Using Images in Squarespace Email Campaigns
TL;DR:
- Add up to four images per section in your email campaigns
- Keep image widths under 750px to prevent blurriness
- Choose from Banner, Grid, Card, List, or Side layouts to display images
- Make images clickable by adding URLs that direct to your website
- Include alt text for accessibility and better deliverability
- Preview your campaign to check how images appear across different devices
Email campaigns with good images get better engagement than text-only emails. Squarespace gives you several ways to add and style images in your campaigns, plus tools to make them clickable and accessible.
Adding Images to Your Campaign
Start by opening your email campaign draft. In the image section, click 'Add Images' to upload new files from your device or pick from your existing library. You can also browse Unsplash directly from here.
Once you've added images, use the 'Manage Images' section to rearrange or delete them. You can drag images to reorder them or click the trash icon to remove ones you don't need.
Choosing Your Image Layout
Squarespace offers five layout options for displaying images:
Banner – One large image that spans the full width of your email
Grid – Multiple images arranged in rows and columns
Card – Images with text overlays or captions below
List – Images aligned vertically with text alongside
Side – Image positioned next to text content
Pick the layout that works best for your content. If you're showcasing products, Grid or Card layouts work well. For feature announcements, Banner might be better.
Keeping Images Sharp
Blurry images make your emails look unprofessional. Keep your image widths at 750px or less to maintain quality across different email clients and devices.
Most email clients will automatically resize larger images, which often causes pixelation. If you're working with high-resolution photos, resize them before uploading rather than letting the email client do it.
Making Images Clickable
Turn any image into a clickable link by selecting it and clicking 'Unlinked' next to the image. Enter the URL you want people to visit when they click the image.
This works well for product images that link to your shop, or feature images that direct to blog posts or landing pages. Just make sure the destination page is mobile-friendly since many people read emails on their phones.
Adding Captions and Alt Text
Captions appear below images and help explain what viewers are seeing. Not all layouts support captions, so check your chosen layout first.
Alt text is different from captions. It describes the image for people using screen readers and helps if images don't load properly. Click on any image to add alt text in the description field.
Good alt text is concise but descriptive. Instead of "image1.jpg", write "red ceramic mug on wooden table" or "team photo from company retreat".
Styling Your Images
Use the Design tab to adjust spacing, colors, and alignment. You can set padding around images, change background colors, and modify how text flows around images.
Keep your styling consistent with your brand. If your website uses specific colors and fonts, match those in your email campaigns.
Testing Your Images
Always preview your campaign before sending. Images can display differently across email clients like Gmail, Outlook, and Apple Mail.
Send test emails to yourself and check them on both desktop and mobile devices. What looks good on your computer screen might not work as well on a phone.
FAQs
How many images can I add to one section?
Up to four images per section. If you need more, create additional image sections.
Why do my images look blurry?
Images wider than 750px often get compressed by email clients. Resize your images before uploading.
Can I add a slideshow to my email?
There's no built-in slideshow feature, but you can create an animated GIF for a similar effect.
Can I change featured images from blog posts in my email?
No, these pull directly from your website. Update the featured image on your blog post itself.
Do images affect email deliverability?
Yes. Emails with too many images or missing alt text can trigger spam filters. Keep a good balance of text and images.
Jargon Buster
Alt Text – Short description of an image that helps screen readers and appears if the image doesn't load
Clickthrough URL – Web link attached to an image that takes people to a specific page when clicked
Email Client – Software or app used to read emails, like Gmail, Outlook, or Apple Mail
Layout – Pre-designed arrangement for displaying images and text in your campaign
Wrap-up
Images make your email campaigns more engaging and help communicate your message visually. The key is using them strategically – choose layouts that support your content, keep file sizes reasonable, and always include alt text for accessibility.
Remember to test your campaigns across different devices and email clients. What looks perfect in your preview might display differently for your subscribers.
Ready to improve your email marketing skills? Join Pixelhaze Academy for more detailed tutorials and expert guidance.