Summary
The missing spam rate data in Google Postmaster Tools appears to be a recurring issue characterized by occasional outages and delays in reporting. Experts suggest this could be due to the way Google samples and aggregates data. It is recommended to check the API for data if it's missing in the UI. It's also advisable to cross-reference Postmaster Tools data with other deliverability monitoring tools and internal dashboards. Checking your authentication setup and verifying SPF/DKIM records is also recommended. Clearing your browser cache and cookies may also resolve UI-related issues.
Key findings
- Recurring Issue: The issue of missing data in Google Postmaster Tools occurs intermittently.
- Data Delays and Outages: Postmaster Tools data is subject to delays and occasional outages.
- API/UI Discrepancies: The API may contain data that is missing from the UI, and vice versa.
- Aggregation Variations: Differences in how Google samples and aggregates data can lead to reporting discrepancies.
- Unreliable data: Data should not be solely relied on.
Key considerations
- Check API: Attempt to retrieve data via the API if it's absent in the UI.
- Cross-Reference Data: Compare Postmaster Tools data with other deliverability monitoring tools for a more complete picture.
- Authentication Verification: Ensure correct authentication setup for Postmaster Tools.
- IPv6, SPF, and DKIM Records: Check and verify proper configuration of IPv6, SPF, and DKIM records.
- Browser Troubleshooting: Clear browser cache and cookies to resolve potential UI issues.
- Service Status: Check Google's service status page for any known issues.
What email marketers say
9 marketer opinions
Several email marketers have reported missing spam rate data in Google Postmaster Tools, with the data often stopping around July 5th. This issue seems to occur intermittently. Potential causes and solutions suggested include checking for data lags and waiting for Google to resolve the problem, clearing browser cache and cookies, verifying the data via the API instead of the UI, ensuring proper setup of IPv6, SPF, and DKIM records, and using internal deliverability dashboards for more immediate data. Experts advise that the data from Google Postmaster Tools can be unreliable, so cross-referencing it with other sources is advised.
Key opinions
- Intermittent Issue: Missing spam rate data in Google Postmaster Tools is a recurring issue.
- Data Lags: Data delays are common, suggesting waiting a few days for the data to populate.
- API vs. UI Discrepancies: Data may be available through the API even if it's missing from the UI.
- Potential Causes: Incorrect setup of IPv6, SPF, and DKIM records may contribute to the problem.
- Data Unreliability: Google Postmaster Tools data can be unreliable and can be subject to delays or outages.
Key considerations
- Browser Cache: Clear browser cache and cookies to ensure proper data display.
- Data Source: Cross-reference Google Postmaster Tools data with other deliverability monitoring tools.
- Service Status: Check Google's service status page for any known issues.
- Setup Verification: Ensure proper setup of IPv6, SPF, and DKIM records.
- Alternative Dashboards: Use your email service provider's deliverability dashboards for more immediate insights.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Email Deliverability Blog shares that they've noticed discrepancies between the API data and the UI. They suggest trying to pull the data via the API as a potential workaround.
6 Feb 2024 - Email Deliverability Blog
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks confirms they are seeing the same issue, and they expect Google to resolve it shortly as they've seen it before.
22 Oct 2024 - Email Geeks
What the experts say
4 expert opinions
Experts suggest that missing spam rate data in Google Postmaster Tools is an occasional issue where back data is generally restored. Discrepancies can exist between the API and UI. Google Postmaster Tools data can be unreliable due to data aggregation methods, and it's advisable to cross-reference with other tools.
Key opinions
- Occasional Issue: The missing data issue happens from time to time.
- API/UI Discrepancies: Data might be present in the API even when missing in the user interface and vice versa.
- Data Unreliability: Google Postmaster Tools data can be unreliable and subject to delays.
- Aggregation Variations: Data inconsistencies might stem from differences in Google's data sampling and aggregation methods.
Key considerations
- Data Restoration: Wait for back data to be populated as the service is restored.
- Cross-reference: Cross-reference Postmaster Tools with other deliverability monitoring tools for a more comprehensive analysis.
- Third-party reporting: Be mindful of the challenges that can arise when relying on third-party reporting.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks shares that recent reports indicate that the API is missing data, while the UI has it.
21 Apr 2023 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource, John Levine, explains that Google Postmaster Tools data can be unreliable and subject to delays or outages. He suggests not relying heavily on it for real-time analysis and recommends cross-referencing with other deliverability monitoring tools.
20 Dec 2022 - Spam Resource
What the documentation says
3 technical articles
Google's documentation explains that data in Postmaster Tools is subject to delays due to aggregation and processing. Discrepancies can occur between the API and UI. It is suggested to check authentication setup to fix or debug incomplete data.
Key findings
- Data Delays: Data reporting in Postmaster Tools is subject to delays and may not be available in real-time.
- API/UI Inconsistencies: Processing and data aggregation can cause discrepancies between the API and UI data.
- Authentication Setup: Incomplete data may be due to issues with the authentication setup.
Key considerations
- Real-Time Expectations: Do not expect real-time data in Postmaster Tools.
- API Documentation: Consult the API documentation for known issues and troubleshooting.
- Authentication Verification: Verify the authentication setup to ensure it is functioning correctly.
Technical article
Documentation from Google Help explains that data reporting in Postmaster Tools is subject to delays. The data displayed is an aggregate and may not be available in real-time, suggesting some delays are normal.
18 Nov 2022 - Google Help
Technical article
Documentation from Google Developers clarifies that while the API aims for consistency with the UI, discrepancies can occur due to processing and data aggregation. They advise checking the API documentation for known issues.
30 Apr 2024 - Google Developers
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