{"id":27615,"date":"2021-04-26T14:34:28","date_gmt":"2021-04-26T18:34:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.litmus.com\/?p=27615"},"modified":"2021-04-26T15:30:00","modified_gmt":"2021-04-26T19:30:00","slug":"diversity-representation-in-email-design-inclusive-imagery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.litmus.com\/blog\/diversity-representation-in-email-design-inclusive-imagery","title":{"rendered":"Trending in Email Design: Representation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\t
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Diversity and inclusion<\/a> is a hot topic, and so it should be! As we continue to process and understand recent events, brands are seeking ways to stand with us as we navigate our changing world.<\/p>\n

“Normal casting to me is a process that strives for representation and in many cases, strives to simply portray the world as it actually is instead of as falsely non-inclusive. And sadly, sometimes that involves removing the whitewash that exists on history.”<\/span>
\nShonda Rhimes<\/a><\/p>\n

Shonda Rhimes, Producer of hit TV shows such as Bridgerton and Grey\u2019s Anatomy, is shaking up the world of television. At the heart of her production company is a very solid ethos, one in which everyone can be represented. And therefore, everyone can find a character that is relatable.<\/p>\n

What is quite profound is that this is purely a reflection of normality: Humans are a diverse species, which is why this is a challenging subject to label as a trend. However, it is important to recognise and celebrate progress, so let\u2019s take a look at brands nailing authentic representation.<\/p>\n

\"a
Source: Really Good Emails<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

100% Human<\/h2>\n

Retail brand Everlane<\/a> knows how to celebrate the human race and what the benefits are to representing normality. It flows through everything they do: the models showcasing the products on their website, their ad campaigns, and their marketing programs. They consistently celebrate humans in all forms\u2014marketing to every age, race, and sexual orientation.<\/p>\n

\"Everlane's
Source: Really Good Emails<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Their 100% Human collection<\/a> was launched as a way to bring people together amid the civil divisions following the 2016 US election and advocate for the human rights of all. 10% of every sale is donated to the ACLU<\/a>, an organisation fighting to protect fundamental freedoms. Through this collection, Everlane has donated over $1 million to date.<\/p>\n

Everlane isn\u2019t alone in their efforts to support and empower all humans. More and more brands are understanding the importance of standing up for what they believe in.<\/p>\n

And now more than ever, brands are using email to tell the world how they feel about injustice and their overall stance on inclusivity.<\/p>\n

\"Email
Source: Really Good Emails | Postmates<\/a> | Rooted<\/a> | Kidville<\/a> | Invision<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Every body<\/h2>\n

Everlane\u2019s 2018 marketing campaign titled \u201cNo frills. No bows. No bulls\u201d featured unedited images of women of different shapes, sizes, and colors modeling their line of cotton panties, bras, and bodysuits.<\/p>\n

What can be more appealing than a product that breaks down unrealistic and outdated ideals around women\u2019s bodies?<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s just say that word has gotten out, and today, many fashion and beauty brands have come to understand that they are going to see much greater revenue if they market to a diverse audience.<\/p>\n

\u201cBrands such as Dove and Nike have found mainstream success\u2014and racked up millions of dollars in sales\u2014with marketing campaigns that challenge traditional beauty ideals.\u201d<\/span>
\nAbha Bhattarai, Washington Post<\/a><\/p>\n

\"email
Source: United by Blue (Milled<\/a>) | Aisle (Really Good Emails<\/a>) | Parade (Really Good Emails<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

People Empowered<\/h2>\n

\u201cCurrently, around 15-20% of the UK\u2019s population has a visible or non-visible disability, which equates to 14 million people\u2014yet disabled people make up only 0.01% of those featured in fashion and beauty advertising.\u201d<\/span>
\nCaroline Casey, Forbes<\/a><\/p>\n

In the US, 61 million adults<\/a> live with a disability, yet this substantial group of individuals is currently underrepresented in marketing. But there are some trailblazers that we can learn from, like footwear retail brand Kurt Geiger<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Kurt
Source: Milled<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This year, they launched a new marketing campaign called People Empowered, which provides a platform for individuals who have previously been underrepresented, to share their stories and educate consumers about a wide range of disabilities.<\/p>\n

\"Kurt
Source: Milled | Josh<\/a> | Kayla<\/a> | Leon<\/a> | Bethan<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cConsumers have started to shop more considerately in recent years\u2026 People expect businesses to utilise their influence to counter inequality, and many brands are reacting to this need.\u201d<\/span>
\nNeil Clifford, CEO at Kurt Geiger<\/a><\/p>\n

In the UK alone, there are significant financial gains to representing disability that can\u2019t be ignored. Over 1 in 5 potential UK consumers have a disability, with a combined spending power of \u00a316 billion<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"email
Source: Benefit Cosmetics (Milled<\/a>), Wildbird (Litmus Builder<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Reap the rewards of representation<\/h2>\n

There are many ways to let the world know that you are an inclusive brand. You don\u2019t have to be in retail. Maybe, like Adobe, you could consistently display inclusive messaging stating that your product or service is for everyone. Or you could focus your creative energy into standing with communities in ad hoc campaigns.<\/p>\n

\"email
Source: Really Good Emails | Asics<\/a> | Adobe Creative Cloud<\/a> | Peloton<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

However you represent, ensure that you are genuine and it\u2019s not simply tokenism, performative, or virtue signaling if you want to tap into your full consumer potential. Representation shouldn\u2019t be a trend or a campaign\u2014it should be every day.<\/p>\n

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\"Litmus<\/td>\n\n

Let your inclusive imagery shine through<\/strong><\/p>\n

Broken emails are not a good look and won\u2019t get your message across. Ensure you send on-brand, error-free emails. Every time.<\/p>\n

Learn how \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n \t\t\t<\/div>\n \t\t<\/div>\n \t<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

See beautiful email examples of diversity and inclusive imagery. And find out why representation in email design matters to your subscribers and your brand.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":27646,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"tags":[478,1173],"blog_category":[78,57],"class_list":["post-27615","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-design","tag-email-marketing-trends","blog_category-inspiration","blog_category-observations"],"yoast_head":"\nInclusive imagery: Examples of representation in email design - Litmus<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"See beautiful email examples of diversity and inclusive imagery. 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