A drop in email open rates specifically in California can stem from various interconnected factors. Google delivery issues and pre-fetching, as suggested by Email Geeks, could be a significant cause. However, since Google controls image fetches and geolocation is often inaccurate (Word to the Wise), these data points should be interpreted cautiously. More broadly, deliverability issues are indicated (Sendinblue), particularly those related to Gmail (Google Postmaster Tools) and Outlook.com (Microsoft), requiring adherence to bulk sender guidelines, managing sender reputation, and implementing email authentication (RFC Editor). In addition, general best practices like good list hygiene (ActiveCampaign), relevant subject lines (Campaign Monitor), segmentation (HubSpot), and avoiding blocklists (Stack Overflow) remain critical. External factors like Apple Mail Privacy Protection (Litmus), spam filter updates, recipient behavior changes (Reddit), and rendering inconsistencies (Email on Acid) could also contribute. A thorough investigation is needed (Spam Resource), coupled with data analysis (Neil Patel) to pinpoint the root cause.
9 marketer opinions
Several factors can contribute to open rate drops in California. Deliverability issues, such as poor sender reputation, being blocklisted, and failing email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), can prevent emails from reaching inboxes. Segmentation and personalization play a crucial role, as tailored content increases relevance. External factors like Apple Mail Privacy Protection can skew data. Other potential issues include spam filter updates, changes in recipient behavior, list fatigue, seasonality, inconsistent email rendering across clients, and poor list hygiene. Analyzing trends, A/B testing subject lines, and ensuring compliance with email best practices are recommended.
Marketer view
Email marketer from ActiveCampaign states that clean and engaged email lists directly impact open rates. Remove inactive subscribers and focus on reaching those who are genuinely interested in your content.
30 Jun 2022 - ActiveCampaign Blog
Marketer view
Email marketer from Sendinblue Blog suggests that deliverability issues could be the reason for the open rate drop. Check your sender reputation, IP address, and authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) to ensure your emails are reaching the inbox.
8 Feb 2025 - Sendinblue Blog
5 expert opinions
The open rate drop in California may be due to Google delivery problems and reduced pre-fetching. Google controls image fetches, and geolocation can be inaccurate due to VPNs and proxy servers. Additionally, the open rates might be skewed by pre-fetching, making those opens less valuable. Other potential reasons include poor list hygiene, bad subject lines, and spam filtering, warranting a thorough investigation.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks says that if the open rate drop is due to pre-fetching, those aren't opens you want to be counting anyhow.
21 Nov 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks shares that the drop in open rates specifically in California may indicate delivery problems with Google and a decrease in Google pre-fetching of pixels.
30 Sep 2023 - Email Geeks
4 technical articles
Open rate drops could be due to Gmail delivery issues. Comply with Google's bulk sender guidelines, focusing on authentication, list management, and handling spam complaints. Geolocation of email opens is not always accurate. Maintaining a good sender reputation with Outlook.com is vital to avoid emails being filtered as junk. Implementing email authentication protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC verifies senders and improves deliverability.
Technical article
Documentation from RFC Editor explains the technical specifications of email authentication protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. These protocols help verify the authenticity of email senders and improve deliverability.
28 Feb 2025 - RFC Editor
Technical article
Documentation from Mailchimp explains that geolocation of email opens is not always accurate due to various factors, including VPN usage, proxy servers, and the location of email servers. Open data should be regarded as approximate.
22 Nov 2022 - Mailchimp
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