Surely you have wondered how adding images affects the deliverability of emails. Let's figure out why some emails are blocked and whether images can be the reason why your message ends up in spam.
Why is your email being blocked?
There can be several reasons for email blocking: from the use of suspicious words and phrases to a large number of images or links. AI-powered spam filters analyze not only the content but also the structure of the email, the frequency of sending, and the sender's reputation. As a result, every element of the message can affect its deliverability and the likelihood of ending up in spam.
Next, let's look at what exactly spam filters check.
What do spam filters check?
Content of the email: Filters look for words and phrases that are commonly found in spam emails. If they find them, the email may be sent to "Spam".
Images: Filters check whether there are suspicious or malicious images in the emails. People don't want to receive spam with unwanted pictures, so such emails often end up in spam.
Technical settings: Make sure you have your email parameters set correctly, such as DMARC and DKIM. These settings help protect you from fraudsters and confirm your identity as the sender.
Sender reputation: If you have a bad reputation, emails are likely to be blocked. This can happen if many users report your emails as spam.
Engagement rate: Spam filters track how often users open your emails and click on links. If you have a low engagement rate, it can reduce the chances of your emails being delivered.
The connection between images and deliverability
Email providers strive to ensure safety for their users, which affects the handling of images in emails. If recipients see suspicious images in an email, they are less likely to open it or send it to spam. When this happens on a large scale, filters start classifying such emails as unwanted.
Disadvantages of adding images to emails
Risk of being sent to the "Spam" folder
The first and most obvious risk is that your email will be marked as spam. Modern spam filters have become much more sensitive to various elements of the email. Marketing campaigns often use images and complex HTML, which increases the likelihood that the filter will perceive the email as promotional. If such elements are absent, the email will look like business correspondence, which helps improve its deliverability.
Loading issues
Not all email clients load images automatically, which means that many recipients may not even see your pictures. If your email relies on visual elements to convey key information, this can lead to a loss of audience. Even if the image does load, users may not want to wait for it to display and might just close the email.
Challenges with responsiveness
In the world of mobile devices, responsiveness is the key to success. Images that look great on a computer may be inappropriate or even distorted on mobile devices. This creates a bad impression and can lead to a negative reaction from the recipient. As a result, your message loses its meaning and appeal.
Conclusion
Ultimately, while adding images to emails may seem like an attractive way to enhance your communication, it can actually lead to a number of problems. It is better to focus on clear and concise text that conveys your message without unnecessary risks. Remember, a simple and straightforward approach often proves to be more effective than complex visual elements that may only distract and create issues.
