Email Images: Are You Confusing Your Readers?
My mom just bought a new computer last week and called me the other day in a panic.
“My email program won’t let me read any of my emails. All I get are little boxes with red x’s in them. What am I going to do?”
The reason? Her new computer used Vista (that’s another story!), which does not show email images unless you click that option allowing them. It says that right above the email message.
If you are sending images (espcially if your entire message is embedded in images), do not assume that your reader will understand what has happened and how to correct it so they can read your messages.
I’ve talked about this before but, given this most recent example, it bears repeating. If your message comes through as a blank slate, not only will your prospect / customer be unable to read it, but is is more likely to be flagged as spam. People are automatically suspicious if you don’t deliver what is expected.
Don’t confuse your readers. Above your images, include some text that reminds them who you are, what they have received, and how to read it. It doesn’t matter if this repeats what is written in their email client. Many people, like my mom, never notice that message because they are immediately drawn to the email itself.
A beautifully designed colorful email will never put a dollar in your pocket if your viewer can’t see it.
Debbi Bressler
Email Marketing Specialist
GetResponse
Tags
email marketing, autoresponders
