How does Gmail's compliance status dashboard aggregate spam rate data for root domains and subdomains?

Key findings

• Aggregation difference: The compliance status dashboard specifically aggregates data to the primary domain, not subdomains, according to Google's documentation. This can lead to discrepancies when compared to other views.
• V1 vs V2 dashboards: In the older GPT V1, subdomain data rolls up and is visible at both the subdomain and root domain levels. For the newer V2 dashboard, uncertainty remains for some users about its exact aggregation method beyond the primary domain statement. Read more about the ultimate guide to Google Postmaster Tools V2.
• Root domain data anomalies: Some users report seeing root domain data even when no mail is actively sent from the root domain itself, suggesting a broader aggregation.
• Higher compliance rates: A higher spam rate on the compliance dashboard compared to the old spam rate graph has been observed by some senders.

Key considerations

• Consult documentation: Always refer to Google's official documentation for the most accurate information on how their tools function, including the compliance status dashboard. The compliance status dashboard data is a good starting point.
• Monitor all identifiers: While the compliance dashboard focuses on primary domains, continue to monitor individual subdomain performance via other GPT graphs or tools to identify specific issues. Learn how to track Gmail spam complaints and identify the cause.
• Impact on reputation: Understand that high spam rates on any part of your sending infrastructure, whether root or subdomain, will ultimately affect your overall sender reputation and deliverability.

Key opinions

• Dashboard confusion: Many marketers are unsure if Gmail has altered its spam rate flagging mechanism, noting higher rates on the compliance dashboard compared to older Postmaster Tools graphs.
• Subdomain performance: Some marketers observe a correlation where sending streams using multiple subdomains tend to exhibit higher spam rates than those relying on a single subdomain, even if not definitively proven.
• Root domain influence: There is a belief that even if not explicitly sending from the root domain, its reputation is still influenced by subdomain performance, especially considering the primary domain aggregation in compliance tools.
• Adaptation to changes: Marketers are continually trying to adapt their email strategies to align with Google and Yahoo's evolving requirements. Understanding new spam rate thresholds is critical.

Key considerations

• Detailed analysis needed: Marketers should conduct detailed analyses of their sending patterns across subdomains to identify potential causes for observed spam rate variations.
• Domain reputation monitoring: Regularly check overall domain reputation in Postmaster Tools, as it is a critical factor for inbox placement. This guide on sender reputation offers further insights.
• User-level data limitations: Since Google does not provide user-level spam complaints due to privacy, marketers must rely on aggregate data from dashboards like the spam rate. For more information, see everything about Postmaster Tools.
• Aligning with documentation: While anomalies exist, using Google's official documentation as the primary source of truth is crucial for interpreting dashboard data. This also applies to how subdomain complaints affect root domain reputation.

Key opinions

• Community discussions: Experts confirm that the topic of Gmail's spam rate flagging and dashboard discrepancies is a frequent subject of discussion among deliverability professionals.
• Root domain aggregation: Some experts corroborate that the compliance status dashboard aggregates results to the root domain, suggesting this might also apply to the V2 spam rate dashboard.
• Data discrepancies: Anomalies in root domain data appearing even when no mail is sent from it are acknowledged, indicating the complexity of Google's aggregation logic.
• Trusting documentation: Despite observed oddities, experts recommend trusting Google's official documentation as the most reliable source of information regarding Postmaster Tools data interpretation.

Key considerations

• Interpreting V2 dashboard: The exact basis of the V2 dashboard has led to uncertainties since its release. Deliverability experts suggest considering anomalies as glitches until clearer explanations are provided.
• Comprehensive analysis: While Postmaster Tools is valuable, combining its insights with other monitoring tools and practices provides a more complete picture of deliverability. Learn how Postmaster Tools tracks domain reputation.
• Continuous learning: The email ecosystem is dynamic. Continuously seeking updates and community insights on platforms like SpamResource is vital for staying informed.
• Root domain impact: Even if subdomains are used for sending, the overall health and reputation of the root domain are paramount. Understanding if subdomain data rolls up is key.

Key findings

• Primary domain focus: Google's documentation explicitly states that the Compliance status dashboard data applies to primary domains only, not to subdomains. This indicates a consolidation of subdomain performance into the root domain view.
• Feedback loops: Postmaster Tools utilizes Feedback Loops (FBLs) to help senders identify email campaigns receiving high complaint volumes, which directly feeds into spam rate metrics. For Amazon SES users, understanding FBLs is critical.
• Authentication alignment: To ensure delivery, messages must pass DKIM and SPF alignment checks, as per DMARC policy requirements. Failure can impact spam rates. Klaviyo's deliverability FAQs reinforce this.
• Aggregate data: Postmaster Tools provides data in aggregate, meaning it doesn't offer user-level detail but provides overall trends for domain and IP reputation, including spam complaints.

Key considerations

• Interpreting compliance: The compliance dashboard provides a high-level view of your primary domain's status. Understanding its specific aggregation method (primary domain only) is crucial for accurate interpretation. Refer to Google's official documentation for this.
• Spam rate calculation: Documentation helps clarify the methodology behind Google's spam rate calculation and how it impacts your overall deliverability, especially concerning list management. Learn how Gmail's spam rate impacts engagement.
• Understanding volume: The volume of mail sent also plays a role in how spam rates are reported and impact reputation. Documentation can clarify how volume influences complaint rates. See how Postmaster Tools calculates complaints.