If your B2B sales emails are starting to feel like they’re vanishing into the void, you’re not alone. Buyers get hit with so much noise, most sales outreach gets ignored. This guide is for sales teams, SDRs, and anyone trying to get replies out of Salesforce without feeling like they’re begging for attention. We’ll cover how to use Hyperise to add real personalization—beyond “Hi {FirstName}”—to your sales process, and how to actually make it work. No magic bullets, but plenty of practical steps.
Why Personalization Actually Matters (and Where Most People Get It Wrong)
Personalization isn’t about putting someone’s logo on a stock photo or swapping out first names. It’s about making your prospect feel like you actually did your homework. The problem? Most “personalized” emails look and feel automated, because they are.
Hyperise promises to help by letting you create images and even video with dynamic elements (like company names, profile pictures, etc.). But here’s the thing: it’s only effective if you use it thoughtfully.
When it works: - The prospect feels like you specifically reached out to them. - The personalization is relevant to their company, role, or pain point. - The pitch arrives at the right time.
When it flops: - The image or message screams “this is a mail merge.” - You overdo it and come off as creepy. - The sales pitch is generic, no matter how slick the visuals.
The Basics: What You Need
Here’s what you’ll need to get going:
- A Salesforce account with permissions to manage leads/contacts.
- A Hyperise account and at least one image template set up.
- Access to your outbound sales tool (could be Salesforce, Outreach, Salesloft, or plain old email).
- Some basic knowledge of how your data is structured in Salesforce.
Step 1: Set Up Your Hyperise Image Templates
First things first: log in to Hyperise and create an image or GIF you want to use in your outreach. Think about something that’ll catch the eye, but not cross the line into cheesy.
Tips for Effective Images
- Keep it simple. A coffee cup with their name? Sure. A complicated infographic? Not so much.
- Use their company logo sparingly. It’s a nice touch, but don’t make it the whole message.
- Preview with real data. Always test with actual company names and logos from your CRM—what looks good in theory can get mangled with the wrong inputs.
Pro tip: Avoid anything that looks like it came from a meme generator. Subtle is better.
Step 2: Connect Hyperise to Salesforce
The easiest way is via a direct integration, but you can also use tools like Zapier if you need more flexibility. Here’s how to set it up:
2.1. Get Your Hyperise Dynamic Image URL
- In Hyperise, open your image template.
- Click “Add Integration” and choose Salesforce.
- You’ll get a dynamic image URL, stuffed with placeholders like
{FirstName}or{Company}.
2.2. Map Fields Carefully
- Make sure the placeholders in your Hyperise URL match the Salesforce field names exactly.
- For example, use
{FirstName}if your Salesforce field is “FirstName.” - Test with actual data to make sure it pulls correctly—nothing kills trust faster than “Hi {FirstName}.”
2.3. Add the Image to Your Salesforce Email Templates
- Edit your Salesforce email template (or create a new one).
- Paste the dynamic image URL where you want it in the email body, using the “Insert Image” option.
- Double check that the image renders correctly in preview mode.
Heads up: Some email clients block images by default. Always include a text version of your message that stands on its own.
Step 3: Segment Your Audience (Don’t Skip This)
Personalization works best when it’s specific. Instead of blasting your entire lead list, segment your audience:
- By industry
- By job role (e.g., CMO vs. CTO)
- By company size
Then, tweak your image or message for each segment. The more tailored, the better your odds.
What to ignore: Don’t waste time making 50 different images for every tiny segment. Pick the 2–3 biggest, most promising buckets and start there.
Step 4: Craft Your Message (and Don’t Rely on Images Alone)
An image might get someone’s attention, but it’s your text that gets replies. Keep these principles in mind:
- Get to the point. What’s in it for them?
- Make the ask clear. Don’t make them guess what you want.
- Keep it short. If your email looks like a novel, it’s getting archived.
Sample email structure:
Subject: Quick idea for [CompanyName]
Hi {FirstName},
Saw you’re leading [Department] at [CompanyName]—thought this (see below) might make you smile.
[Dynamic Hyperise image here]
If you’re open, I’d love to show you how we’re helping similar teams cut their onboarding time in half. Worth a 10-minute chat next week?
Step 5: Test, Send, and Actually Measure Results
Don’t just fire and forget. Here’s how to keep it honest:
- Run an A/B test. Send half your list the Hyperise image, half a standard template. Compare open and reply rates.
- Look for real replies, not just opens. Opens are vanity metrics. Track meetings booked or conversations started.
- Iterate. If you’re not seeing results, change up the image, the segment, or the message. Don’t assume it works just because it’s “personalized.”
What Works (and What Doesn’t): Lessons From the Field
Works: - Using company-specific visuals for high-value (tier 1) prospects. - Following up with a real, human reply after the first touch. - Keeping images fun but professional—think “thoughtful,” not “desperate.”
Doesn’t work: - Blasting generic images to everyone on your list and hoping for magic. - Overdesigning visuals. Remember, most people are reading on mobile. - Relying on automation to “fake” personalization—people can tell.
Ignore the hype: There are no secret shortcuts. If your product or offer is weak, no image will save it. Use personalization to open the door, but have something real to say.
Common Pitfalls and How to Dodge Them
- Broken merge fields: Double-check your field mappings, or you’ll end up with “Hi {FirstName}”—an instant credibility killer.
- Image loading issues: Some companies block images. Make sure your email still makes sense without the visual.
- Compliance headaches: Don’t forget GDPR/CCPA if you’re using personal data. If you’re at a big company, check with legal before you start.
Quick Checklist
- [ ] Hyperise image template created and tested
- [ ] Salesforce field mappings set up correctly
- [ ] Email templates updated with dynamic images
- [ ] Segments defined (not just blasting everyone)
- [ ] Real A/B testing plan in place
Keep It Simple (and Keep Improving)
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Start with one or two personalized images in your Salesforce outreach, test honestly, and see what actually moves the needle. If you’re seeing better replies, great—double down. If not, tweak your approach. The best results usually come from a mix of decent tech and real, human sales instincts.
Don’t get distracted by shiny tools or overcomplicated workflows. Focus on what your prospects care about, keep your outreach genuine, and treat personalization as a tool—not a crutch.