Employee Photos: Your Email Secret Weapon

Let’s talk email marketing. We’ve all been there crafting the perfect subject line, agonizing over every word in the body, yet still struggling to break through the noise of overcrowded inboxes.

But what if I told you there’s a simple way to make your emails stand out and actually get read? Enter the humble headshot.

As a marketer who’s sent more emails than I care to count, I’ve seen firsthand how a simple photo can transform your email game.

Let’s dive in.

The Human Touch in a Digital World

In a sea of faceless corporate communications, a friendly face can be a lifesaver or in our case, an open-rate booster. Including headshots in your emails reminds recipients that there’s a real person behind that message, not just another automated blast.

From ‘To’ to ‘Trust’

Think about it. Which email are you more likely to open and read thoroughly: one from “Company X” or one from “Sarah at Company X” with a smiling headshot? It’s not rocket science we’re more inclined to engage with people we feel we know.

Signatures That Speak Volumes

Email signatures are prime real estate for headshots. A well-designed signature with a professional photo doesn’t just look good it builds credibility and creates a sense of connection. It’s like a digital handshake at the end of every email.

Beyond the C-Suite

Here’s where it gets interesting. While it’s common to see executive headshots, why stop there?

Imagine the impact of every customer service rep, salesperson, or account manager having their headshot in their emails. Suddenly, your entire team becomes more approachable and relatable.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Let’s talk results. Emails with headshots have been shown to increase open rates by up to 15% and click-through rates by up to 22%. That’s not just a marginal improvement it’s a game-changer.

Personalization on Steroids

We all know personalization is key in email marketing. But adding a headshot takes it to the next level.

It’s not just “Hello [First Name]” anymore it’s a face to go with that name, creating a more genuine, personal interaction.

A/B Testing: Seeing is Believing


Not convinced? Run an A/B test. Send half your list an email with headshots and half without. The results might surprise you and give you the data you need to make headshots a permanent part of your email strategy.

Best Practices for Email Headshots

1. Keep it professional but approachable

2. Ensure consistency across your team

3. Use high-quality images that won’t pixelate

4. Match the style to your brand personality

The Technical Side

Be mindful of file sizes to avoid slowing down email load times. Compress images without losing quality, and always have a fallback text option for images that don’t load.

Headshots in Action: Email Campaigns That Pop

1. Welcome Series: Introduce your team members throughout the onboarding process

2. Newsletter: Feature different employees each issue

3. Customer Support: Put a face to your help desk

4. Sales Outreach: Make your sales team more approachable

Remember, the goal is to make your brand more human, your communications more personal, and your connections stronger. By incorporating headshots into your email campaigns, you’re not just sending messages you’re building relationships, one face at a time.

So, ready to give your email campaigns a face-lift? Your open rates (and your recipients) will thank you.

Corporate Portrait

Think school picture day meets the business world.

Corporate Portrait brings professional headshot photography directly to your business in Omaha, Lincoln, and surrounding Nebraska communities. Starting at $30 per employee with full ownership rights included. Because getting great headshots shouldn’t be complicated.

Book your on-site session