Why Email Attachments Can Hurt Deliverability (And a Better Alternative)

Sending files—whether brochures, contracts, or event invites—should be simple. However, attachments often cause deliverability issues in email campaigns, affecting inbox placement and engagement.

Common problems with email attachments:

• File size limitations – Large attachments can prevent emails from being delivered.

• Spam filters – Some email clients block or flag attachments, lowering open rates.

• Compatibility issues – Not all email clients support every file format.

• Lack of tracking – No way to see if a recipient opened or downloaded the file.

An effective alternative is using Dropbox links. Instead of attaching files, adding a clean, direct link ensures:

• Higher inbox placement – Some tracking-enabled links or cloaked links can affect deliverability. A direct Dropbox link, especially from an established domain, improves inboxing.

• Better accessibility – Recipients can open files on any device without download issues.

• Engagement tracking – BIGContacts allows you to monitor link clicks for insights.

Since different types of links may impact inbox placement, it’s always good practice to test email performance to ensure optimal deliverability. The next section covers adding a Dropbox file link to your campaign.

Step-by-Step: Adding a Dropbox File Link to Your Campaign

Step 1: Insert the Link in Your Email

1. Open your campaign in the BIGContacts Email Editor.

2. Click on the content area where you want to place the link.

3. A menu bar will appear—click Personalize.

Step 2: Connect to Dropbox

1. In the pop-up window, click on Apps.

2. Select Dropbox from the available integrations.

3. A new window will prompt you to sign in to your Dropbox account.

Step 3: Select Your File

1. Once logged in, you’ll see a list of your Dropbox files and folders.

2. Navigate to the file you want to include.

3. Click Choose to add it to your email.

Step 4: Customize the Link Appearance

1. The Dropbox file will be inserted using its name as a clickable link.

2. To rename the link, highlight it and type your preferred label.

Example: Change Quarterly_Report.pdf to "Download Quarterly Report" for a clearer CTA.

Best Practices for Using Dropbox Links in Emails

• Use clear labels – Instead of showing a long URL, rename links to be more engaging (e.g., "Download Event Brochure")
• Test before sending – Click the link to verify accessibility before launching your campaign.
• Track engagement – Use BIGContacts’ analytics to monitor who clicks on your Dropbox links and follow up accordingly.