Press Release: Silverpop Announces a New Study that Uncovers One of the Most Overlooked Causes of Low Response Rates in E-Mail Marketing

Over 400 companies were initially included in the study, and nearly 1400 e-mails were analyzed in 9 of the most popular e-mail programs. Of the nearly 700 HTML e-mails reviewed, almost half contained major errors such as missing graphics or raw HTML code. [..] 42% of the HTML e-mails reviewed were difficult to read due to errors, such as missing graphics and raw code displayed. 13% of these e-mails had extremely disruptive errors or were completely indecipherable.

Serious consideration needs to be given to this issue prior to sending out an email campaign. We all love to assume that everyone has HTML email but they don't. And frustratingly, two very big email stystems, AOL and Lotus Notes, do not handle HTML email well if at all.