This is one of my favorite animated GIFs. It reminds me of direct mail pieces that use removable stickers of different sizes to select the offer you want. The Banana Republic email physically shows you a larger box as the discount gets larger.
In this email from J. Jills, the sweeping effect enhances the offer without being too cute.
And finally, Rent the Runway has fun with sequins in an email to highlight its Valentines Day countdown, as well as bring attention to the call to action.
GIFs and Emails
I should note here that not all email applications can read animated GIFs — my favorite company Microsoft comes to mind. An animated GIF in some applications will only read the first frame of an animated GIF. With that in mind, you’ll need to create your GIF with the complete message as frame No. 1.
The Bottom Line
Animated GIFs can be wonderfully helpful and enhance you message. But not done well they can make your products or offers look silly or hokey. And there’s a fine line here that needs to be watched. Animated GIFs may not be suitable to all products or services. And most importantly the idea or concept behind the animation must enhance your message — not just a clever technique you’ve been dying to try.
Lovely, tiny stories that catch and hold the eye. In a world of big, bold and brassy, they cut through the clutter.
I so agree. It’s a way to add a nice subtle surprise.