Adding file attachments in mass emails or campaigns.
Adding files to email campaigns can be helpful, but it also comes with significant risks, including spam filtering and reduced deliverability. In the CRM, you can attach files directly to campaigns using specific templates, but it is highly recommended to link to hosted files instead. This guide covers both approaches, explaining the best practices for ensuring your emails reach recipients effectively.
Important Considerations Before Attaching Files
While the CRM allows attachments in certain email formats, it is not recommended due to the following reasons:
- Increased Spam Risk – Emails with attachments are more likely to be flagged as spam, damaging your sender's reputation.
- Slower Email Delivery – Larger message sizes can cause delays in sending and even bounce failures.
- No Engagement Tracking – Attachments cannot be tracked, meaning you lose insights into recipient behavior.
Recommended Alternative: Link to Hosted Files
Instead of attaching files directly, it is best to host them on a third-party platform or your website and then include a link in your email. This method offers several advantages:
- Avoids spam filters, improving email deliverability.
- Reduces bounce rates since the email size remains small.
- Compatible with all email template types in the CRM.
- Allows click tracking, so you can measure engagement.
- Works with Site Tracking, enabling automation, segmentation, and lead scoring.
This method ensures your email remains lightweight, trackable, and delivers successfully.
Instead, we recommend sharing your file via a link or button in the email itself. Here's how.
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Host your file online via Google Drive or your website.
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Link text or add a button to your mass email.
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Copy the file link you created to the button or link text in your email.
How to Add a File to Your Email Using a Link (Recommended)
Follow these steps to link to a hosted file in your campaign:
- Copy the URL where your file is hosted (e.g., your website, Google Drive, Dropbox).
- Open your campaign in the CRM to edit it.
- Highlight the text where you want to insert the link or type a new link-friendly text.
- Click the link icon in the text editor and paste the URL in the provided field.
- Click "Save."
How to Add a File to an Email Using the CRM Dropbox Integration (Recommended)
Dropbox is a popular cloud storage service that enables seamless file hosting. [Your CRM] offers an integration that lets you insert a Dropbox link directly into your campaigns.
Steps to Link a Dropbox File in Your Campaign:
- Upload your file to Dropbox.
- Copy the shareable link from Dropbox.
- In the CRM, open your email campaign.
- Paste the Dropbox link where appropriate, such as in call-to-action buttons or hyperlinked text.
- Save your changes.
This approach enhances deliverability, engagement tracking, and automation capabilities.
How to Directly Attach a File to an Email (Not Recommended)
If you still prefer to attach a file directly, you can only do so using the Custom HTML or Text-Only campaign templates.
Restrictions for Direct Attachments:
- Only .DOC, .DOCX, .JPG, or .PDF files are allowed.
- Maximum file size: 1MB.
- Not available for 1:1 emails or drag-and-drop email campaigns.
Steps to Attach a File to Your Email in the CRM:
- Create a new campaign using the "Custom HTML" or "Text-Only" template.
- In the message builder, click the paperclip icon (top-right corner).
- Click "Choose File" and select the file from your device.
- Click "Close", then "Save & Exit."
⚠️ Warning: Direct attachments should only be used when absolutely necessary, as they can cause email rejections, spam flagging, and loss of engagement tracking.
While the CRM allows file attachments in select email templates, it is strongly recommended to link to hosted files instead. This approach improves deliverability, ensures compliance with spam filters, and enables engagement tracking. Using services like Dropbox or hosting files on your website provides a better user experience and maximizes the success of your email campaigns.