Summary
Verifying List-Unsubscribe header configuration involves several techniques. Experts recommend tools like aboutmy.email, viewing email source code for 'List-Unsubscribe:', and noting that a Gmail unsubscribe link suggests valid headers but isn't definitive. RFC8058 is essential for one-click unsubscribe implementation. Marketers stress that implementing List-Unsubscribe improves deliverability, sender reputation, and ISP relations. Google and Microsoft documentation highlight the header's purpose and processing. RFC standards detail its syntax and implementation. Integrating DKIM, SPF, and DMARC records is also crucial for deliverability.
Key findings
- Verification Tools: aboutmy.email and similar tools can check for List-Unsubscribe headers.
- Source Code Inspection: Email source code should be checked for 'List-Unsubscribe:' header.
- Gmail Link Indicator: Gmail unsubscribe link indicates headers but isn't always reliable.
- RFC8058 for One-Click: RFC8058 enables one-click unsubscribe functionality.
- Positive Impact: List-Unsubscribe improves deliverability and sender reputation.
- ISP Relationship: Adding a List-Unsubscribe header shows that you care about recipients preferences.
- Multiple Authentication Methods: DKIM, SPF and DMARC alongside List-Unsubscribe also help deliverability.
Key considerations
- Comprehensive Verification: Use a combination of tools, source code inspection, and Gmail checks for thorough verification.
- Implement One-Click: Implement List-Unsubscribe-Post for one-click unsubscribe to enhance user experience.
- Comply with Standards: Adhere to RFC standards for List-Unsubscribe implementation.
- Complaint Monitoring: Ensure you handle complaints in a timely matter as too many complaints can have a knock on effect on deliverability.
- Overall Authentication: Implement DKIM, SPF and DMARC alongside the list unsubscribe headers.
What email marketers say
11 marketer opinions
Verifying the correct configuration of List-Unsubscribe headers in your company's emails involves several methods. Examining the email's source code for the 'List-Unsubscribe:' header is a primary step. Tools like Mail-Tester and aboutmy.email can also be used to analyze email headers and validate the header's presence and format. The presence of an unsubscribe link in Gmail indicates valid headers, but checking the raw source is necessary for complete verification. RFC8058 is important for enabling one-click unsubscribe. Implementing List-Unsubscribe headers, especially with the List-Unsubscribe-Post option for one-click functionality, is crucial for improving email deliverability, sender reputation, and compliance with anti-spam regulations. Setting up List-Unsubscribe correctly signals to ISPs that you respect recipient preferences.
Key opinions
- Header Verification: Check email source code for 'List-Unsubscribe:' header.
- Gmail Indicator: Unsubscribe link in Gmail suggests valid headers, but raw source verification is needed.
- RFC8058 Importance: Implementing RFC8058 enables one-click unsubscribe functionality.
- Deliverability Boost: List-Unsubscribe headers improve email deliverability and sender reputation.
- ISP Signal: Properly configured headers signal respect for recipient preferences to ISPs.
Key considerations
- Multiple Methods: Use multiple verification methods (source code, online tools, Gmail indicators) for thorough checks.
- One-Click Unsubscribe: Consider implementing List-Unsubscribe-Post for one-click unsubscribe to improve user experience.
- Anti-Spam Compliance: Ensure compliance with anti-spam regulations by correctly configuring List-Unsubscribe headers.
- Reputation Monitoring: Monitor unsubscribe rates and feedback loops to maintain a positive sender reputation.
- Tool Usage: Utilize tools like Mail-Tester and aboutmy.email to validate header presence and format.
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks shares to always confirm with headers as Gmail picks up on stuff from the email to enhance the UI experience. Using List-Unsub and post ensures Gmail is using the right thing and that you meet the requirements to offer one-click.
26 Sep 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view
Email marketer from Litmus provides a detailed guide on implementing List-Unsubscribe headers. The guide covers the different types of List-Unsubscribe options, including mailto and one-click unsubscribe. Also, the article provides code snippets and advice on testing the implementation.
7 Oct 2024 - Litmus
What the experts say
5 expert opinions
To verify List-Unsubscribe headers, experts recommend using tools like aboutmy.email or viewing the email's source code for the 'List-Unsubscribe:' header. If Gmail shows an unsubscribe link, it suggests the headers are present, but this isn't always reliable. List-Unsubscribe implementation is critical as email providers may add their own if missing, and the number of complaints affects deliverability.
Key opinions
- Verification Tools: Tools like aboutmy.email are useful for checking List-Unsubscribe headers.
- Source Code Check: Viewing email source code and searching for 'List-Unsubscribe:' header is a reliable method.
- Gmail Inconsistency: The presence of an unsubscribe link in Gmail is not a definitive indicator.
- Complaints Affect Deliverability: The number of complaints has a knock on effect on deliverability.
Key considerations
- Tool Reliability: Rely on dedicated tools and source code analysis for accurate verification, rather than solely on Gmail's display.
- Implementation Importance: Prioritize List-Unsubscribe implementation to prevent providers from adding their own and to manage complaints.
- Proactive Implementation: Implement List-Unsubscribe proactively, as email providers may add their own, and high complaint rates can negatively impact deliverability.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks shares that using aboutmy.email is a good way to check if a List-Unsubscribe header and List-Unsubscribe-Post header are present.
5 Jul 2021 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource explains that to check for a List-Unsubscribe header, you can view the email's source code and look for the 'List-Unsubscribe:' header. You can also use online tools that analyze email headers.
29 Aug 2023 - Spam Resource
What the documentation says
5 technical articles
Documentation emphasizes the importance of List-Unsubscribe headers for easy unsubscribing and better email management. Google recommends including both mailto: and URL options for best compatibility. Exchange Online automatically processes these headers for Outlook users. The original RFC standard outlines the header's purpose and syntax, while RFC 8058 details one-click unsubscribe implementation with List-Unsubscribe-Post. DKIM, SPF, and DMARC records also contribute to email deliverability alongside List-Unsubscribe headers.
Key findings
- Google Recommendation: Include both mailto: and URL options in List-Unsubscribe header for compatibility.
- Exchange Online Processing: Exchange Online automatically processes List-Unsubscribe headers for Outlook users.
- RFC Standard: RFC outlines the purpose and syntax of List-Unsubscribe headers.
- One-Click Unsubscribe (RFC 8058): RFC 8058 details one-click unsubscribe implementation with List-Unsubscribe-Post.
- Additional Authentication: DKIM, SPF, and DMARC records also help with deliverability.
Key considerations
- Comprehensive Approach: Use List-Unsubscribe headers in conjunction with DKIM, SPF, and DMARC for optimal email deliverability.
- Compliance with Standards: Adhere to RFC standards for List-Unsubscribe implementation to ensure compatibility.
- User Experience: Consider implementing one-click unsubscribe for improved user experience and sender reputation.
- Double Check Configuration: Ensure that headers are configured correctly for both Google and Microsoft email clients.
Technical article
Documentation from RFC Editor details how to implement one-click unsubscribe functionality with the List-Unsubscribe-Post header, improving user experience and sender reputation. The document describes how the header should be constructed.
11 Jan 2024 - RFC Editor
Technical article
Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help explains that the List-Unsubscribe header allows users to easily unsubscribe from mailing lists. It specifies the format and requirements for including the header, including both mailto: and URL options. Google recommends including both for best compatibility.
23 Dec 2021 - Google Workspace Admin Help
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