Troubleshooting inconsistent SCL scores in Office 365 when general email deliverability is satisfactory involves a multi-faceted approach. Start by verifying email authentication using SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, considering Microsoft's stringent standards. Monitor sender reputation metrics like bounce and complaint rates. Utilize Microsoft's Smart Network Data Services (SNDS) to specifically track IP reputation within their ecosystem. If blocked, use the delist portal providing all required information. Examine message headers using the Microsoft Message Analyzer to understand triggered anti-spam rules. Administrators can fine-tune SCL thresholds in Exchange Online to reduce false positives and use the Mail flow dashboard for issue tracking. Employ best practices for subscriber management including segmentation and feedback loops. Instruct recipients to check spam folders and contact their IT department if messages are not received. Ensure that the 'From' name and content align with initial subscription promises. Be aware that direct support from Microsoft outside the ticketing system is limited.
9 marketer opinions
Troubleshooting Office 365 SCL issues with good deliverability elsewhere involves several key steps. First, ensure proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and maintain a good sender reputation by monitoring bounce rates, complaint rates, and engagement metrics. Use Microsoft's SNDS program to specifically track your IP reputation with Microsoft. Review message headers for anti-spam stamps and use the Microsoft Message Analyzer for detailed diagnostics. Manage your subscriber list, segment based on engagement, and use feedback loops to monitor complaints. Ensure consistency between the 'From' name, content, and subscription offers. Finally, check against major blocklists and utilize the delist portal if necessary.
Marketer view
Email marketer from MXToolbox explains that implementing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are essential to authenticate your emails, proving to Microsoft 365 that you are a legitimate sender. Also ensure your sending IPs/domains aren't on any major blocklists.
16 Dec 2021 - MXToolbox
Marketer view
Email marketer from Reddit shares the advice to check the sender's IP address against blacklists, ensure proper SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are in place, and advise recipients to add the sender to their safe sender list. Further advises to use the delist portal.
31 May 2022 - Reddit
5 expert opinions
Troubleshooting Office 365 SCL variations despite good overall deliverability involves understanding Microsoft's specific policies and technical requirements. Microsoft doesn't provide individual support outside its ticketing system, so direct contact is unlikely to resolve issues. Key actions include advising recipients to check spam folders and mark emails as 'Not Spam,' particularly for transactional messages, and instructing users to contact their IT department if emails are not received at all. Utilizing Microsoft's Smart Network Data Services (SNDS) is crucial for monitoring IP reputation with Microsoft. Finally, ensure correct SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records, as Microsoft has stricter authentication standards than other providers.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks advises that if recipients do not receive the message at all, they should contact their IT department.
4 Feb 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks explains Microsoft's policy of not providing individual help outside of the ticketing system due to legal constraints. Reaching out to contacts on the M3AWG website is also unlikely to yield results.
27 Oct 2023 - Email Geeks
4 technical articles
Troubleshooting varying SCL issues in Office 365, despite good deliverability elsewhere, involves utilizing administrative tools and understanding SCL values. Administrators can adjust spam filter policies in Exchange Online to fine-tune filtering aggressiveness and reduce false positives. Understanding SCL values, ranging from -1 to 9, helps in identifying why messages are being flagged. The Mail flow dashboard in the Exchange admin center (EAC) aids in tracking and resolving email delivery issues. If an IP address is blocked, the delist portal can be used to request removal, requiring thorough completion of instructions and information.
Technical article
Documentation from Microsoft details the process of using the Mail flow dashboard in the Exchange admin center (EAC) to track and resolve email delivery issues. This tool can help identify if messages are being blocked or delayed by Exchange Online Protection (EOP).
16 Feb 2025 - Microsoft Learn
Technical article
Documentation from Microsoft outlines that SCL values range from -1 to 9, with higher values indicating a greater probability that a message is spam. Understanding these values can help troubleshoot why certain messages are being flagged, even if deliverability to other providers is good.
23 Jan 2024 - Microsoft Learn
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