Email Deliverability 27 Best Practices [Ultimate Guide]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Think of email deliverability as the unsung hero of your marketing strategy. It’s the force behind the scenes ensuring your message dodges the spam folder and lands right in the spotlight of your customer’s inbox. But why does it matter? Well, even the most dazzling email is useless if it never sees the light of day—or the light of an inbox, to be exact.
As we gear up to unwrap the mystery of email deliverability in our upcoming guide, consider this: every email that hits the mark is a chance to connect, engage, and convert. And who doesn’t want that? Stay tuned, because we’re about to dive deep into the nitty-gritty of deliverability—no technical jargon, just clear, actionable insights. Ready to make every send count? Let’s get those emails opened and adored.
Let’s break it down: email deliverability is all about whether your email can make a grand entrance into the main inbox or gets shunned to the spam corner. It’s the measure of success for your emails in their quest to reach the subscriber’s inbox without getting lost or tossed aside by email guardians like spam filters.
So, how do we keep score in this game? Email deliverability is measured by:
The percentage of emails that landed in the inbox versus anywhere else (yes, spam counts as anywhere else).
How many of your emails were sent back by the email server because they couldn’t be delivered.
The number of times your recipients marked your email as spam. Ouch.
Opens, clicks, and other interactions that signal ‘Hey, I like your email!’.
Each of these metrics tells a story about how well your emails are navigating the digital maze to the inbox. Get these right, and your emails won’t just be delivered—they’ll be welcomed.
Before you hit the ground running with your email campaigns, there’s a little trick to boost your chances of success: warming up your email. It’s like stretching before a sprint. And Warmy.io? It’s your personal email trainer. This handy tool gently ramps up your email sending volume, building a solid sender reputation so that spam filters become more like welcoming committees. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
Warmy.io starts with a few emails and gradually increases the number, so email providers recognize you as a trusted sender.
By increasing engagement with your emails, Warmy.io helps establish your domain as legitimate and reputable in the eyes of email service providers.
A good warm-up routine keeps you off those dreaded blacklists, ensuring your emails reach the inbox every time.
With Warmy.io, you get insights into how your warm-up is performing, so you can adjust your strategy in real-time.
Having a bunch of subscribers is great, but if they’re just there for the ride and not engaging, it’s like talking to a wall. Regularly cleaning your email list removes those who’ve ghosted you, ensuring your messages are hitting the inboxes of folks who actually want to hear from you. Here’s the scoop on keeping your list sparkling clean:
Keep an eye out for subscribers who haven’t engaged with your emails over a set period. They’re just taking up space.
Before you write them off, try to win back their hearts with a compelling re-engagement email. If they still don’t bite, it’s time to let them go.
Regular clean-up cuts down on bounce rates and improves your overall sender reputation, which is like your email’s credit score.
Use tools that can automate this process, because who has time to manually sort through lists, right?
One size fits all? Not in the email world. Custom-fit your emails to suit different groups within your audience – that’s segmentation. It’s like being a tailor for your email campaign, ensuring each message fits perfectly with the recipient’s interests and behaviors. Here’s why this matters:
By sending relevant content to specific segments, your emails are more likely to strike a chord and get that coveted click.
Tailored emails feel personal. They can resonate more with recipients, potentially leading to higher conversion rates.
When people get what they’re interested in, they stick around. It’s that simple.
Segmented campaigns provide clearer data on what works and what doesn’t, so you can keep honing your strategy.
Interested in details? Check out our article – Tools for segmenting the customer base
Imagine walking into your favorite coffee shop and the barista knows your order by heart. That’s personalization – and it’s gold in the email marketing world too. Adding that personal touch to your emails can work wonders for your open rates. Here’s how personalization takes your emails from just ‘sent’ to ‘significant’:
First Name Factor. Start with the basics. Use your subscriber’s first name to grab their attention from the get-go.
Behavior-Based Content. Send emails based on past interactions. If they clicked on a link about gardening tools last time, chances are they’d love to hear about your latest sale on rakes.
Dynamic Content. Use what you know about your subscribers to dynamically change content to match their interests. It’s like giving them a personalized billboard in their inbox.
Celebrate Milestones. Birthdays, anniversaries, or a year since they first subscribed – small celebrations can lead to big engagement.
You know what they say – first impressions count. And in the email world, your subject line is that crucial first handshake. A great subject line sparks curiosity and stands out in a crowded inbox. Here’s how to make yours pop:
Be Clear and Concise. Tell them what’s inside, but keep it snappy. Long-winded subject lines are no-go zones.
Invoke Curiosity. Pique their interest with something intriguing. Think teasers, not spoilers.
Personalize It. Drop their name in the subject line or reference something relevant to them.
Avoid Spammy Words. “Free,” “Act now,” “Guarantee” – these are red flags for spam filters.
Get the subject line right, and you’ve won half the battle in getting your email opened.
Stepping into the techy side of email deliverability, let’s talk SPF – that’s Sender Policy Framework, not sun protection factor, though it does protect your emails in a way. SPF is your email’s passport, telling the world, “Yep, it’s really me sending this.” Here’s why and how to set it up:
- Authenticate Your Emails. SPF helps verify your domain, reducing the chances of your emails being marked as spam.
- Simple DNS Record Update. It’s just a text record in your domain’s DNS. A bit of tech know-how, and you’re set.
- Prevent Email Spoofing. SPF is like a bouncer, keeping impersonators out of the club.
Getting your SPF record in place is like putting a verified badge on your emails. It’s a tech-savvy move for a smoother email journey.
Use Warmy’s Free SPF Record Generator. With just a few clicks, you can establish a reliable SPF record that guards your domain against unauthorized use. Keep your emails safe and enhance your sender reputation effortlessly. Start creating your free SPF record today by visiting Free SPF Record Generator
Now, let’s add another layer with DKIM – DomainKeys Identified Mail. Think of it as a digital signature, a seal of authenticity on your emails. Here’s what you need to know:
- Enhance Email Security. DKIM adds a cryptographic signature to your emails. It’s like sealing your letter with a wax stamp.
- Build Trust with Email Servers. When your emails come with this signature, email servers are more likely to give them a green light.
- Technical Setup Required. You’ll need to generate a pair of keys and update your DNS records, but the effort pays off in email credibility.
Configuring DKIM is like giving your emails their own unique fingerprint, proving they’re legit and protecting your reputation.
https://www.warmy.io/blog/why-do-you-need-to-configure-spf-dkim-and-dmarc
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) is where SPF and DKIM join forces. It’s your email policy manager, telling email providers how to handle emails that don’t pass the SPF and DKIM checks. Here’s the deal:
- Set Your Email Policy: DMARC lets you decide whether to reject, quarantine, or do nothing with unauthenticated emails.
- Get Reports on Your Email Performance: It sends you reports on how your emails are doing out there in the wild web.
- Enhance Overall Email Deliverability: By aligning SPF and DKIM, DMARC takes your email authenticity up a notch.
Adjusting your DMARC policy is like having a sophisticated security system for your emails. It’s a bit technical but immensely powerful in safeguarding your email’s reputation.
Want to know more? Read also – Why Do You Need to Configure SPF, DKIM, DMARC and How To Set Them
Exciting news from Warmy! We’ve launched a free DMARC Generator tool. Perfect for enhancing your email security effortlessly. Give it a try now: Free DMARC Record Generator
Walking through the minefield of spam filters can be tricky. It’s all about knowing what sets them off and steering clear. Think of spam filters as overly cautious guardians of the inbox. Here’s how to stay on their good side:
- Watch Your Language: Words like “free,” “guarantee,” and “no risk” can be red flags. Choose your words wisely.
- Mind Your Formatting: Too many flashy fonts, colors, and capital letters scream ‘spam’.
- Easy on the Links: A barrage of links can look suspicious. Keep them relevant and minimal.
- Image-Text Balance: Emails that are all images with little text can raise eyebrows. Aim for a healthy balance.
Understanding spam triggers is like learning the secret handshake to the inbox club. Get it right, and you’re in.
You can check your email template with Warmy’s Free Template Checker
Timing is everything, isn’t it? Sending your email at the right moment can mean the difference between ‘seen’ and ‘ignored’. Here’s the trick to nailing your send times:
Test Different Times. Experiment with various times and days to see what works best.
Know Your Audience. B2B? Weekdays might work best. Targeting night owls? Try later in the evening.
Consider Time Zones. If your audience is global, time zone tailoring is your friend.
Avoid Busy Hours. Monday mornings can be hectic. Maybe wait until they’ve had their coffee.
Optimizing your email timing is like catching someone at just the right moment – when they’re ready and willing to engage.
It’s not just about sending emails; it’s about knowing how they perform. Monitoring engagement gives you the intel you need to make your next move. Here’s what you should keep an eye on:
Open Rates. How many people are actually opening your emails?
Click-Through Rates (CTR). Are they clicking on the links inside?
Conversion Rates. Are those clicks turning into actions?
Unsubscribe Rates. How many are waving goodbye?
Think of it as a report card for your email campaigns. Regular check-ins with these metrics keep your strategy sharp and on-point.
Welcome to the lab of email marketing, where A/B testing reigns supreme. It’s all about experimenting with different elements of your email to see what really clicks with your audience. Here’s how to be a mad scientist in the best way:
- Test One Element at a Time. Subject lines, call-to-action buttons, email layouts – change one thing and measure the impact.
- Gather Enough Data. Make sure your test reaches enough people to give you meaningful results.
- Analyze and Apply. Learn from each test and apply those insights to future emails.
A/B testing is like having a crystal ball. It lets you peek into what works and what doesn’t, guiding your path to email success.
Think of your sender reputation as your email’s credit score. It’s crucial for ensuring your emails actually make it to the inbox. Here’s how to keep it in tip-top shape:
- Avoid Spam Complaints. Too many and your reputation takes a hit. Always provide value in your emails.
- Monitor Your Email Lists. Regular cleaning ensures you’re not sending emails to dead ends.
- Consistent Sending Volume. Don’t bombard inboxes out of the blue. Keep your email volume consistent.
A positive sender reputation is like a VIP pass in the world of email. Keep it polished, and your emails are more likely to be welcomed with open arms (or inboxes).
Ever ignore an email because you didn’t recognize the sender? Don’t let that be you. A recognizable sender name builds trust and increases open rates. Here’s the rundown:
- Consistency is Key. Whether it’s your name or your brand’s, stick to one sender name across your campaigns.
- Be Recognizable. Use a name that your audience associates with your brand.
- Avoid Generic Names. “noreply” or “info” are no-nos. They’re impersonal and easily overlooked.
Using a recognizable sender name is like putting a friendly face on your email. It’s welcoming, familiar, and opens the door to engagement.
It might seem counterintuitive, but making it easy for people to say goodbye is actually a good email practice. Clear unsubscribe options keep your audience happy and your email list healthy. Here’s why it matters:
- Respect User Choice. It builds trust. When users know they can leave easily, they’re more likely to stay.
- Reduce Spam Complaints. If they can’t find the unsubscribe button, they might hit the spam button instead. Not good for your reputation.
- Maintain a Clean List. Uninterested parties leaving your list means a more engaged audience stays.
Think of a clear unsubscribe option as an open door – it’s a sign of good manners in the email world.
Ever been blocked from entering a club? That’s what being on an email blacklist feels like. Regularly checking your status is crucial. Tools like Warmy.io offer a free email deliverability test, making it easy to stay in the know.
Use our deliverability test to check if you’re on any blacklists and get insights into your email performance.
If you find yourself blacklisted, take immediate steps to rectify the issues.
You can read how to remove your individual entrepreneur from the black list in our blog.
Sending the same old emails is like replaying the same song on repeat – it gets old fast. Keeping your content fresh and engaging is key. Here’s how to keep the hits coming:
- Mix It Up. Vary your content types – newsletters, announcements, tips, stories. Keep it interesting.
- Stay Relevant. Keep your content aligned with current trends, seasons, or events.
- Feedback Loop. Listen to what your audience wants and likes. Use surveys or feedback tools to stay tuned in.
Regular email content updates are like a breath of fresh air in your subscribers’ inboxes. Keep it fresh, keep it engaging, and they’ll keep coming back for more.
In a world where most emails are first opened on a mobile device, if your email looks wonky on a smartphone, you’re in trouble. Ensuring mobile responsiveness means your emails look good and read well, no matter the screen size. Here’s how to stay mobile-friendly:
- Responsive Design Templates. Use email templates that automatically adjust to the screen size.
- Test on Different Devices. Check how your emails look on various smartphones and tablets.
- Simplify Your Layout. Keep it clean and simple for easy navigation on smaller screens.
Making your emails mobile-responsive is like tailoring a suit to fit perfectly – it should look good no matter who wears it or where.
While visuals and links are crucial, too many can turn your email into a chaotic art gallery. It’s all about striking the right balance.
- Balance is Key. Too many links can trigger spam filters, and excessive images can slow down loading times.
- Relevance Over Quantity. Only include links and images that add real value to your message.
- Optimize Your Images. Ensure they are the right size and format for quick loading.
Think of your email like a gourmet meal – the best ingredients, in the right proportions, make for the most satisfying experience.
With email fraud on the rise, authentication protocols are your shield. They verify that your email is legit and not a phisher’s bait. Let’s talk about protocols like BIMI:
- What is BIMI? Brand Indicators for Message Identification lets you display your brand logo in supported inboxes, building trust and recognition.
- Build Trust and Visibility. These protocols not only protect your emails but also boost your brand visibility and credibility.
Implementing email authentication protocols is like putting a verified badge on your emails – it shows the world your emails are safe and sound, and genuinely yours.
Warmy.io offers consultation services with email deliverability consultants. These experts can provide valuable insights and strategies to improve email deliverability, tailoring their advice to specific business needs.
Their services include analyzing current email practices, identifying issues that may affect deliverability, and offering solutions to enhance overall email performance. For detailed information and to consult with an expert, visit Warmy’s email deliverability consultants page.
For a full-scale email overhaul or a strategic campaign, an email marketing agency might be what you need. These pros offer:
- Comprehensive Services. From strategy development to execution and analysis, they cover all bases.
- Expertise and Experience. Agencies bring a wealth of knowledge and a broad skill set.
- Time and Resource Efficiency. Outsourcing to an agency can save you time and resources, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business.
Partnering with an email marketing agency is like enlisting a team of experts, each bringing their own superpowers to your email campaign.
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve deliverability is by getting your subscribers to whitelist your emails. Here’s how:
- Easy Instructions. Provide clear, step-by-step instructions on how to whitelist your emails.
- Early Communication. Introduce the concept in your welcome email or in an early interaction.
- Highlight the Benefits. Let your subscribers know that whitelisting ensures they won’t miss any valuable content or offers from you.
Educating your subscribers on whitelisting is like giving them a VIP pass to all your future emails – it ensures your messages always make it to the main event, their inbox.
Keeping your email templates fresh and modern is like giving your campaign a new coat of paint. It keeps things interesting for your audience and ensures functionality across devices. Here’s what to focus on:
- Stay on Trend. Keep up with design trends to keep your emails looking current.
- Test for Compatibility. Regularly check that your templates work well on all devices and email clients.
- User Experience. Ensure the design is not just attractive but also user-friendly and accessible.
Keeping your email templates updated is like keeping your wardrobe fashionable – it shows you’re in tune with the times.
Your email service provider is your campaign’s backbone. The right one can make a world of difference. Here’s why it’s crucial:
- Deliverability. Good providers have better deliverability rates.
- Features and Tools. Look for providers offering tools that align with your email marketing needs.
- Support and Reliability. Consider the level of customer support and uptime guarantees.
Choosing the right email service provider is like picking the right partner – it should support and enhance your goals.
Navigating the legalities of email marketing, like GDPR and CAN-SPAM, is non-negotiable. It’s about respecting privacy and following the rules. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Understand the Laws. Know the regulations applicable to your audience, especially if they’re global.
- Consent is Key. Always get consent before sending emails.
- Provide Clear Opt-Out Options. Make unsubscribing as easy as subscribing.
Staying legally compliant in your email campaigns is not just good practice – it’s a trust builder with your audience.
A high bounce rate is a red flag in email marketing. It’s about understanding why emails aren’t reaching inboxes and fixing it. Here’s how:
- Track and Analyze. Keep an eye on your bounce rate metrics.
- Identify the Causes. Determine if bounces are due to invalid addresses, server issues, or other reasons.
- Take Corrective Actions. Clean your lists, improve your content, and check your sending reputation.
Reducing your bounce rates is like fine-tuning your car’s engine – it ensures a smoother journey to your destination, the inbox.
And there we have it – 27 golden nuggets to elevate your email deliverability to new heights. From the warm-up magic of Warmy.io to the meticulous art of crafting subject lines and ensuring legal compliance, each practice plays a pivotal role in making your email campaigns not just reach but resonate with your audience.
Starting with Warmy.io sets a strong foundation, and following through this checklist will guide you through the maze of email marketing with greater ease and effectiveness. Remember, the world of email is ever-evolving, and staying agile and informed is key to keeping those open and click rates climbing. Here’s to emails that not only reach inboxes but also win hearts and minds! Keep testing, keep refining, and most importantly, keep connecting.
Elevate your email game with Warmy.io. Discover how their email warmup service can transform your email deliverability, ensuring your messages hit the mark every time. Don’t let your emails get lost in the abyss of spam folders. Start your journey to impeccable email health today by visiting Warmy.io. Ready to revolutionize your email strategy?