[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/swiftdigital.com.au\/special-email-content\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/swiftdigital.com.au\/special-email-content\/","headline":"Special Email Content \u2013 Video, Emoji, Images & Read Mores","name":"Special Email Content \u2013 Video, Emoji, Images & Read Mores","description":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”] 5 | Minute Read [\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default”...","datePublished":"2017-07-20","dateModified":"2024-02-08","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/swiftdigital.com.au\/author\/sw1ft\/#Person","name":"Swift Digital","url":"https:\/\/swiftdigital.com.au\/author\/sw1ft\/","identifier":1,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d798749f30425bff04d5ff357ac6dba94e073a4a8083725dfb894f9d04f4c5ee?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d798749f30425bff04d5ff357ac6dba94e073a4a8083725dfb894f9d04f4c5ee?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Swift Digital","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/swiftdigital.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/logo.png","url":"https:\/\/swiftdigital.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/logo.png","width":300,"height":302}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/swiftdigital.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/beach-jepg.jpg","url":"https:\/\/swiftdigital.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/beach-jepg.jpg","height":576,"width":1024},"url":"https:\/\/swiftdigital.com.au\/special-email-content\/","about":["Email Marketing"],"wordCount":2737,"articleBody":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”]   5 | Minute Read [\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]We\u2019ve all had that moment, in the midst of planning a fabulous email or event invite, where we\u2019ve stepped back from the drawing board and thought, \u2018Wait. Can I actually put that in an email?\u2019While there will probably always be slight variations in the way email browsers and mail applications render things, we\u2019ve prepared a handy guide to answer that fundamental question: Will that work in my email?[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Images and Graphics in Emails” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]There are a number of ways the different email browsers and mail apps will handle images.\u00a0Only Apple Mail, Gmail, the iOS Mail app, and the Android Gmail app will display images by default. However, Outlook, Thunderbird, and Outlook.com will also display images automatically if the sender is known or trusted. There\u2019s generally an option to display images for each individual email, but users can also choose to have images disabled automatically if that better suits their preferences. Knowing this, it\u2019s a good plan to find a balance between visually stunning emails and content that will still be comprehensible without imagery.Here\u2019s some best practice tips to find that balance:Don\u2019t put any important information in an image. There\u2019s no way to guarantee that it will be seen, so send the vital details as text.Add alt text and contextual captions to images. Not only does this provide for those recipients who can\u2019t or won\u2019t load images, but it is also a matter of accessibility \u2013 users with screen reading software will hear a description of your images. Make your alt text short but descriptive, some email browsers will truncate long text.Make sure your images are optimised for email, and are an appropriate size for your template or layout.Become a \u2018trusted\u2019 or \u2018known\u2019 sender \u2013 ask your readers to add you to their address book or whitelist.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Embedding Video in Emails” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]The consensus on embedding video directly into emails is unanimous \u2013 just don\u2019t go there. Once upon a time, this was possible, but spam and security concerns have prompted almost all email browsers and mail applications to withdraw their support. If you\u2019ve got important video content to share, or have your heart set on eye-catching animation, don\u2019t despair!Here\u2019s some alternatives to embedded video:Host your video externally (on YouTube, Vimeo, your company site, etc.), then take a screenshot of the video player. Tidy this image up, insert it into your email, and set it up with a hyperlink to the external video. Be mindful of the image issues mentioned above \u2013 include a text link to the video as well.If your content can be condensed, an animated GIF is a possiblity. Aim for high resolution, even it means the animation loop is shorter. Avoid excessive strobing or flashing, as it may affect photosensitive recipients. Be aware that while many email browsers and mail apps will handle them, Outlook stopped supporting this from 2007 onwards, and they won\u2019t load on Windows Phone 5.Embed the video into a\u00a0landing page, and set up a link in your email. Depending on your email marketing platform, you may be able to embed the video into the web version of an email, or below a \u2018read more\u2019.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Forms in Emails” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]Sending out emails with embedded forms? Another big no-no. While many email browsers and mail applications will display the form, Outlook 2007 being the exception, the good news stops there.Several email clients will throw up security warnings, or inform the user that they have detected an email scam, which is obviously not ideal for your brand credibility. There\u2019s also issues with the way these embedded forms handle input, if they are displayed at all. If you\u2019re seeking input or answers from your readers, the safest option is to host your form externally, and send out an email with a nice big call-to-action instead.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Symbols & Emoji” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]You may have seen little symbols like these floating around, particularly in text messages, tweets, and Facebook posts.While the original HTML versions have been around for a long time, they\u2019re starting to appear in subject lines in an attempt to gain attention in the inbox. They\u2019re eye-catching and charming, but proceed with caution \u2013 Outlook 2003 won\u2019t render them, and Outlook.com, and Android and\u00a0iOS will display their own versions of the characters.Here\u2019s some guidelines for sensible symbol usage:Use them sparingly. One might catch someone\u2019s eye, two or three might make them cringe. Consider your corporate identity, and whether or not they fit in with the tone of your email.Be contextual. The little plane symbol makes perfect sense for travel updates, but will seem strange and irrelevant if you\u2019re writing about a sporting event.Copy and paste. Subject lines aren\u2019t HTML, so you need to copy and paste the symbol in, rather than adding the code. Try some of\u00a0these.Test, test, test. Not all of the symbols are supported, so make sure you test across a variety of email browsers and mail applications.Finally, consider how many people may be opening your messages on their phones or tablets. We took a look at the numbers earlier this year, and you can check out the statistics in this\u00a0neat infographic. As mobile device opens increase, it\u2019s important to consider the responsiveness of your communications, and how they will display on these smaller screens.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”The Preferred Email, Events and SMS Automation Software For All Australian Government Departments” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]Swift Digital\u2019s templates help you effortlessly create stunning emails and events communications using our drag-and-drop email and event builder.You can raise engagement with embedded images, videos, polls, article feedback, and emojis and schedule messages to send at the right time.Swift Digital is Australia\u2019s leader in marketing automation software and event management working with organisations like the NSW Government, ATO, and companies like Westpac Bank and Qantas.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-1-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” centered_text=”true” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”2px” column_border_color=”#4fd7ef” column_border_style=”dashed”][vc_custom_heading text=”Email Marketing Cheat Sheet” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%234fd7ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1604362639724{margin-right: 20px !important;margin-left: 20px !important;}”]Avoid those common email marketing mistakes,download our Email Marketing Mistakes cheat sheet.[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Extra-Color-1″ icon_family=”none” text=”Download Cheat Sheet” url=”https:\/\/digest.swiftdigital.com.au\/marketing-mistakes-cheat-sheet”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Government departments’ unique marketing requirements are covered with Swift Digital, and full compliance with all anti-spam and privacy laws is guaranteed. Swift Digital is also ISO 27001 certified.Find out why we\u2019re the Australian government department\u2019s number one choice for their professional communications and events.To find out how your business can get the best out of Swift Digital\u2019s platform,\u00a0contact our team\u00a0today.Don\u2019t forget to share this post![\/vc_column_text]   Share   Share   Share [\/vc_column][\/vc_row]"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Special Email Content \u2013 Video, Emoji, Images & Read Mores","item":"https:\/\/swiftdigital.com.au\/special-email-content\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]