When it comes to retail, nothing says "buy me now" like a picture of that irresistible item … unless that irresistible picture can't even be seen. So how can e-tailers get around this?

The best way is to make sure that your product thumbnail stands alone, and the information on how to buy does too. Encapsulate your item, description and pricing info -- along with your call-to-action and purchase links -- in a text form that makes sense with or without the image.

As always, the preview pane is an opportunity to get to the point. Put your call to action, discount codes and other incentives above the fold, as well as a direct link to your landing page or store.

Quickly give them a reason to buy