The identifier count in Google Postmaster Tools Feedback Loop (FBL) reflects the number of users who marked messages with a specific identifier as spam. These identifiers, embedded in email headers, allow senders, particularly ESPs, to trace complaints back to specific campaigns, clients, or mail streams, helping to pinpoint the source of abuse and improve deliverability. FBL data also provides insights into overall complaint trends. Exceeding certain complaint thresholds triggers feedback loop messages, negatively impacting sender reputation. Proactive monitoring, data correlation, and immediate investigation of complaint spikes are crucial for maintaining email performance. While identifiers generally need to be registered, Google may make educated guesses in some cases.
11 marketer opinions
The identifier count in Google Postmaster Tools Feedback Loop (FBL) reflects the number of complaints associated with a specific identifier embedded in email headers. These identifiers help senders track complaints back to specific campaigns, segments, or mail streams. Monitoring these counts allows senders to identify the source of spam complaints, assess the effectiveness of their email practices, and maintain a good sender reputation. High complaint rates reported through FBLs can negatively impact deliverability, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues promptly. Proactively monitoring and correlating FBL data with email content and sending practices enables senders to reduce spam complaints and improve overall email performance.
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that a feedback loop message is sent when the complaint rate exceeds a certain threshold.
26 May 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view
Email marketer from Litmus explains Feedback Loops (FBLs) are a way for mailbox providers to provide feedback to senders about complaints. High complaint rates reported through FBLs can negatively impact sender reputation.
12 Apr 2023 - Litmus
5 expert opinions
The identifier count in Google Postmaster Tools Feedback Loop (FBL) represents the number of individuals who marked emails with a particular identifier as spam. This count helps senders, particularly Email Service Providers (ESPs), to track complaints, pinpoint sources of abuse, and address issues related to specific campaigns, clients, or mail streams. While registration of these identifiers might be expected, Google may sometimes make educated guesses. Ultimately, understanding and utilizing these identifiers is crucial for maintaining email deliverability and sender reputation.
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource highlights that Feedback Loop (FBL) identifiers are specifically useful for Email Service Providers (ESPs) to pinpoint and address abuse originating from their platform, enhancing the overall quality and reliability of their services.
11 Apr 2024 - Spam Resource
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks explains that only one of the IDs with complaints is reflected in the FBL identifier count.
23 Jul 2024 - Email Geeks
3 technical articles
The identifier count in Google Postmaster Tools Feedback Loop (FBL) represents the number of unique identifiers associated with user-marked spam messages. The FBL helps identify campaigns spoofing an organization's headers by embedding unique identifiers in message headers to pinpoint the source of abuse. While individual complainer details are not provided by Gmail, this FBL data offers insights into overall complaint trends and helps trace abuse back to its origin.
Technical article
Documentation from Google Postmaster Tools Help states that the Identifier count reflects the number of unique identifiers for which users marked messages as spam.
4 Dec 2021 - Google Postmaster Tools Help
Technical article
Documentation from SparkPost describes Feedback Loop identifiers and states using identifiers helps trace abuse back to the originator. They emphasize that while Gmail doesn't directly provide details about complainers, FBL data offers insights into overall complaint trends.
5 Aug 2021 - SparkPost
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