Tracking email traffic sources involves using both Google Postmaster Tools (GPT) and DMARC reports, each with its strengths and limitations. GPT offers insights into spam rate, reputation, and feedback loops, but does not provide granular data on specific email providers. DMARC reports aggregate data on authentication results, and while they don't directly show traffic sources, analyzing them can help infer where mail streams are coming from by examining sending IP addresses. Experts recommend checking DMARC records across domains and subdomains and using a generic mailbox for RUA/RUF tags. Third-party tools like Valimail, Dmarcian, and EasyDMARC are crucial for parsing and visualizing DMARC aggregate reports, which include data on email volume and DMARC disposition. Combining DMARC reports with feedback loops can offer further insights into traffic origin and authentication performance. It's also important to understand SPF records for email source authentication. Continuous DMARC monitoring is vital for maintaining deliverability and sender reputation, and it’s essential to recognize that DMARC reports are usually sent once a day, causing potential delays.
12 marketer opinions
Tracking email traffic sources using Google Postmaster Tools and DMARC reports involves leveraging the insights provided by these tools, although they offer different levels of granularity. Google Postmaster Tools provides an overview of sending reputation, spam rates, and other key metrics, but it doesn't directly reveal traffic sources by email provider. DMARC reports, on the other hand, aggregate data from recipient mail servers about authentication results, allowing you to identify the sending IP addresses and correlate them with email service providers (ESPs) or sending platforms. Analyzing DMARC aggregate reports requires setting up a mailbox for receiving XML reports and then utilizing DMARC reporting tools (like Valimail, Dmarcian, EasyDMARC) to parse and visualize the data. Continuous monitoring and analysis of DMARC reports help identify legitimate email sources, understand authentication rates, and take action to improve deliverability, prevent spoofing, and enhance sender reputation. Due to the complexity of XML reports, it is often recommended to use third-party tools rather than parsing them manually.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Valimail explains that Valimail's DMARC reporting solution provides a user-friendly interface to view and analyze DMARC data, which can help you understand the source of your email traffic, identify authentication issues, and prevent email spoofing.
24 Dec 2022 - Valimail
Marketer view
Email marketer from EmailToolTester shares that services like Valimail, Dmarcian, and EasyDMARC can process DMARC aggregate reports and present the data in an understandable format, enabling you to identify sending sources and authentication issues.
15 Aug 2021 - EmailToolTester
5 expert opinions
Experts suggest that tracking email traffic sources using Google Postmaster Tools and DMARC reports requires a nuanced approach. While Feedback-IDs can be utilized, the data granularity might not meet expectations. It's crucial to meticulously check DMARC records across domains and subdomains to prevent ESPs from hijacking reporting, which can create blind spots. For RUA/RUF tags, a generic mailbox is advised due to the public nature of the email. Though DMARC reports don't directly reveal traffic sources, analyzing aggregate data gives insight into authenticating sources; third-party tools are recommended. Combining DMARC aggregate reports with provider feedback loops offers broader insights into traffic origin, authentication performance, and potential abuse.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks suggests checking domains and subdomains for DMARC records, as some ESPs might hijack subdomain reporting, creating blind spots in the organization's domain reporting.
14 Nov 2021 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks recommends a generic mailbox for RUA/RUF tags since the email in these tags is public.
21 Sep 2021 - Email Geeks
4 technical articles
Documentation indicates that tracking email traffic sources using Google Postmaster Tools and DMARC reports involves understanding the data each tool provides. Google Postmaster Tools offers insights into spam rates, sender reputation, and feedback loops but does not directly identify specific email providers. DMARC reports aggregate data on authentication results, indicating if emails are authenticated correctly based on domain alignment rather than pinpointing specific providers. DMARC aggregate reports provide data on email volume and DMARC disposition (pass/fail), aiding in identifying potential sources and improving authentication. Understanding SPF records, although not directly tracking traffic sources, is essential for email source authentication and building a secure email environment as a component of DMARC.
Technical article
Documentation from Microsoft explains that understanding SPF records helps in authenticating email sources. While SPF doesn't directly track traffic sources, it's a component of DMARC and helps build a secure email environment.
8 Oct 2022 - Microsoft Documentation
Technical article
Documentation from DMARC.org explains that DMARC reports aggregate data from recipient mail servers about authentication results. These reports can indicate if your emails are being authenticated correctly, but they provide insights based on domain alignment rather than specific email provider traffic.
8 Sep 2023 - DMARC.org
Are DMARC RUA and RUF tags mandatory for compliance and what are their benefits?
Are there GDPR concerns related to IP addresses in DMARC reporting?
Can DMARC reports be sent without RUA or RUF addresses?
Can I monitor email reputation for B2B G-Suite domains using Google Postmaster Tools?
Can multiple users access Google Postmaster Tools for a single domain?
Do Yahoo and Gmail require DMARC authentication for senders?
Does Google Postmaster Tools (GPT) data include Google Workspace accounts, or only Gmail.com accounts?
How accurate is the spam data shown in the new Google Postmaster Tools and how can I get data to appear?
How can DMARC reports be enriched with user-level data for better domain enforcement?
How can I accurately monitor complaint rates for email marketing using Google Postmaster Tools, Yahoo FBL, and my ESP?