The era of one-way communication through static emails is long gone. Interactive emails, as the name suggests, enable recipients to directly engage with the content. This interaction can take various forms, such as clicking on buttons, completing surveys, playing games, or interacting with dynamic elements like carousels. As a result, this greatly increases user engagement, a goal sought after by all marketers. But, how does one create effective interactive emails?
In this article, we will explain how to add the best interactive elements into your email campaign with ease.
Top Email Platforms for Interactive Emails
Most major email marketing platforms, like ActiveCampaign or Mailchimp, offer options to implement interactive tools.
For example, ActiveCampaign is a powerful and scalable platform that lets you add image carousels, videos, polls, surveys, or quizzes if you integrate it with handy third-party tools such as Sendspark, Playable, Surveysparrow, or Survicate. There are also options to easily add GIFs with their built-in builder. In case you want to embed a short video, it’s better to transform it into a GIF.
ActiveCampaign’s email marketing plans start at $29 per month for Lite, which includes 1,000 contacts and basic automation. You can also choose from plans for small teams and larger organizations, offering more advanced features for higher price. There is no limit for how many emails you can send per month with any plan.
A less robust option, Mailchimp, is ideal for marketers seeking simplicity. With its drag-and-drop tool, you can add interactive features anywhere in your email and even import custom HTML layouts.
Mailchimp offers a Free option, limited to 500 contacts and a maximum of 1000 emails sent per month with limited features. Additionally, there are paid options with three plans to choose from, catering to different needs. However, all plans scale based on the number of contacts, leading to increased prices.
A plan similar to ActiveCampaign’s Lite is Mailchimp’s Essentials, priced at $13 per month for 500 contacts. The next option is $26.5 for 1500 contacts. A drawback is that Mailchimp imposes limits on emails sent for each plan, including the paid ones.
Interactive Features for Your Email Campaign
Interactive Images
Making your email content richer can be as simple as adding image carousels that users can click or swipe through or include “hotspots”on images them that reveal more information when clicked.
💡 Why it works: Engages your audience with a beautiful and uncluttered presentation of your products or features.
Interactive Surveys and Polls to Boost Email Engagement
No more boring feedback forms! Pop some clickable surveys or polls right into your emails to get instant feedback directly within the e-mail.
💡 Why it works: Adds fun for both marketers and recipients, increasing participation and gaining valuable information.
Interactive Quizzes
We can all agree that personalization is key for success in email marketing. Interactive quizzes take it a step further by offering tailor-made results or recommendations based on the quiz.
💡 Why it works: Quizzes not only keep users engaged but also provide valuable data for segmentation.
Countdown Timers
In case you have a limited-time offers or promotions, countdown timers can create a sense of urgency.
💡 Why it works: Recipients are more likely to take immediate action before a promotion or offer expires.
Video/GIF Embeds
The simplest interactive elements for emails are probably GIFs or videos. Static images can quickly become boring. However, by embedding videos or GIFs directly in the email, you can easily showcase product demos or other engaging content.
💡 Why it works: Makes your emails more exciting and interesting by adding dynamic and eye-catching content.
Scratch-and-Reveal
Creating a sense of curiosity is easy with scratch-and-reveal elements that uncover special offers or discounts.
💡 Why it works: Recipients often wonder what’s beneath the mysterious coupon, encouraging them to click on it and unveil exclusive content.
Gamification
With gamification, you can inject a bit of fun and excitement into your emails by adding game-like elements like spin-the-wheel, calculators, scavenger hunts, or puzzles.
💡 Why it works: Games can make otherwise boring content more engaging and exciting. Moreover, by adding rewards, you can reinforce positive behavior and encourage continued engagement in the following emails.
Interactive Maps to Enhance Emails
Let’s say you have an upcoming event or want to include store directions in your email. Instead of just providing an address or a link, you can include a clickable map.
💡 Why it works: Provides a convenient way for users to access location-based information.
Interactive Forms
Interactive forms allow subscribers to submit information directly within the email. This can be a convenient way to collect leads, feedback, or make a purchase.
💡 Why it works: Recipients are more likely to fill out the form without needing to visit a separate website.
Final thoughts
In summary, adding interactive elements to your email campaigns can greatly boost your marketing strategy. Whether it’s through quizzes, polls, or fun gamification features, these elements not only grab attention but also build a stronger connection with your audience.
As the email marketing continues to evolve, staying innovative and adding interactive elements can keep your campaigns fresh, relevant, and effective.
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Ross Jenkins
Ross Jenkins is the founder of DigitalME and is an ActiveCampaign Certified Consultant. He is ranked #1 on UpWork for his proficiency in digital marketing. DigitalME offers targeted digital solutions and is perfect for anyone who wants to increase leads, sales, and productivity through automation.