7 Inspiring Email Banner Design Ideas for Your Newsletter

What should readers see first when they open an email from you? Hopefully, something that catches their attention! An email banner is the first thing readers see when they open an email. Creating an eye-catching, beautiful email banner design is key to capturing subscribers' attention and getting clicks. Need a little inspiration for your next newsletter? Scroll on for seven inspiring newsletter banner design ideas.

1. Present a gorgeous oversized product photo like Fenty Beauty

If you're designing a product introduction or promotion email, it's expected you'll open with an image of the item. But what if you show that item in an unexpected way? This stunning email from Fenty Beauty, with its bold email banner design, certainly made us scroll down. Subject line: Bee, 25% off sitewide ENDS TONIGHT!

This newsletter includes images of several of the company's products, and the soft pastel colors are stunning and on-brand. We also love the clear CTAs and the countdown timer added below.

2. Display your discount like Ruggable

Including specific percentages when you're having a sale is an effective way to catch your reader's eye. Here, Ruggable does just that: When you open the company's spring sale email, you're greeted with a big "15% Off" so there's no question about what's happening. Subject line: Spring sale extended!

It may not seem like the most exciting design move in the world to open your email with text, but Ruggable demonstrates how to do it well. Choose a short, bold statement (or question) and amplify the font size so it's at least twice the size of your body text.

3. Animate your offer like Anna Sheffield

GIFs in email go a long way. They can showcase how a product works, flash through multiple products from frame to frame and/or simply delight! Check out this newsletter banner design from Anna Sheffield Jewelry: Subject line: THIS JUST IN: The ASJ Signet

It's a simple concept, executed beautifully and highly effective. Why? Because it's attention-grabbing, of course! The GIF lends the email some sparkle and is a great way to show off the signet ring.

4. Jump into user-generated content like Tea Collection

Sometimes your fans say it best, so you don't have to. Leading with user-generated content, like reviews or images shared on social media, is a great way to show social proof and legitimize your brand. Tea Collection pulled several customer photos in this recent email: Subject line: Love tea? Leave a review and win

User-generated content is often saved for modules appearing in the middle or end of an email, but why not start off with a bang?

5. Create a countdown like Urban Stems

Want to instill a little urgency with your audience through your email banner design? Using a dynamic countdown timer as your banner is a great choice. Readers will understand from the get-go that your offer won't last. Subject line: Now's the time

6. Start With CTAs like Crate & Barrel

You don't have to wait to add a CTA. Check out this newsletter banner design from Crate & Barrel, which features two CTAs at the very top. Subject line: New kitchen essentials and serveware for spring

This design choice doesn't look out of place. In fact, it makes a whole lot of sense. If your customers are ready to shop, why make them wait?

7. Lead with a lifestyle photo like KiwiCo

You know what they say: A picture speaks a thousand words. Kicking off an email with a lifestyle photo like this one from KiwiCo definitely makes us want more (and the doodles are a fun touch). Subject line: Last chance to order gifts under $20 for Easter! Get eggcited for science with Eggsperiments

Wrap-up: Newsletter banner templates

Want to create your own engaging newsletter banner design? Use HTML background colors, import a timer, customize your photos or choose your own from stock libraries and much more. Happy designing!