Removing the tracking pixel from HTML emails

IMPORTANT: The tracking pixel can only be removed from new (v5) templates. If you are using legacy templates, you will need to upgrade to remove the tracking pixel. Please reach out to Services if you are interested in upgrading.

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In light of the controversy around the use of tracking pixels in emails, we have taken steps to ensure our customers have more control over their email privacy. A tracking pixel is a tiny, invisible image that is embedded in emails to collect information about the recipient's behavior, such as when they opened the email. While this information can be valuable for senders to analyze engagement, it has raised privacy issues for recipients.

Setting The Scene:

Cookie banners have become a standard across the internet due to increased awareness and regulations regarding user privacy (see GDPR and CCPA). They serve a crucial purpose:

• Transparency: Cookie banners inform you about the use of cookies and other tracking technologies on a website.
  
  
• Control: They provide you with the ability to choose which types of cookies you consent to, allowing you to protect your personal data and browsing habits.
  
  
• Compliance: By implementing a cookie banner, we ensure that our practices are in line with legal requirements, safeguarding both website visitors and the organization.

While cookie banners seek explicit consent to track your website visitors, your email recipients do not have the same luxury. The moment someone opens your HTML email, tracking commences. This is where the controversy lies. 

Removing The Tracking Pixel:

In Concep, you now have the option to remove the tracking pixel from your HTML emails. If you would like to remove the tracking pixel from your marketing emails, please reach out to Support.

Consider the following before deciding whether you would like to remove the tracking pixel:

Pros:

• Better Privacy for Recipients
  By removing tracking pixels, you respect the privacy of the individuals receiving the email. They can read your content without worrying about their behavior being monitored, until they choose to interact with your campaign further (i.e. by clicking links). 
  
  
• Compliance with International Regulations
  In some regions, privacy laws (i.e. GDPR) may mandate or encourage more transparent tracking practices. Removing tracking pixels can help in complying with these regulations.
  
  
• Improved Deliverability
  Some security filters detect tracking pixels and instantly mark these emails as spam. By removing the tracking pixel, you may actually improve your delivery rate and ultimately hit more inboxes. 

Cons:

• Loss of Engagement Data
  Removing the tracking pixel does mean that opens/views will not be tracked. More positive actions (i.e. clicks) will still be captured in the campaign reports as usual. Tracking of unsubscribes and bounces are not impacted by the removal of the pixel.
  
  
• Keeping Lists Clean
  Tracking pixels help to identify inactive and unengaged contacts. Without them, it's more difficult to maintain your lists and segment effectively. 
  
  
• Determining ROI
  By losing insight into a metric as important as the open rate, it is more difficult to gauge the effectiveness of your email campaigns.