

3. Writing Concise, Persuasive Copy

Your email ad copy should be brief and action-oriented. The best email ads:

• Focus on a single core message.

• Highlight the main benefit (not just features).

• Use active language (“Claim your deal” vs. “This deal is available”).

Example of strong email ad copy:
“Upgrade your workspace with ergonomic chairs designed for comfort. Get 15% off today only.”

4. Placing a Clear Call-To-Action (CTA)

The CTA should be:

• Bold and easy to find (avoid placing it at the very bottom).

• Action-oriented (“Shop Now,” “Get Started,” “Claim Offer”).

• Designed for clicks (use buttons instead of plain-text links).

Example of a strong CTA:

Top 3 Newsletters That Effectively Run Ads

Rather than running ads ourselves, let’s take a look at some real-world examples of newsletters that integrate advertising seamlessly.

1. Morning Brew – Native Ad Integration

What they do well:

• Their ads are designed to blend seamlessly with editorial content.

• Instead of a flashy, obvious ad, they create native placements that look like part of the newsletter.

• They write engaging copy that feels natural rather than salesy.

Example:
A Morning Brew issue might feature a sponsored message in the same writing style as the rest of the newsletter:

"We love a good productivity hack. That’s why we’re obsessed with [Product], the time-saving tool every professional should have. Try it today."

Why it works:
✅ Feels authentic rather than disruptive.
✅ Matches the tone and format of the newsletter.
✅ Encourages clicks without feeling pushy.

2. The Hustle – Bold, Branded Ad Placements

What they do well:

• They use bold colors and visuals to make ad sections stand out.

• They often include interactive elements like polls or quizzes to boost engagement.

• Their ad copy is punchy and direct—short but effective.

Example:
A Hustle email might feature a boxed-out ad section that clearly signals a sponsorship but remains engaging:

"🚀 This Startup Raised $10M—And You Can Invest Too. Learn how you can get in on the ground floor of the next big tech company. Click here."

Why it works:
✅ Highly visual—the ad pops but doesn’t distract.
✅ Clear and concise—no fluff, just the offer.
✅ Drives action with an engaging CTA.

3. Axios – Sponsored "Smart Brevity" Ads

What they do well:

• They stick to their "Smart Brevity" format, ensuring ads don’t feel too long or intrusive.

• Sponsored messages are clearly labeled but fit seamlessly into the content.

• They often highlight data-driven insights to add credibility.

Example:
A sponsored message in Axios might look like this:

"Data Point: 78% of companies struggle with cybersecurity. [Company Name] helps businesses stay secure with AI-powered solutions. Learn more."

Why it works:
✅ Data-backed—adds credibility to the ad.
✅ It fits the newsletter’s style and doesn’t feel forced.
✅ Encourages curiosity with a compelling stat.

Best Tools for Designing Email Advertisements

If you want to create stunning email ads, these tools can help:

• Canva – Easy-to-use templates for email ads.

• Figma – Best for custom email graphics.

• beehiiv’s Ad Network – Optimized templates designed for engagement. With the beehiiv Ad Network, you will automatically get ad opportunities matching your niche.

Each tool offers different strengths, but if you’re looking for seamless ad integration, beehiiv’s Ad Network is a no-brainer. From ad placements to scheduling, all in a few clicks.

Final Thoughts: Creating Email Ads That Convert

A well-designed email advertisement is a balance between visual appeal, concise copy, and a clear CTA.

Key takeaways:

• Use strong subject lines to increase open rates.

• Leverage visuals without overwhelming the email.

• Keep copy short and action-driven.

• Test and optimize to improve ad performance.

If you’re looking for inspiration, newsletters like Morning Brew, The Hustle, and Axios have mastered ad integration without disrupting the reader experience.

Looking to create better email ads? Start monetizing your newsletter with beehiiv today.