Determining email inbox rates without ESP data involves a multifaceted approach that combines monitoring sender reputation, engagement metrics, and implementing email authentication protocols. Tools like Google Postmaster Tools and Microsoft SNDS provide insights into deliverability specifically for Gmail and Microsoft domains, respectively. Monitoring domain-based engagement metrics (opens, clicks, unsubscribes) and meticulously analyzing bounce messages can also indirectly indicate inbox placement. While seed lists can offer some insights, their accuracy is limited due to personalized filtering. Addressing ISP throttling, maintaining good list hygiene, setting up feedback loops, and monitoring IP reputation through tools are also essential components. Furthermore, implementing strong email authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is vital for sender legitimacy and improved deliverability. Finally, the validity of vendor data and the distinction between panel data tools and direct inbox testing must be considered.
10 marketer opinions
Determining email inbox rate without ESP data involves using a combination of techniques to infer deliverability. Monitoring sender reputation through tools like Google Postmaster Tools and Sender Score, analyzing bounce messages, and setting up feedback loops with ISPs are crucial. Engagement metrics (opens, clicks, complaints) segmented by domain also provide valuable insights. Seed lists can offer some data, but personalized filtering limits their accuracy. Good list hygiene and strong email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) contribute to improved deliverability. Tools for inbox placement testing provide a direct measure of inbox rates.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Email Geeks shares that personalized filtering makes it hard to give a true inbox rate as it's tuned to the individual recipient. Seedlists might be used to get the numbers.
10 Jan 2025 - Email Geeks
Marketer view
Email marketer from Stackoverflow describes that setting up feedback loops (FBLs) with major ISPs allows you to receive complaints from recipients and identify spam issues impacting inbox placement. It helps determine if your recipients marked your email as spam.
23 Feb 2023 - Stackoverflow
5 expert opinions
Determining email inbox rates without ESP data requires careful analysis and understanding of various factors. It's important to validate vendor data and understand the differences between panel data tools and direct testing. Monitoring trending performance metrics on a domain-by-domain basis can indicate inbox placement. While seed lists offer some insight, they are flawed due to personalized filtering. ISP throttling significantly impacts inbox placement, necessitating monitoring of sending volume and engagement. Strong authentication via SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is crucial for deliverability.
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that ISP throttling can significantly impact inbox placement, and monitoring your sending volume alongside engagement metrics can provide clues about whether throttling is affecting your deliverability, offering a workaround to direct inbox rate data.
2 May 2025 - Word to the Wise
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks suggests monitoring trending performance metrics (opens, clicks, unsubscribes) on a domain-by-domain basis for the largest domains to indicate inbox placement and potential issues.
27 Mar 2024 - Email Geeks
5 technical articles
Determining email inbox rate without ESP data relies heavily on leveraging email authentication and monitoring tools provided by major email providers. Implementing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is crucial for verifying sender legitimacy and preventing spoofing, directly impacting deliverability. Google Postmaster Tools offers insights into domain reputation, spam rates, and feedback loops, specifically for Gmail users. Microsoft's SNDS allows for monitoring IP health and identifying deliverability issues when sending to Microsoft domains.
Technical article
Documentation from Google explains that using Google Postmaster Tools provides insights into your domain's reputation, spam rate, and feedback loop, helping you understand deliverability to Gmail users.
24 Aug 2022 - Google
Technical article
Documentation from RFC Editor explains that implementing Sender Policy Framework (SPF) records helps prevent spoofing and improves deliverability by allowing receiving mail servers to verify that emails are sent from authorized mail servers.
7 Sep 2021 - RFC Editor
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