This email from Original Penguin has a nice implementation of ‘two click’ Facebook Like functionality. Clicking on the ‘like’ button in the email drives to a landing page with a similar design, which includes a working like button. Users can then use that to like the deal, posting a link to the landing page on their Facebook profile.

Unfortunately, as the integration supplied by Facebook is largely javascript, the ‘like’ action can’t actually happen in email, so marketers have to drive to a landing page and then encourage clicks there.

One thing that often gets overlooked when discussing mobile use of email marketing campaigns is where recipients end up after they’ve clicked. Whilst this email isn’t particularly optimized for viewing on a mobile (aside from a link to a text based ‘mobile version’ at the top), Sephora has done well to optimize their site and landing pages for use on smartphones.

It’ll be interesting to see how this mobile support may relate to their email campaigns from now on.

This solus email from US fasion retailer Swell caught our attention with it’s striking, simple design. The almost black and white nature of the email means a tiny red spot is all that’s required to draw attention to the free shipping offer, and where other retailers may be tempted to add stacks of copy, here a single, crisp product shot does all the talking.

The “Girls, Update your profile..” is a nice, cheeky way to get people to update their preferences, although it does seem hidden towards the bottom of the email.

Not much to say here other than that this looks great, is a great example of best practice and is completely on brand – happy 10th anniversary threadless!

This has done the rounds over the last couple days, but it contains a clever trick to boost open rates. Take a look at the hero image area – it mimics a scrolling box you’d typically find on the website, complete with a “see more” arrow. Of course, this kind of thing only works if the landing page is engaging and contains the content you’re suggesting the recipient can scroll to – in this case it does.

Good work!

More blog coverage on The Email Wars and The Email Zoo.