Summary
A variety of inbox tracking and email deliverability tools are available, including Inboxable, 250ok (Validity), GlockApps, MailMonitor, Litmus, Email on Acid, MXToolbox, and Mail-Tester.com. Some tools, like Inboxable, have known origins (Jason Warnock as a side project, then folded into Yesmail), while others are less clear. 250ok expanded its offerings by acquiring Return Path's data. Many sources list the functionalities of these tools, emphasizing features like inbox placement monitoring, rendering tests, and spam filter analysis. However, a common theme is the lack of detailed information regarding the historical development and origins of many of these tools. Habeas is mentioned as a predictive delivery tool. Yesmail's move to outsource email to Adobe and shift toward becoming an agency is also noted.
Key findings
- Diverse Toolset: A wide array of tools exist for inbox tracking and email deliverability, catering to different needs and functionalities.
- Limited Origin Info: Detailed historical information about the origins of many deliverability tools is scarce in general marketing materials and documentation.
- Functionality Focus: Most resources concentrate on the present-day capabilities and usage of these tools rather than their past development.
- 250ok Expansion: 250ok significantly broadened its capabilities through the acquisition of Return Path's competitive data product.
- Inboxable's History: Inboxable has a clear and traceable origin, being developed as a side project before joining Yesmail.
Key considerations
- Feature Alignment: Choose tools based on the specific features required for your email marketing efforts, such as rendering testing, spam analysis, or inbox placement monitoring.
- Historical Context: If understanding the origins and evolution of a tool is essential for your decision-making, additional research beyond standard marketing materials might be necessary.
- Vendor Stability: Consider the stability and long-term viability of a vendor, as illustrated by Yesmail's shift in focus and outsourcing its email operations.
- Tool Combinations: Explore combining multiple tools to gain a more comprehensive view of your email deliverability landscape.
What email marketers say
8 marketer opinions
Multiple email marketing and testing tools are available to track inbox placement and improve email deliverability. Popular tools include GlockApps, MailMonitor, 250ok (Validity), Sender Score, Litmus, Email on Acid, MXToolbox, and Mail-Tester.com. While these tools offer features for monitoring inbox placement, testing email rendering, checking blacklists, and analyzing spam-related errors, most sources do not provide detailed information about the origins or historical context of these tools. The primary focus is on how to use these tools to identify and resolve deliverability issues.
Key opinions
- Tool Variety: A wide range of tools exists for email deliverability monitoring, including GlockApps, Litmus, Email on Acid, and MXToolbox.
- Feature Focus: Most sources emphasize the functionalities and benefits of deliverability tools, such as inbox placement testing, spam filter analysis, and email rendering checks.
- Origin Gap: Information regarding the origins and historical development of these deliverability tools is generally lacking in the provided sources.
- Method Diversity: Tools utilize various methods, including seed lists, blacklist checks, and rendering previews, to assess and improve email deliverability.
Key considerations
- Tool Selection: Consider the specific needs of your email marketing campaigns when selecting a deliverability tool, such as inbox placement monitoring, rendering tests, or blacklist checks.
- Feature Prioritization: Focus on the features of deliverability tools that align with your goals, whether it's identifying spam triggers, testing email rendering across different clients, or monitoring inbox placement rates.
- Origin Research: If the history or origins of a specific tool are important to you, additional research beyond these sources may be necessary.
- Combined Approach: Consider using a combination of tools to gain a more comprehensive understanding of your email deliverability, such as MXToolbox for blacklist checks and GlockApps for inbox placement testing.
Marketer view
Email marketer from EmailToolTester reviews various email testing tools, including Litmus and Email on Acid. The focus is on testing email rendering and deliverability, but it does not go into the history or origins of these tools.
27 Jun 2024 - EmailToolTester
Marketer view
Email marketer from Stack Overflow suggests using a seed list approach with tools like GlockApps to determine inbox placement. Mentions that this approach involves sending emails to a list of test accounts at various ISPs and then analyzing where the emails land. Origins of GlockApps aren't covered.
22 Jul 2023 - Stack Overflow
What the experts say
9 expert opinions
Several inbox tracking tools and their origins are discussed. Inboxable was built by Jason Warnock and later integrated into Yesmail. Yesmail subsequently outsourced its email to Adobe and transitioned to an agency model. 250ok expanded its capabilities by acquiring Return Path's competitive data product and offers a tool for analyzing DMARC data. A variety of deliverability monitoring vendors are available, including 250ok/Validity, Litmus, and Email on Acid. Habeas is mentioned as a predictive delivery tool that facilitates automated whitelisting with ISPs. The future of GreenArrow and Send Forensics' delivery monitoring was uncertain, with indications they might discontinue the service.
Key opinions
- Inboxable Origins: Inboxable originated as a side project by Jason Warnock and was later acquired by Yesmail.
- Yesmail's Evolution: Yesmail outsourced its email services to Adobe and shifted its focus toward becoming an agency.
- 250ok Expansion: 250ok enhanced its data analysis capabilities by acquiring Return Path's competitive data product and offering a DMARC analysis tool.
- Vendor Landscape: A range of deliverability monitoring vendors exists, encompassing seed-based, panel-based, and reputation monitoring approaches.
- Habeas Functionality: Habeas offered a predictive delivery mechanism that enabled automated whitelisting with ISPs.
Key considerations
- Tool Selection Criteria: Consider the origin and evolution of inbox tracking tools, as acquisitions and strategic shifts can impact their features and support.
- Data Acquisition: Evaluate the breadth and depth of data offered by deliverability monitoring vendors, as this influences the insights they can provide.
- Monitoring Approach: Understand the different monitoring approaches (seed-based, panel-based, reputation-based) and select vendors that align with your specific needs.
- Emerging Technologies: Stay informed about emerging technologies and tools, such as Habeas, that aim to improve email deliverability through innovative mechanisms.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks knew Yesmail had outsourced mail to Adobe.
25 Nov 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that 250ok has a tool for looking at DMARC data, to give an overview of who is sending mail using your domain.
8 Jan 2024 - Word to the Wise
What the documentation says
4 technical articles
Several documentation sources highlight the importance of inbox placement monitoring and recommend tools like GlockApps, Litmus, and Email on Acid. MXToolbox is also mentioned for diagnosing email server and DNS issues, as well as its blacklist check and deliverability tools. However, these documentation sources primarily focus on the functionality and usage of the tools, rather than their origins or historical development.
Key findings
- Key Tools: GlockApps, Litmus, Email on Acid, and MXToolbox are identified as useful tools for email deliverability monitoring and troubleshooting.
- Functionality Focus: The documentation primarily emphasizes the features and capabilities of these tools, such as inbox placement monitoring, deliverability testing, spam filter analysis, email rendering previews, and blacklist checks.
- Lack of Historical Context: Information regarding the origins, history, or development of these tools is absent in the provided documentation sources.
Key considerations
- Functional Needs: Choose a tool based on the specific functionality needed, whether it's inbox placement monitoring, email rendering tests, or server diagnostics.
- Learning Resources: Utilize the documentation provided by each tool to understand how to effectively use its features and interpret the results.
- Further Research: If understanding the origins or historical context of these tools is important, additional research beyond the provided documentation will be required.
Technical article
Documentation from Email on Acid describes its features for email testing, including rendering previews, deliverability checks, and accessibility testing. It focuses on the platform's current capabilities, without detailing its origin or history.
19 Sep 2023 - Email on Acid
Technical article
Documentation from Mailjet highlights the importance of inbox placement monitoring and suggests using tools like GlockApps, Litmus, or Email on Acid. No specific origins are mentioned, the documentation centers around setting up and interpreting the results from those monitors.
26 Nov 2023 - Mailjet
Besides Spamhaus, what blocklists are important for email marketers to monitor?
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 do competitor email tracking and awareness systems work and what are their benefits?
What are the best inbox placement tools?
