If you’ve ever wondered how email tracking works, you're not alone. At first glance, it might seem like magic, but it’s actually a straightforward process involving clever use of web technology. At the core of email tracking is something called a ‘tracking pixel’—an invisible image file that is embedded in an email’s HTML.
When the recipient opens the email, their email client attempts to load all the images included. The moment it tries to load this tiny pixel (often 1x1 in size and transparent), it sends a request to the server where the image is hosted. That server logs the request, which tells it that the email has been opened. Additional data—like the IP address, device type, browser, and timestamp—can also be captured in this process.
Pixel+ takes care of all of this behind the scenes. As a user, you don’t need to code or manually embed anything unless you want to. The dashboard provides you with a pixel link. You place it in your email (in a footer, signature, or body), and from there, Pixel+ tracks every open, giving you real-time updates.
This data can then be used in a variety of ways. For example, sales teams use it to time follow-up emails better, or to prioritize hot leads—those who’ve opened the email multiple times or forwarded it. Marketing teams can segment audiences by location or device type. Even support teams can benefit by confirming if important instructions or updates were seen.
“Technology is best when it makes life easier. Pixel+ does just that for your email strategy.”
It’s also worth noting that Pixel+ is privacy-conscious. While it gathers helpful metadata, it does so within legal and ethical boundaries. We never access the recipient’s inbox or personal data beyond what is necessary for functionality. So if you're starting your journey with email tracking, Pixel+ makes it easy, safe, and powerful.