A surge of link clicks immediately after sending an email is commonly attributed to automated processes, such as spam filters, security software, email client pre-fetching, and AWS link validation. These systems actively scan links for malicious content or pre-render previews, generating clicks without user interaction. Analyzing IP addresses and user-agent data helps distinguish between legitimate user activity and automated processes. Security software aggressiveness, email client settings, and click tracking systems also influence click rates. Overall, these automated processes are designed to protect users and maintain security, but they skew email metrics.
10 marketer opinions
A high volume of link clicks immediately after sending an email is often attributed to automated processes rather than genuine user engagement. These processes include email provider spam filters, security software scans, pre-fetching by email clients, and link validation by services like AWS. These systems check links for malicious content or to pre-render previews, thereby generating clicks even without user interaction.
Marketer view
Email marketer from SendPulse shares that factors like spam filters, email client settings, and automated security scans can result in skewed click rates immediately after sending an email.
13 Sep 2021 - SendPulse
Marketer view
Email marketer from Litmus shares that pre-delivery link validation by security software, especially in enterprise environments, can trigger initial clicks as the system checks for malicious content.
12 Nov 2024 - Litmus
2 expert opinions
A large number of clicks immediately after sending an email can be attributed to security software and spam filters verifying links. These systems aggressively check links to protect users from malicious content, such as malware.
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource shares that spam filters check links to ensure that a link does not direct the user to malware or other malicious content
30 Jul 2023 - Spam Resource
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that clicks shortly after sending may be due to security software verifying links, especially if the software aggressively protects users from malicious links.
24 Jun 2021 - Word to the Wise
5 technical articles
A high volume of immediate link clicks after sending emails is often due to automated processes by email providers and security systems. Spam filters prescan links, especially in bulk emails, to protect users from malicious content. Automated systems, including email clients and security software, process links for security analysis and content indexing. Microsoft's Safe Links feature redirects URLs through Microsoft Defender for Office 365 before the destination is opened to verify website safety. Email headers can instruct automated systems to follow links for indexing and security checks. Cisco's email security appliance scans links for malware, all resulting in artificial clicks.
Technical article
Documentation from RFC Editor details how automated systems, such as email clients and security software, often process links in emails for various purposes, including security analysis and content indexing.
14 Apr 2024 - RFC Editor
Technical article
Documentation from Cisco highlights that their email security appliance scans links to protect against malware, and this scanning generates clicks.
27 Dec 2021 - Cisco
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