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Facebook Tracking Pixels in Emails

Lawrence Bonk Profile image

Written by:

Lawrence Bonk
Updated January 6, 2023

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If you are new to the world of web surfing, you may wonder about Facebook tracking pixels in emails. Many of the best websites and online shopping platforms use tracking pixels which could impact consumer privacy in addition to slowing down the browsing experience. So what are tracking pixels, what does Facebook have to do with them, and are these pixels stored in emails? Keep reading to find out.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Pixel tracking is a practice by which online retailers and advertisers track your online behavior to create targeted advertisements and site conversions.
  • This type of pixel code or image is minuscule, though it successfully keeps an eye on nearly every aspect of your digital life, like Google Analytics.
  • Facebook even sends this pixel functionality to your email address for a more robust dataset when crafting personalized ads.

You can also read up on what an Amazon tracking pixel is, learn how you can retarget using Facebook pixels or how the CCPA treats email addresses, how to recognize email fraud, and figure out the difference between a Facebook pixel and Google Analytics.

Insider Tip

Using a VPN will not stop this type of pixel, but a dedicated privacy-focused browser like Tor will have an impact.

What are Tracking Pixels?

Before you learn all about Facebook’s pixel tracking practices in regard to emails, you need to learn about the concept in the first place. Simply put, tracking pixels are marketing and advertising tools that embed a tiny 1×1 pixel graphic to track user behavior, various site conversions, ad conversions, web traffic, and a whole lot of other metrics related to online sales. They are similar to cookies, but the emphasis here is on tracking, advertising, and marketing, whereas cookies streamline web browsing.

These pixels are typically embedded in just about every aspect of online life, from banner ads to emails (of course) and beyond. A Facebook tracking pixel is issued by the social media giant to track how well-targeted ads are doing both on and outside of the platform.

Does Facebook Use Pixel Tracking?

Yes, Facebook, Amazon, and just about any other website or service with a vested interest in selling you things have adopted this practice. As a matter of fact, Facebook is one of the most notorious users of this type of pixel, which certainly gets in the way of online privacy.

Does Facebook Use Email Pixel Tracking?

Beyond garden variety pixel tracking, Facebook also engages in email tracking. What does this mean exactly? The pixel scans your emails for target keyboards and adapts advertisements and marketing materials accordingly. Haven’t you ever read an email about mattresses and then started receiving targeted mattress ads? This is why.

How to Disable These Pixels

These pixels are fairly stubborn and are slightly more difficult to eliminate than traditional cookies. Start with clearing your browser’s cache completely via the settings menu or privacy settings. Next up, download, install, and run a dedicated piece of software that helps erase any lingering pixels. Some regular anti-virus software suites can handle this task.

STAT: Email campaigns have been and continue to be instrumental to the success of digital marketing. (source)

Facebook Tracking FAQs

What’s a remarketing pixel in email?

This is basically the same thing as a standard marketing pixel, as it works to draw in potential customers.

What else should you keep in mind about pixel tracking in relation to marketing?

From a marketing perspective, pixels only work with the correct audience of people to create a conversion event. Browser extensions can eliminate the use of these pixels, as can masking your IP address.

How do I know if my email has a tracking pixel?

You won’t know if your email has been impacted by pixel code until you run dedicated software that keeps an eye on the practice. These tools are the bane of online marketing executives, as they impact conversion rates.
Lawrence Bonk Profile image
Lawrence Bonk
Lawrence Bonk is a copywriter with a decade of experience in the tech space, with columns appearing in Engadget, Huffington Post and CBS, among others. He has a cat named Cinnamon.