Why is voice-controlled email marketing relevant?

More and more people are using voice assistants to access information, whether driving, cooking, or on the go. Email reading through voice assistants has become a common scenario, not only for convenience but also as an essential means of digital participation for people with visual impairments or motor disabilities.

Accessibility and user-friendliness combine here with modern technology. Companies that design emails easily interpreted and read aloud by voice assistants position themselves as inclusive, improving both reach and customer loyalty.

What are the challenges? Voice assistants do not “see” layouts—they interpret content linearly. Visually appealing content on screen may become confusing or unintelligible when read aloud. Common obstacles include: • Complex structures: Tables, multi-column layouts, or nested content are often difficult for voice assistants to interpret. • Unlabeled links or images: “Click here” without context provides minimal information when read aloud. • Technical jargon or fragmented text blocks: Content that works visually can sound unnatural or awkward when spoken.

Best Practices for Assistive-Friendly & Voice-Optimized Emails

To optimize emails for voice-controlled usage, consider these tips:

1. Clear, linear structure

Avoid unnecessary formatting. A simple outline with clearly readable headings, paragraphs, and explicit CTA texts (e.g., “Learn more,” “Find out more about XY”) helps voice assistants interpret content effectively.

2. Alt-texts and semantic markup

Each image should have a descriptive alt-text. Voice assistants read these texts aloud, providing users with essential context and content.

3. Use natural language

Write sentences as you would speak them. Avoid abbreviations and complicated sentence structures. A conversational style simplifies comprehension when read aloud.

4. Meaningful link texts

Replace “Click here” with more descriptive phrases such as “Learn more about our spring offer.” This ensures listeners immediately understand the context.

5. Accessible design according to WCAG

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) also apply to emails. High color contrast, readable font sizes, and structured content enhance usability—benefiting screen readers and assistive systems alike.

6. Benefits for Businesses

Optimizing emails for voice-controlled usage is more than a technical improvement—it offers strategic advantages. 

Companies taking proactive steps in this area gain: 

• Broader audience engagement, particularly among people with disabilities and older users 
• Increased user satisfaction through enhanced clarity 
• Improved performance, including higher open and click-through rates 
• Future-proofing as voice interfaces continue to gain importance
  
  

Voice-controlled and assistive-friendly email marketing is no longer merely nice-to-have—it’s essential for future-oriented communication. 

Creating content that can be both seen and heard opens new avenues for customer engagement and positively distinguishes a brand from competitors.