Summary
A multitude of tools and practices are available for optimizing email inbox testing and deliverability for both B2B and B2C communications. Key tools include dedicated platforms like Inbox Monster, Validity, Email Oversight, Email Consul, GlockApps, Litmus, Mail-Tester, and Everest. ESPs such as Sendinblue, Mailjet, and Mailchimp also offer relevant features. Additional strategies include seed list testing, email warm-up (e.g., using GMass), monitoring sender reputation using Sender Score and Return Path, manual testing with free email accounts, A/B testing, setting up feedback loops, checking IP health with senderscore.org, and implementing email authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC). Resources such as Microsoft Sender Support and ReturnPath certification are also recommended.
Key findings
- Diverse Toolset: A wide range of tools and services are available for email deliverability testing and improvement.
- Strategic Approaches: Effective strategies include seed list testing, sender reputation monitoring, and email authentication.
- Manual & Automated Testing: Combining manual testing with free email accounts and automated testing tools provides comprehensive insights.
- Authentication Importance: Implementing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is critical for sender reputation and inbox placement.
- Feedback Loop Setup: Setting up feedback loops helps for monitoring deliverability.
Key considerations
- Tool Selection: Choose tools that align with specific B2B and B2C needs, considering factors like budget and integration.
- List Hygiene: Maintain a clean and engaged email list to improve sender reputation.
- Authentication Validation: Regularly validate SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records to ensure proper configuration.
- Holistic Approach: Employ a combination of tools and strategies for a holistic approach to email deliverability.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Monitor results and authentication status regularly.
- IP Health Checks: Check IP health using tools like senderscore.org
What email marketers say
16 marketer opinions
Multiple tools and strategies are recommended for email inbox testing across B2B and B2C scenarios. These encompass dedicated platforms like Inbox Monster, Validity, Email Oversight, Email Consul, GlockApps, Litmus, and Mail-Tester, as well as email service providers (ESPs) such as Sendinblue, Mailjet, and Mailchimp. Furthermore, techniques like seed list testing, email warm-up using tools such as GMass, monitoring sender reputation with Sender Score and Return Path, A/B testing, and manual testing with freemail accounts (Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo) are advised. Validating email health with senderscore.org and implementing authentication protocols such as SPF, DKIM and DMARC were also suggestions. The Everest platform from Validity is another potential product. Feedback loops should also be setup.
Key opinions
- Tool Variety: A wide array of tools exists for inbox testing, ranging from dedicated platforms to ESP features.
- B2B vs. B2C: Some tools are more focused on B2B (e.g., Inbox Monster, Validity), while others are versatile for both B2B and B2C (e.g., GlockApps, Litmus).
- Seed Testing: Seed list testing remains a crucial method for identifying inbox placement issues.
- Sender Reputation: Monitoring sender reputation is essential for maintaining high deliverability.
- Authentication: Setting up authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) improves inbox placement.
- Email Warmup: Gradually increasing sending volume and establishing a positive sender reputation can be done through email warm-up tools.
- Everest Platform: Everest platform allows monitoring inbox placement, sender reputation, and engagement metrics.
Key considerations
- Testing Scope: Determine the appropriate tools and strategies based on the specific needs of B2B and B2C email campaigns.
- Budget: Consider the cost of different tools and platforms, as some may be more expensive than others.
- Integration: Ensure chosen tools integrate well with existing email marketing infrastructure.
- Manual Testing: Supplement automated testing with manual checks using freemail accounts to gain a comprehensive view of deliverability.
- Feedback Loops: Setting up feedback loops allow monitoring of your deliverability.
- IP Health: Check your IP health using senderscore.org to confirm if your IPs are on any blocklists.
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks recommends Email Oversight as a tool for inbox testing.
23 Jul 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view
Email marketer from EmailToolTester suggests utilizing tools like Mail-Tester, GlockApps, and Litmus to test email deliverability and rendering across different email clients and devices for both B2B and B2C campaigns.
31 Oct 2024 - EmailToolTester
What the experts say
2 expert opinions
To determine the effectiveness of email campaigns and address potential issues, seed list testing can identify inbox placement rates across different providers. Further protection can be obtained by setting up email authentication protocols such as SPF, DKIM, and DMARC which help protect the sender's reputation and increase inbox placement rates for both B2B and B2C communications.
Key opinions
- Seed List Testing: Seed list testing is a reliable method for understanding inbox placement rates and identifying deliverability problems.
- Email Authentication: Proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is crucial for protecting sender reputation and ensuring emails reach the inbox.
Key considerations
- Target Audience: When using seed lists, ensure they accurately reflect the target audience to receive accurate placement data.
- Authentication Setup: Properly configure and validate SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records to ensure they are functioning correctly.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Regularly monitor seed list results and authentication status to identify and address any deliverability issues promptly.
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise responds that setting up proper authentication, like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, helps to protect your reputation and improve inbox placement.
9 Dec 2024 - Word to the Wise
Expert view
Expert from Spamresource explains that seed list testing helps in identifying inbox placement rates and potential deliverability issues across different mailbox providers for both B2B and B2C.
12 Jun 2024 - Spamresource
What the documentation says
5 technical articles
Key strategies to enhance email deliverability for B2B and B2C communications include continuous monitoring of inbox placement, analyzing sender reputation, implementing best practices for email authentication (SPF, DKIM) and list management, and utilizing tools like GlockApps for placement testing across ISPs and spam filters. Microsoft's Sender Support services and ReturnPath certification are also beneficial resources.
Key findings
- Inbox Placement Monitoring: Monitoring inbox placement is crucial for understanding and improving deliverability rates.
- Sender Reputation: Analyzing and maintaining a positive sender reputation is essential for ensuring emails reach the inbox.
- Email Authentication: Implementing SPF and DKIM helps verify the sending server and improve deliverability.
- GlockApps: GlockApps is a tool that helps test email placement across various ISPs and spam filters.
- Microsoft Sender Support: Microsoft provides sender support services to assist in improving deliverability.
- ReturnPath Certification: ReturnPath certification provides deliverability benefits and can boost inbox placement.
Key considerations
- Tool Selection: Choose inbox placement monitoring tools that align with the specific needs of B2B and B2C campaigns.
- List Management: Maintain a clean and engaged email list to improve sender reputation.
- Authentication Validation: Regularly validate SPF and DKIM records to ensure they are properly configured and functioning.
- Service Utilization: Leverage resources like Microsoft Sender Support to address deliverability issues.
- Certification Benefits: Explore the benefits of ReturnPath certification to enhance inbox placement.
Technical article
Documentation from GlockApps details how their platform allows users to test email placement across various ISPs and spam filters, providing insights into deliverability issues affecting both B2B and B2C communications.
23 Feb 2023 - GlockApps
Technical article
Documentation from RFC explains setting up authentication via SPF and DKIM to help improve deliverability by verifying the sending server.
20 Feb 2025 - RFC
Are inbox placement platforms a good strategy for email deliverability?
How accurate are email spam testing tools and what are the alternatives?
How accurate are seed lists for email deliverability testing?
How accurate are seedlists in deliverability platforms like Everest and Glockapps?
How can I accurately test and measure email deliverability and sender reputation?
Is Litmus pre-send spam testing sufficient for deliverability monitoring?
