Adding images to your cold email campaigns? Many are afraid of doing so not to trigger spam filters or to increase the loading time of the email. Let’s bust this myth together.
At Axellerato, we’ve crunched the numbers from countless campaigns and discovered that images really resonate with the right audience, boosting conversion rates and sales.
In this article, we’ll dive into why images work wonders in cold emails. You’ll see real examples, learn practical tips, and find out how to leverage data to enhance your outreach.
Is it good to use images in cold emails?
Yes, incorporating images in cold emails is beneficial.
They help your emails stand out, add a personal touch, and can significantly boost conversions. Emails with images that are used correctly have higher click-through rates compared to text-only emails.
Contrary to some beliefs, images don’t necessarily detract from the message or look unprofessional.
Our analysis in Axellerato reveals that cold emails with 1-2 images perform as well as those without any. However, it’s important to note that reply rates begin to decline when more than two images are used.
How images increase click-through rates in cold emails
Images significantly enhance your cold email’s click-through rate because the human brain processes visuals much faster than text.
This quick comprehension allows recipients to grasp your message swiftly and take action.
Additionally, visuals are more memorable. While people might remember only a fraction of what they read, they retain a much higher percentage of what they see.
Thus, incorporating images in your emails ensures quicker understanding and longer-lasting impact.
Navigating image risks in cold emails
Incorporating images into your cold emails can come with certain drawbacks.
1. Visibility challenges of images
Some providers block images in emails, potentially making them invisible to recipients unless they actively choose to display them.
2. Formatting hiccups with images
Due to varied HTML interpretations, images might not always appear correctly, such as being wrongly sized or oriented.
Although these risks exist, their impact on your campaign is generally minimal. The blocking of images is more common in large companies with strict email security policies.
If such companies aren’t your main target audience, this issue might not significantly affect your campaigns.
If you’re concerned about image visibility in emails, focus on crafting text that’s compelling by itself.
This way, even if the image isn’t displayed, your message remains strong and clear.
Also, it’s wise to avoid using images in email banners and footers since they’re more likely to be blocked or not displayed correctly.
To maintain high engagement and minimize issues, it’s best to include only 1-2 images in your cold emails. This approach helps keep reply rates healthy and boosts conversions while reducing the chances of your visuals being blocked or displayed incorrectly.
Also, remember to A/B test your emails, both with and without images, to identify what resonates best with your specific audience.
Should you use GIFs in your cold emails?
Unlike images, using GIFs in your emails might not be as effective. They tend to lead to fewer opens compared to emails without them. This is probably because GIFs are larger in file size, don’t always load properly, and can be quite distracting for the reader.
GIFs can distract from the email’s core message, detracting from its overall effectiveness. The key to a successful cold email lies in clear, concise communication, and GIFs might complicate this objective.
How to use images in cold emails
Personalizing images in your cold emails is key to connecting with your prospects.
A significant 75% of consumers are more likely to engage with content that acknowledges their name and reflects their interests and history. 81% of customers appreciate when brands make an effort to understand them better.
To capitalize on this, tailor the images in your emails by incorporating text and visual elements specific to each prospect. An effective approach is to use variables in the visuals that resonate personally with the recipient. Here is an example:
This is why it works well:
- The image is eye-catching and includes a direct call to action.
- It personally addresses the prospect by their name.
- The text is designed to convey the message effectively, even if the image fails to display.
- Its simplicity complements the email’s text without causing any distractions.
Are you ready to add personalized images to your cold emails?
Incorporating images in your cold email campaigns can boost response rates and conversions.
Keep these strategies in mind to maximize their effectiveness:
- Tailor images in your emails by including the prospect’s name or relevant details for a more personal touch.
- Enhance engagement with clickable images that quickly communicate your message.
- Limit to 1 or 2 optimized images per email to reduce technical issues.
- Avoid using GIFs as they might distract and lower your email open rates instead, you can use memes.
If you are ready to use the power of images to get more conversions in your cold email campaigns, book a free consultation call with Axellerato today.
