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How does Gmail's compliance status dashboard aggregate spam rate data for root domains and subdomains?

Summary

Gmail's compliance status dashboard primarily aggregates spam rate data at the root domain level, although Google Postmaster Tools (GPT) might offer more granular views, potentially including subdomain-level information. Strategically using subdomains is crucial for isolating reputation issues, segmenting email types (transactional vs. marketing), and safeguarding the primary domain's reputation. While subdomains possess individual reputations, the root domain's overall reputation still influences their deliverability. Proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) for each subdomain is essential, and continuous monitoring of deliverability metrics for both root domains and subdomains helps identify and resolve issues promptly. Using dedicated IP addresses for different subdomains provides more granular control over sending reputation, and warming up subdomains gradually enhances deliverability rates. Mailbox providers evaluate sender reputation based on various factors across both root domains and subdomains, and understanding the specific policies of each provider is important.

Key findings

  • Root Domain Focus: Gmail's compliance dashboard mainly aggregates spam rate data at the root domain level.
  • Subdomain Strategy: Strategic use of subdomains isolates reputation issues and segments email traffic.
  • Authentication Importance: Proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) for each subdomain is critical for deliverability.
  • Reputation Interdependence: Subdomain reputation is influenced by the root domain's reputation.
  • GPT Granularity Potential: Google Postmaster Tools (GPT) might provide more granular subdomain-level data.

Key considerations

  • Proactive Monitoring: Continuously monitor deliverability metrics for both root domains and subdomains.
  • Dedicated IPs: Consider dedicated IP addresses for subdomains to enhance reputation control.
  • Subdomain Warm-up: Gradually warm up subdomains to improve deliverability rates.
  • Provider Policies: Understand and adhere to the specific email provider's policies regarding subdomains.
  • Domain SetUp: Ensure domain authentication and proper setup including all domain and subdomain authentication.

What email marketers say

11 marketer opinions

Gmail's compliance status dashboard aggregates spam rate data primarily at the root domain level. However, Google Postmaster Tools (GPT) may offer more granular views, including subdomain-level data, depending on the version. Using subdomains strategically can help isolate reputation issues, especially when segmenting different email types (transactional vs. marketing). Dedicated IP addresses enhance control over subdomain reputation. While subdomains possess independent reputations, the root domain's reputation still influences deliverability. Continuous monitoring of both root domains and subdomains is crucial for identifying and mitigating deliverability problems.

Key opinions

  • Root Domain Aggregation: Gmail's compliance dashboard mainly displays spam rate data aggregated at the root domain level.
  • GPT Granularity: Google Postmaster Tools (GPT) may provide subdomain-level data, allowing for more granular monitoring.
  • Subdomain Isolation: Using subdomains can help isolate deliverability issues, preventing a negative reputation on one subdomain from affecting others.
  • Reputation Influence: While subdomains have individual reputations, the root domain's reputation can still impact subdomain deliverability.

Key considerations

  • Strategic Subdomains: Use subdomains to segment email types (transactional, marketing) to protect the primary domain's reputation.
  • Dedicated IPs: Consider using dedicated IP addresses for different subdomains for enhanced reputation control.
  • Continuous Monitoring: Regularly monitor deliverability metrics for both root domains and subdomains to identify and address issues promptly.
  • Warming Up Subdomains: Warming up subdomains helps build a positive sending reputation over time, improving deliverability rates.

Marketer view

Email marketer from GMass explains how warming up subdomains helps build a positive sending reputation over time, improving deliverability rates and preventing emails from landing in the spam folder.

2 Feb 2024 - GMass

Marketer view

Email marketer from Neil Patel Digital shares that using subdomains can help isolate deliverability issues. If one subdomain has a poor sending reputation, it won't necessarily impact the reputation of the root domain or other subdomains.

13 May 2023 - Neil Patel Digital

What the experts say

2 expert opinions

Experts emphasize the importance of using subdomains strategically to separate email traffic types and isolate reputation issues. Proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is critical for each subdomain. Monitoring the sending reputation for both the root domain and subdomains is essential for maintaining deliverability. Different providers may have varying policies regarding subdomains, necessitating an understanding of each provider's specific guidelines.

Key opinions

  • Strategic Subdomains: Using subdomains effectively separates different types of email traffic, such as marketing and transactional emails.
  • Authentication is Key: Properly configuring authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) for each subdomain is crucial.
  • Reputation Monitoring: Monitoring the sending reputation of both the root domain and subdomains is essential for maintaining good deliverability.

Key considerations

  • Provider Policies: Understand and adhere to the specific policies of each email provider regarding subdomains, as they may vary.
  • Domain Setup: Ensure a proper domain setup to include domain authetication.

Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise, Laura Atkins, explains that proper domain setup including authentication, and monitoring of sending reputation for both the root domain and any subdomains is critical for maintain deliverability. She also mentions that some providers may treat subdomains differently, so it's essential to understand the specific policies of each provider.

21 Apr 2023 - Word to the Wise

Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource, John Levine, explains that using subdomains can be a good strategy for separating different types of email traffic (e.g., marketing vs. transactional) and isolating reputation issues. However, it's crucial to properly configure authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) for each subdomain.

2 Aug 2023 - Spam Resource

What the documentation says

5 technical articles

Official documentation clarifies that Gmail's Compliance status dashboard aggregates spam rate data at the root domain level, not subdomains. While subdomains can have independent reputations, a significantly damaged root domain reputation can negatively affect them. Each subdomain requires its own SPF record for authentication, and DKIM signatures can be configured independently per subdomain. DMARC policies can be applied to both root domains and subdomains, offering granular control over email authentication enforcement.

Key findings

  • Root Domain Aggregation (Gmail): Gmail's Compliance dashboard displays spam data at the root domain level.
  • Root Domain Impact: A damaged root domain reputation can negatively impact subdomains.
  • Individual SPF Records: Each subdomain requires its own SPF record for proper authentication.
  • DKIM Configuration: DKIM signatures can be configured independently for each subdomain.
  • DMARC Flexibility: DMARC policies apply to both root domains and subdomains.

Key considerations

  • Monitor Root Domain: Keep a close watch on the root domain reputation due to its influence on subdomains.
  • Implement SPF: Ensure each subdomain has a properly configured SPF record.
  • Customize DKIM: Tailor DKIM signatures for each subdomain based on its sending sources and policies.
  • Enforce DMARC: Establish and enforce DMARC policies at both the root domain and subdomain levels.

Technical article

Documentation from DMARC.org specifies that Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance (DMARC) policies can be applied to both root domains and subdomains, allowing for granular control over email authentication enforcement.

31 Dec 2023 - DMARC.org

Technical article

Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help explains that the Compliance status dashboard data applies to primary domains only, not to subdomains. This means spam rate data displayed in the dashboard is aggregated at the root domain level.

27 Oct 2021 - Google Workspace Admin Help

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