While images can enhance the effectiveness of a cold email, they also pose risks to deliverability. Email service providers (ESPs) use sophisticated algorithms to filter spam, and certain image practices can raise red flags, such as:

1. High Image-to-Text Ratio: Emails that are predominantly images with little text are often flagged as spam.
2. Large File Sizes: Oversized images can increase load times and trigger spam filters.
3. Missing Alt Text: When images don’t load, the absence of descriptive alt text can lead to a poor user experience and reduce engagement.
4. Embedded Tracking Pixels: While useful for tracking email performance, these can sometimes be flagged as suspicious by ESPs.

Best Practices for Using Images in Cold Emails

To maximize the benefits of images while minimizing risks to deliverability, consider these best practices:

1. Optimize Image-to-Text Ratio: Aim for a balance of text and visuals. A good rule of thumb is to keep the email’s content at least 60% text.
2. Compress Images: Use tools to compress image file sizes without sacrificing quality. Consider specifying ideal dimensions (e.g., 600px width for emails) and file size limits (e.g., under 100KB) for optimized compression without quality loss. This ensures faster load times and improves deliverability.
3. Use Relevant Images: Ensure that every image serves a purpose. Irrelevant or stocky visuals can detract from your message.
4. Add Alternative Description: Include descriptive alt text for all images so recipients can understand the context even if the images fail to load.
   
5. Test Before Sending: Use email testing tools to check how your email renders across devices and ESPs, ensuring that images appear as intended.
6. Host Images Externally: Instead of embedding large images directly, host them on your website or a reliable server and link to them.
7. Limit use of GIFs: While animated GIFs can be engaging, use them sparingly to avoid large file sizes and potential deliverability issues.
8. Deactivate Open Tracking - if nothing else works, turn off tracking for this activity, monitor and compare results.
   
   In case of significant differences, consider creating a custom tracking domain that will be used for open tracking. Find out more in this article.

When to Skip Images Altogether
There are scenarios where avoiding images might be the best approach, such as:

• Highly Formal Audiences: Certain industries or roles may prefer plain, text-only emails.
• Initial Outreach: For the first touchpoint, a text-only email might feel more personal and less promotional.
• A/B Testing Results: If your testing shows better engagement metrics with plain-text emails, prioritize what works.

— — —

If you have any questions do not hesitate to initiate a live chat.

Happy klosing! :)

Your autoklose.com team!

— — —

To learn about sales, customer acquisition, business strategy, and more, read our 50,000 subscribers strong blog.

Join over 10,000 followers on LinkedIn, to learn just released success stories from around the world of business.