Summary
The best inbox placement tools are diverse, ranging from dedicated platforms like GlockApps, Validity/250ok/Return Path, Everest, MailMonitor, Kickbox, InboxReady (Email on Acid), and Inbox Monster, to analytical tools like Mail-Tester. Seedlist testing is a common method for measuring deliverability, and sender reputation monitoring is crucial. Rendering emails correctly across different clients (Litmus) and adhering to email sending best practices (Microsoft, Google) are essential for improving inbox placement.
Key findings
- GlockApps: GlockApps is frequently cited for its comprehensive testing and reporting features.
- Validity (250ok/Return Path) & Everest: Validity's tools and Everest are recommended for inbox placement monitoring and sender reputation management.
- Seedlist Testing: Seedlist testing is a widely used method for measuring deliverability, with various tools available.
- Sender Reputation: Maintaining a good sender reputation is essential for achieving optimal inbox placement.
- Email Rendering: Proper email rendering and previewing across different clients and devices can improve deliverability.
- Best Practices: Following email sending best practices, as outlined by Microsoft and Google, is key to inbox placement.
Key considerations
- Tool Features: Evaluate tool features and choose those that align with specific needs for testing, monitoring, and reporting.
- Testing Approach: Consider whether seedlist testing or other testing methods are most appropriate for your email program.
- Reputation Management: Prioritize sender reputation monitoring and management as a continuous process.
- Client Compatibility: Ensure emails render correctly across various email clients and devices to avoid spam filters.
- Holistic Approach: Adopt a holistic approach that includes dedicated tools, best practices, and reputation monitoring for best results.
What email marketers say
10 marketer opinions
Several inbox placement tools are recommended, with GlockApps frequently mentioned for its comprehensive testing and reporting. Other tools include Inbox Monster, InboxReady (Email on Acid), MailMonitor, Mail-Tester, Validity (formerly 250ok and Return Path), and Everest. Litmus highlights the importance of email previewing for optimal rendering, and reputation monitoring tools like Sender Score are also suggested.
Key opinions
- GlockApps: GlockApps is repeatedly cited as a leading inbox placement tool, offering comprehensive deliverability testing and reporting across various ISPs.
- Variety of Tools: A diverse range of tools exists, each with unique features and strengths, catering to different needs and preferences.
- Importance of Rendering: Proper email rendering across different clients and devices is critical for avoiding spam flags and ensuring inbox placement.
- Reputation Monitoring: Maintaining a good sender reputation through tools like Sender Score is crucial for improving inbox placement.
Key considerations
- Specific Needs: The best tool depends on specific needs, such as the level of detail required in reporting or the focus on specific ISPs.
- Testing Approach: Consider whether seed list testing or other approaches are more suitable for your deliverability monitoring strategy.
- Email Preview: Prioritize email previewing and rendering checks as a fundamental aspect of inbox placement optimization.
- Reputation Management: Implement sender reputation monitoring and management as a continuous effort to safeguard inbox placement.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Word to the Wise suggests using Return Path's Sender Score (now Validity) for reputation monitoring, which can indirectly affect inbox placement, as well as tools like Everest.
12 Mar 2022 - Word to the Wise
Marketer view
Email marketer from Email Vendor Selection suggests using 250ok (now Validity) for inbox placement monitoring, emphasizing its comprehensive data and insights into email performance.
14 Apr 2025 - Email Vendor Selection
What the experts say
4 expert opinions
The answers highlight Kickbox as a favored inbox placement tool, noting its active development. Seedlist testing, employing tools like 250ok/Validity or GlockApps, is identified as a method for assessing deliverability and inbox placement. Furthermore, the use of Return Path's Sender Score (now Validity) and Everest for reputation monitoring is suggested as a way to indirectly improve inbox placement.
Key opinions
- Kickbox: Kickbox is favored and actively being developed.
- Seedlist Testing: Seedlist testing with tools like 250ok/Validity or GlockApps helps measure deliverability.
- Reputation Monitoring: Tools like Sender Score (Validity) and Everest contribute to better inbox placement through reputation monitoring.
Key considerations
- Tool Selection: Consider the tool's development status and active user base when choosing a solution.
- Testing Methodology: Decide whether seedlist testing aligns with your needs for assessing inbox placement.
- Holistic Approach: Adopt a holistic approach that includes both direct testing and reputation monitoring to improve inbox placement.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks responds that Kickbox is live and has active users, with ongoing development.
7 Feb 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks shares that his favorite inbox placement tool is Kickbox.
5 May 2023 - Email Geeks
What the documentation says
5 technical articles
Several resources detail tools and practices for improving inbox placement. Everest monitors inbox placement by showing where emails land. GlockApps uses seed testing to identify issues. Mail-Tester analyzes emails for factors like spam filters and authentication. Microsoft emphasizes sender reputation through authentication and avoiding spam. Google highlights best practices for bulk sending including authentication, list management and complaint handling to improve gmail inbox placement.
Key findings
- Everest Monitoring: Everest provides visibility into email placement across different mailbox providers.
- GlockApps Seed Testing: GlockApps employs seed testing to pinpoint inbox placement issues.
- Mail-Tester Analysis: Mail-Tester analyzes emails for deliverability factors such as spam filters and authentication.
- Sender Reputation: Maintaining a good sender reputation is key to inbox placement.
- Bulk Sending Best Practices: Following bulk sending best practices improves inbox placement for Gmail.
Key considerations
- Comprehensive Approach: Use a combination of monitoring, testing, and analysis tools for a comprehensive approach.
- Authentication Implementation: Implement SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to authenticate emails.
- List Management: Practice proper list management to avoid spam complaints.
- Proactive Monitoring: Proactively monitor email deliverability and inbox placement to identify and address issues quickly.
Technical article
Documentation from GlockApps details how their platform uses seed testing to identify inbox placement issues, spam filter triggers, and authentication problems affecting deliverability.
6 Sep 2022 - GlockApps
Technical article
Documentation from Google explains that following best practices for bulk email sending, including proper authentication, list management, and spam complaint handling, can improve inbox placement in Gmail.
16 Sep 2023 - Google
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