Summary
Variations in SenderScore data ranges for IP addresses are multifaceted. The primary drivers are the amount and consistency of email traffic, how SenderScore might prioritize larger ESPs/ISPs, the IP's age and history of sending, and authentication status. Additionally, issues like spam complaints, spam trap hits, and whether the IP is dedicated or shared play a role. It's also possible that a bug within the SenderScore system contributes to these discrepancies.
Key findings
- Data Availability & Aggregation: IPs with established sending histories and consistent traffic volume have more extensive data ranges. SenderScore compiles data on a rolling basis, so active, long-standing IPs amass more information.
- Prioritization of Large Senders: SenderScore might prioritize data from larger ESPs and ISPs, tracking them more extensively due to sales opportunities and comprehensive monitoring needs.
- IP Reputation Factors: Key factors influencing IP reputation (and therefore data ranges) include spam complaints, spam trap hits, and user engagement. Positive sending practices lead to more comprehensive data sets.
- Authentication's Impact: Authenticated IPs (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) often have wider data ranges because they inspire more confidence. Lack of authentication can limit data availability.
- Bug Possibility: There may be an unresolved bug within the SenderScore system contributing to these variations.
Key considerations
- Maintain Consistent Volume: Establish consistent email sending patterns to generate reliable data for SenderScore. Avoid erratic volume fluctuations.
- Prioritize Reputation Management: Proactively manage IP reputation by keeping complaint rates low and avoiding spam traps. Address any issues quickly to maintain a healthy sender profile.
- Implement Strong Authentication: Utilize SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to bolster IP authentication. This inspires confidence from mailbox providers and allows for a more comprehensive SenderScore assessment.
- Warm-up IPs Carefully: When introducing new IPs, warm them up gradually to establish a positive reputation and generate data over time. A gradual increase in volume is critical.
- Bug Investigation: Consider reaching out to SenderScore support to inquire about potential bugs that may be impacting data ranges.
- Monitor SenderScore: Pay attention to your SenderScore and investigate if the numbers are not as expected. This will show any issues that are present with your mail setup.
What email marketers say
10 marketer opinions
Different data ranges on SenderScore for IP addresses are primarily attributed to variations in the amount and consistency of email traffic data available. Factors influencing these ranges include the age of the IP, its activity level, data aggregation methods, authentication practices (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), spam trap hits, and whether the IP is dedicated or shared. A bug on SenderScore could also be the cause.
Key opinions
- Data Availability: IPs with longer email traffic histories typically have extended data ranges in SenderScore, while newer IPs or those with sporadic activity may have shorter ranges due to insufficient data.
- Activity Level: High-volume, consistent sending patterns usually result in broader data ranges, as there's more information to score accurately. Conversely, low-volume or inconsistent sending leads to narrower ranges.
- Data Aggregation: Variations in SenderScore data ranges also stem from how data is aggregated over time. Different IPs may have different levels of engagement and accumulated data, influencing the available historical data.
- IP type: Dedicated IPs tend to have more consistent data ranges due to single-sender usage, whereas shared IPs may exhibit erratic ranges because of multiple senders.
- Authentication: Properly authenticated IPs (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) often have wider data ranges, reflecting greater confidence in the sending source. Unauthenticated IPs may have restricted ranges.
- Spam Traps: Hitting spam traps causes a reduction in range. A clean list will improve it.
Key considerations
- IP Warm-up: New IPs require a warm-up period to establish a sending reputation and gather sufficient data for SenderScore. Gradual volume increases help build a positive track record.
- Sending Consistency: Maintain consistent sending patterns to ensure a reliable data stream for SenderScore. Avoid sudden spikes or drops in volume that can negatively impact reputation.
- Data Monitoring: Regularly monitor SenderScore and investigate any range variations. Address issues like authentication errors, spam complaints, or list hygiene to maintain a healthy IP reputation.
- Authentication: Implement SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to improve confidence in your sending source.
- Bug: It might be a bug with the SenderScore website that they know about but have not resolved. It is worth checking with their support to find out.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Litmus explains that the Sender Score data varies due to the volume and types of emails being sent from the IP address. If the IP hits spam traps this would reduce the range. A clean list would increase the range.
3 May 2022 - Litmus
Marketer view
Email marketer from Reddit suggests that the variations in Sender Score data ranges can be attributed to the fact that the scoring algorithm may not have sufficient historical data for all IPs. This is particularly true for newer IPs or those with inconsistent sending patterns.
25 Apr 2023 - Reddit
What the experts say
3 expert opinions
Variations in SenderScore data ranges are attributed to several factors including the volume and consistency of email traffic, how SenderScore tracks different tiers of IPs (potentially prioritizing larger ESPs and ISPs), the length of time an IP has been sending mail, and the IP's history of spam complaints. SenderScore prioritizes IPs with established, steady traffic patterns and may track larger ESPs/ISPs differently.
Key opinions
- Traffic Volume and Consistency: IP addresses with high and consistent email traffic tend to have longer, more reliable SenderScore data ranges.
- Tiered Tracking: SenderScore may track different tiers of IPs differently, potentially prioritizing larger ESPs and ISPs for longer history tracking.
- IP Age and History: The length of time an IP address has been sending mail and its history of spam complaints significantly affect its SenderScore range.
Key considerations
- Maintain Consistent Sending: Establish and maintain a consistent email sending volume to improve your IP's SenderScore data range.
- Monitor Spam Complaints: Keep spam complaint rates low to positively influence your IP's SenderScore.
- Focus on ESP/ISP Relationships: If you are a smaller sender, understand that SenderScore may prioritize larger ESPs and ISPs, so focus on building positive relationships with them.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks suggests SenderScore likely tracks different tiers of IPs differently, potentially prioritizing larger ESPs and ISPs for longer history tracking due to various factors, including sales opportunities and monitoring mail from big brands.
23 Jun 2022 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource explains that the consistency and volume of email traffic originating from an IP greatly influences its SenderScore data range. IPs with established and steady traffic patterns have more reliable, longer data ranges compared to those with fluctuating or low traffic volumes.
1 Feb 2023 - Spam Resource
What the documentation says
4 technical articles
Different data ranges for IPs on SenderScore are due to varying amounts of data available for each IP address, which is determined by factors like the IP's age, email volume, spam trap hits, user complaints, adherence to email best practices, and history of spam violations. The amount of time an IP needs to establish a reputation directly impacts the data range.
Key findings
- Data Availability: The amount of data Return Path has on an IP address directly affects its SenderScore data range.
- Key Factors: Email volume, spam trap hits, and user complaints are key factors influencing IP reputation and, consequently, SenderScore data ranges.
- Reputation Time: The time needed for an IP to establish a reputation based on sending volume, user interaction, and adherence to best practices contributes to the data range variations.
- Best Practices Compliance: Following email best practices and avoiding spam are crucial for establishing a positive IP reputation, leading to more comprehensive data ranges on SenderScore.
Key considerations
- Monitor Sending Practices: Regularly monitor email volume, spam trap hits, and user complaints to maintain a healthy IP reputation and ensure sufficient data for SenderScore.
- Adhere to Best Practices: Adhere to email best practices and avoid sending spam to establish and maintain a positive IP reputation.
- Build Reputation Over Time: Recognize that building a solid IP reputation takes time, and consistent adherence to best practices is essential for achieving a comprehensive SenderScore data range.
Technical article
Documentation from Google answers that IP reputation is influenced by factors like following best practices and avoiding spam. Data range differences might occur if an IP has a history of violating these guidelines, affecting the time needed to assess and establish a reliable reputation.
25 Aug 2024 - Google
Technical article
Documentation from Microsoft explains that IP reputation is based on factors like spam complaints and sending volume. The difference in ranges could result from the amount of time required for an IP to establish a reputation, heavily dependent on the type and frequency of email volume and user interaction.
4 Nov 2021 - Microsoft
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