Summary
The Google Postmaster Tools API is evolving, with several reports of new, undocumented data. The `userReportedSpamRatioUpperBound` metric is a key example, though its meaning is debated. Users report discrepancies between the API data and the Postmaster Tools UI. New features may be rolled out in phases or be part of a beta program. Contextual interpretation is crucial, alongside comparing API data with internal logs and deliverability platforms. API access requires domain verification and sufficient traffic. Rate limits and authentication guidelines must be followed. Experts advise caution with undocumented features and note that Google TrafficStats resources does not explicitly state the metric.
Key findings
- New Metric Observed: `userReportedSpamRatioUpperBound` is appearing, but documentation is lacking, and interpretation is uncertain.
- Data Discrepancies: The API and UI data from Postmaster Tools show discrepancies which are undocumented.
- Phased Rollouts: New features might be released gradually, not all users get immediate access.
- Potential Beta Program: Some data may be part of a beta, thus lacking full public details.
Key considerations
- Context Matters: Understand context around API data, considering volume, engagement, and authentication practices.
- Cross-Reference: Correlate API data with internal logs, feedback loops, and deliverability monitoring to get a clearer picture.
- Access Requirements: Meet the requirements for API access of domain verification and traffic levels
- Adhere to Guidelines: Stick to API usage guidelines, particularly regarding rate limits and authentication.
- Approach with Caution: Approach new and undocumented metrics with caution and validate results.
What email marketers say
11 marketer opinions
Several new and potentially undocumented data points have emerged in the Google Postmaster Tools API. Specifically, the `userReportedSpamRatioUpperBound` metric is being observed, although its precise meaning and reliability are debated. Some users are also reporting discrepancies between the data displayed in the Postmaster Tools UI and the API results. Access to new features may be rolled out in phases, and some data may be part of a beta program. Understanding the context of Postmaster Tools data, correlating it with other data sources, and monitoring for discrepancies are crucial. Authentication-related metrics and data from the Gmail political pilot program may also be factors.
Key opinions
- New Metric: The `userReportedSpamRatioUpperBound` metric has appeared but is undocumented and its meaning is unclear.
- Data Discrepancies: Discrepancies exist between the Postmaster Tools UI and the API data.
- Phased Rollout: New features and data may be rolled out in phases, not available to all users immediately.
- Beta Program: Some data might be part of a beta program, limiting public documentation and availability.
Key considerations
- Context is Key: Understanding the context of data is crucial for accurate interpretation, as various factors influence metrics.
- Cross-Reference Data: Correlate Postmaster Tools data with other data sources (internal logs, feedback loops, deliverability monitoring) for a comprehensive view.
- Monitor for Discrepancies: Continuously monitor data from both the UI and API for inconsistencies, as they can impact decision-making.
- API Access: Gaining access requires domain ownership verification and sufficient email traffic volume.
- Authentication Focus: Potential new authentication-related metrics related to DMARC, DKIM and SPF are under speculation.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Reddit shares that 'userReportedSpamRatioUpperBound' might indicate the upper bound of the spam ratio reported by users, but its meaning and reliable calculation is still debated within the community.
9 Dec 2023 - Reddit
Marketer view
Email marketer from Tech Blog speculates there might be new authentication-related metrics appearing in the API related to DMARC, DKIM, and SPF alignment. However, these remain unconfirmed and undocumented.
23 Mar 2022 - Tech Blog
What the experts say
2 expert opinions
Experts emphasize careful interpretation of Google Postmaster Tools API data, including new and undocumented metrics. The context and potential biases stemming from volume or recipient behavior should be considered. Correlation with internal logs, feedback loops, and other deliverability monitoring platforms is crucial for a comprehensive understanding.
Key opinions
- Careful Interpretation: Even documented features need careful interpretation due to potential biases.
- Correlation is Key: Correlating Postmaster Tools API data with other data sources provides a complete picture.
Key considerations
- Data Nuances: Understand the data nuances of the metrics including recipient behaviour and volume.
- Holistic View: Consider all data sources when assessing issues.
- Approach with Caution: New or undocumented features should be approached with caution.
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise, Steve Jones, notes the importance of correlating Google Postmaster Tools data (including new and undocumented metrics) with other data sources. He suggests comparing the Postmaster Tools API with internal logs, feedback loops, and deliverability monitoring platforms to build a more complete picture.
16 Aug 2024 - Word to the Wise
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource, Laura Atkins, discusses how even documented features in the Postmaster Tools API require careful interpretation. She highlights the need to understand data nuances and potential biases based on factors such as volume or recipient behavior and suggests new or undocumented features should be approached with even more caution.
29 Jan 2024 - Spam Resource
What the documentation says
4 technical articles
Google's documentation outlines the Postmaster Tools API's ability to retrieve aggregated email traffic metrics such as spam rate, reputation, and authentication success. The TrafficStats resource provides metrics like volume, spam reports, and delivery errors. Adhering to API usage guidelines, including rate limits and proper authentication, is essential to avoid service disruptions. The metric 'userReportedSpamRatioUpperBound' is not explicitly mentioned in the TrafficStats documentation.
Key findings
- API Metrics: The API provides metrics like spam rate, IP/domain reputation, feedback loop counts, authentication, and encryption status.
- TrafficStats Details: TrafficStats covers volume, spam reports, and delivery errors.
- Missing Metric: The 'userReportedSpamRatioUpperBound' metric is not explicitly documented within TrafficStats.
Key considerations
- Usage Guidelines: Adherence to rate limits and proper authentication is vital for uninterrupted API access.
- Rate Limiting: Developers should be mindful of rate limits to prevent temporary access restrictions.
Technical article
Documentation from Google Developers specifies that TrafficStats resource provides aggregated email traffic metrics for a specific domain on a particular date, including volume, spam reports, and delivery errors. It does not explicitly mention 'userReportedSpamRatioUpperBound'.
15 Feb 2022 - Google Developers
Technical article
Documentation from Google Cloud Platform advises developers to be mindful of rate limits associated with the Google Postmaster Tools API, noting that exceeding these limits can lead to temporary restrictions on API access.
9 Nov 2024 - Google Cloud Platform
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