When it comes to sending emails, especially for business, you might wonder about adding images or videos. It's a common question, and the answer isn't always straightforward. While you might think visuals always grab attention, there's a smart way to approach this to make sure your emails actually reach the inbox and get read.

Key Takeaways

• First emails: Stick to text. Avoid images in your very first outreach email.

• Reply sequences: This is where visuals shine. Use images, links, and videos in follow-up emails.

• Goal: Get into the inbox first, then get a bit more creative with content.

Why Be Careful with Images in the First Email?

Sending an email for the first time is like knocking on a door. You want to make a good first impression and, most importantly, make sure the door opens. If you put images in that first email, it can sometimes be seen as a bit risky by email providers. Think of it like this: too much flashy stuff right away might make the email system think it's spam, and then your message might end up in the junk folder instead of the person's inbox. And if it's in the spam folder, nobody's going to see it, no matter how cool your image or video is.

When to Use Images and Videos

So, if not in the first email, when should you use them? The best time is in your reply sequence. This means the emails you send after the first one, as follow-ups. By this point, you've already established contact, and the recipient has seen your name before. They're more likely to open your subsequent emails. This is where you can afford to be a little more creative. Adding a relevant image, a link to a helpful video, or even a GIF can make your email more engaging and memorable. It can help explain things better or just make the message more interesting to read.

A Strategic Approach to Email Content

It's all about strategy. The goal is to get your message seen. The first email is about getting into the inbox. Once you're there, and you've got a bit of a connection, you can then introduce more visual elements. This approach helps manage the risk of being marked as spam while still using the power of visuals to communicate effectively in later stages of your outreach.

Want to see how AI can help you grow your sales by making your outreach smarter and more effective? Book a strategic discovery call with us to explore how AI can fit into your specific sales process: https://cal.com/kevin-oliveira/ai