A variety of tools and strategies are available for inbox placement testing. Commercial tools like GlockApps, Everest/Validity, MailMonitor, and Litmus offer comprehensive analyses, while Mailtrap and ZeroBounce focus on server health and list hygiene. Free options such as mail-tester.com and manual checks are also suggested. Experts emphasize monitoring blocklist status, engaging with feedback loops, and using dedicated IPs. Seed list testing is a common method, but combining it with real user engagement data is crucial, as seed lists don't fully mimic user behavior. Maintaining a strong sender reputation, proper authentication, and following Gmail's guidelines are essential for optimal inbox placement.
15 marketer opinions
Various tools and strategies exist for inbox placement testing. Popular tools like GlockApps, Everest/Validity, MailMonitor, and Litmus offer comprehensive analyses of deliverability, spam filter triggers, and rendering issues. Mailtrap and ZeroBounce focus on server health, email list validation, and sender reputation. Community insights suggest combining free tools like mail-tester.com with paid services for a balanced approach, along with manual checks and in-house seed lists to understand user-specific interactions. Maintaining a strong IP reputation, using DKIM, and monitoring Google Postmaster Tools are also recommended.
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that inbox testing can provide incomplete intelligence into actual on-the-ground performance and that seed list test results are just 'food for thought' as they don't factor in the 'second filter', which is how your own subscribers are engaging with your email historically. He finds them helpful to see how a global/general filter treats your email.
26 Oct 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view
Email marketer from Litmus Blog emphasizes that Litmus offers email testing and tracking features to monitor inbox placement, including identifying spam filter triggers and rendering issues across different email clients.
29 Jan 2022 - Litmus Blog
2 expert opinions
Experts emphasize proactive deliverability management for optimal inbox placement. Monitoring blocklist status, using dedicated IPs, and engaging with ISP feedback loops are crucial. It's essential to supplement seed list testing with real user engagement data, as seed lists alone don't fully represent user behavior.
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise (Laura Atkins) shares the caveat about using seedlists in that they don't fully mimic real users. Recommending combining seed list testing with real user engagement data to get a better picture of deliverability.
3 Jun 2022 - Word to the Wise
Expert view
Expert from Spamresource explains that consistently monitoring blocklist status, using a dedicated IP address, and engaging with feedback loops from ISPs are all critical components for identifying and addressing deliverability issues that can impact inbox placement. They stress the importance of a proactive approach to maintain a positive sender reputation.
4 Aug 2024 - Spamresource
4 technical articles
Email service provider documentation highlights the importance of inbox placement testing. Seed lists are a common method to check deliverability across various providers. Tools like GlockApps and Litmus are suggested for assessing rates and identifying issues. Feedback loops, authentication protocols, and continuous monitoring are essential for high inbox placement. Google Postmaster Tools can help diagnose deliverability issues specifically for Gmail users, emphasizing the need to follow Gmail's guidelines.
Technical article
Documentation from SparkPost Resources recommends using seed list testing in conjunction with feedback loops and authentication protocols to ensure high inbox placement rates, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring and adjustments.
18 Dec 2023 - SparkPost Resources
Technical article
Documentation from SendGrid Docs outlines the importance of inbox placement testing and suggests tools like GlockApps and Litmus for assessing deliverability rates and identifying potential issues.
22 Jun 2023 - SendGrid Docs
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