Since embedding actual video in email is unreliable, marketers can create an animated GIF of a video thumbnail. Animating a 'play' button or background elements signals that there is rich media content, serving as a highly effective call-to-action to drive clicks to external landing pages, demos, or case studies.
To maximize the impact of animated GIFs, align them thematically with your message's context. Tying a GIF to a holiday, a specific product offer, or a culturally relevant moment makes the content feel more personalized and resonant. This focus on relevancy is crucial for turning a simple animation into a powerful marketing tool.
Animated GIFs aren't just for flair; they are a proven tactic to increase email engagement. Data shows they can lift click-through rates by approximately 20%. Their effectiveness is particularly high during the holiday season from November through December, a period when audiences are more receptive to dynamic content.
Instead of being intimidated by technical tasks like creating animated GIFs, marketers can use AI platforms as an on-demand guide. Simply ask the AI to provide step-by-step instructions for a specific tool (e.g., MailChimp, Klaviyo) to overcome knowledge gaps without feeling inadequate or needing to ask colleagues.