08/27/2026
Do images, highlighted links, emojis, buttons, and all that other “markety” stuff affect email deliverability?
Sure. They can...
But generally speaking, a single image, link, emoji, word, or whatever isn't going to send your email straight to jail - do not pass Go, do not collect $200. (I mean... there are exceptions, but let's not go there right now) 😆
It’s more about the overall number of boxes being checked.
Image? Check.
Multiple links? Check.
Big fat button? Check.
Salesy language? Check.
Urgency? Check.
Mailbox providers are looking at the whole package, not clutching their pearls over one 💲 emoji.
And listen…you’re a marketer. You need to market.
You need to be able to use links. You may need images. Sometimes a button or an emoji makes sense.
The answer is not to strip every useful marketing element out of your email.
The better question is:
Does the overall email feel so overtly markety that I’m practically waving a giant RED flag?
And even that isn’t the whole story...
Who are you sending it to?
Is this a brand-new opt-in who's never received an email from your sending domain before?
Or is it someone who has been on your list for months - opening, clicking, replying, and consuming your content?
Could be the same email.
But a different relationship.
Different context.
So don’t get caught up in the black-and-white nature of the standard email deliverability buzz out there...
Everybody has an opinion.
Your numbers get the final vote.
So test it.
Try one version against another.
See what happens.
Then, let the data do the talking.
