The email header is the first thing a user sees when they open a campaign.It determines whether it catches the eye and makes them want to keep reading.In this article, we'll show the best header examples and explain how to build them well.

What is an email header?

It's the top part of the email, which usually includes:

  • a logo or company name,
  • navigation (if needed),
  • an announcement or key message,
  • a key visual or banner.

The header sets the tone of the email — style, mood, trust.

Example 1. A minimalist header with a logo

Just a logo centered or left-aligned, plenty of whitespace, no extra elements.Good for:

  • personal emails,
  • educational campaigns,
  • brands with a minimalist style.

Tip: use a transparent PNG logo so it looks good in dark mode.

Example 2. A header with a key offer

Right in the header — a short line: "30% off today only!" or "Register before 6 PM."Good for:

  • promotional campaigns,
  • promotions and sales,
  • event announcements.

Tip: make the text large and highlight it with a contrasting color.

Example 3. A header with navigation

Logo + a horizontal menu: "Catalog | New Arrivals | Sale | Contact".Good for:

  • ecommerce brands,
  • large projects with an extensive site.

Tip: don't overload the menu — 3–4 items max.

Example 4. A header with a banner

A large banner with an image and a short tagline.Good for:

  • brands that lean on visuals,
  • lifestyle, fashion, beauty.

Tip: the banner should be responsive (no more than 600–650 px wide) and lightweight (<150 KB).

Example 5. A personalized header

A greeting with a name: "[Name], welcome!" + a personal block.Good for:

  • loyalty programs,
  • VIP campaigns,
  • B2B communications.

Tip: use personalization carefully, without being overly saccharine.

How to check whether a header is working?

  • Test how the header looks on desktop and mobile.
  • Check the loading speed.
  • Make sure the text is readable even without images loading.
  • Make sure the key message is visible above the fold.

Conclusion

The header is the face of your email.It should be:✔ concise,✔ informative,✔ responsive,✔ and consistent with your brand's style.