Images that Upgrade Your Newsletter

Consumers are often overwhelmed by the volume of information they encounter each day. This is why it’s more important than ever to have a solid strategy in place to ensure that your newsletter content stands out in a crowded inbox/mailbox and grabs a reader’s attention. Your goal should be to engage readers and make them want to open future copies of your newsletter, whether it’s delivered digitally or in print.

While well-written copy is essential, images also play a powerful role in capturing your reader’s attention and increasing the likelihood that they’ll read your entire newsletter. If you’re not using visuals strategically, you could be missing out on valuable engagement.

By the Numbers: The True Value of Images in Your Newsletter

A variety of studies have explored how images affect readers, and they all found that incorporating visuals into your publication increases readership by a significant margin. Most people are visual readers, and images attract and draw them in.

• In a Vero study, campaigns with images had a 42% higher click-through rate than those without. That means almost half the people who encounter your newsletter are more likely to engage with it if you include images.

• The experts at Search Engine Journal say images not only make your content more attractive, but they also increase a reader’s ability to remember what they read several days later by as much as 65%.

• According to Campaign Monitor, short attention spans, which many people struggle with today, can be improved with the use of visuals. That’s because the brain processes images 60,000 times faster than text — a compelling reason to include images in your newsletter.

These stats make it clear: Well-chosen images drive results.

So, how do you go about figuring out what visuals to add to your publications? Not all visuals are created equal. The wrong image can confuse your message or appear unprofessional.

How to Choose the Right Images for Your Newsletter

Here are some quick tips to help you select the most effective ones.

• Prioritize Relevance

Select images that support or enhance the message you want to convey with each article. Avoid using generic photos that feel disconnected from your article’s content.

• Pay Attention to Quality

Aim to incorporate clear, crisp images that are well-lit. Be sure to properly size visuals so they don’t look overly compressed or blurry.

• Optimize for Mobile

Ensure images perform well on laptops and mobile devices. Also, keep file sizes small to avoid slow load times, which will make people more likely to abandon your e-newsletter.

• Be Mindful of Copyright

Don’t assume every photo you find online is fair game to include. The fines for digital copyright violations can be significant. Consider working with a partner like LPi, which offers its image and content library, WeCreate, with images, clip art, and articles for every occasion.

• Include Alt Text

Alt text makes your newsletter more accessible and improves email deliverability. It also ensures your message gets through even if the image doesn’t load.

• Align With Your Brand

Keep your brand in mind as you select your visuals. Consistency helps build recognition and trust, so choose visuals with color tones, subjects, and styles that reflect your brand’s personality.

The Bottom Line on Newsletter Images

Remember, incorporating images into your newsletter is a strategic communication tool. The right visuals will capture attention, clarify your message, and significantly increase readership and engagement.

Want to learn more about creating engaging newsletters? Check out this free guide to creating and publishing community newsletters for helpful tips on both design and content.

LPi works with thousands of organizations across the nation to create and publish professional and relevant newsletters. With both print and digital options, access to WeCreate, LPi’s incredible content library, and a super-friendly and helpful support staff and design team, you can’t go wrong. Learn more about how LPi can get your newsletter off to a great start today!