Comparison guide · Promotional · 2 min read
Should marketing emails start with a hero image or text?
Use text-first when clarity and speed matter; use hero imagery only when it adds immediate meaning.
In this guide
The answer
Direct answer
Hero visuals should support conversion logic, not replace it. If the image does not add context, start with strong copy.
Where this guidance fits
Best fit
- Launch emails
- Promotional campaigns
- Newsletter hero sections
Common mistakes
- Using decorative hero images without message support
- Pushing the core value proposition below the fold
- Ignoring mobile crop behavior
Put this guidance into practice
Create two versions of a campaign opener: text-first and hero-first, both with one clear value proposition.