Creepy Link vs Email Tracking: Which One Should You Use?
They both tell you when someone engages, but they work in fundamentally different ways.
If you want to know if someone read your message, you have two main options: Email Tracking Software (like Mailtrack or HubSpot) or a Creepy Link.
Both aim to solve the "black hole" communication problem, but they have different strengths, weaknesses, and reliability levels.
How Email Tracking Works
Email tracking usually inserts a tiny, invisible 1x1 pixel image into your email. When the recipient opens the email, their email client downloads this image, pinging the tracking server.
Pros:
- Invisible to the user (mostly).
- Tracks "opens" even if no link is clicked.
Cons:
- Unreliable: Many modern email clients (like Apple Mail and Gmail) now block these tracking pixels by default or pre-load images, causing false positives or missed opens.
- Spam Filters: Emails with tracking pixels are more likely to land in the Spam/Promotions folder.
How Creepy Links Work
A creepy link tracks the click, not the email open. It is a visible call-to-action.
Pros:
- 100% Interest Signal: An open email might just be accidental. A clicked link is an intentional action. It shows genuine interest.
- Reliable: Redirects cannot be blocked by image blockers. If they visit the page, you get the signal.
- Platform Agnostic: Works in SMS, WhatsApp, LinkedIn DMs, and any other platform, not just email.
Which is Better?
Use Email Tracking When:
You are sending mass newsletters and need broad "open rate" benchmarks, and accuracy isn't critical.
Use Creepy Links When:
You are in high-stakes, 1-to-1 communication (Sales, Hiring, Freelancing). You need a definitive confirmation that the recipient has engaged with your content.
In summary: Email tracking measures delivery. Creepy links measure intent.