Do secure HTTPS links improve email deliverability?
Summary
What email marketers say8Marketer opinions
Email marketer from Stackoverflow indicates that using HTTPS for links doesn't directly affect email deliverability. They suggest focusing on authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and sender reputation as the primary factors influencing whether emails reach the inbox.
Email marketer from Email Geeks points out that companies are setting HSTS policies which force HTTPS on all website traffic including subdomains, which means clicktracking links will be upgraded regardless of ESP support. They also mention that Chrome is expected to forcibly upgrade all links to HTTPS soon.
Email marketer from Sender shares that while SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are critical for email deliverability, using HTTPS for links within emails can indirectly improve deliverability by enhancing sender reputation and user engagement. HTTPS builds trust, leading to fewer spam complaints and better overall performance.
Email marketer from Mailjet mentions that focusing on email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and maintaining a clean email list are the most important factors for deliverability. They explain that while HTTPS in links is a good practice, its direct impact on email deliverability is minimal compared to authentication and list hygiene.
Email marketer from Cloudflare says that HTTPS is essential for protecting website data and improving SEO. Migrating to HTTPS can improve a website's search engine rankings and provide a better user experience, leading to increased engagement and conversions.
Email marketer from Reddit shares their opinion that HTTPS links alone won't drastically improve deliverability but can contribute to a better sender reputation over time. A consistent HTTPS implementation across a brand's web presence can signal trustworthiness to email providers.
Email marketer from Reliablesoft.net shares that HTTPS can indirectly improve SEO by increasing user trust and time on site, thereby improving search engine rankings. He also discusses the importance of a valid SSL certificate.
Email marketer from Neil Patel explains that switching to HTTPS provides a minor ranking boost in Google search results, increasing security and building trust with customers by encrypting sensitive information.
What the experts say4Expert opinions
Expert from Spamresource.com discusses the importance of HTTPS in email marketing for security and user trust, stating that while HTTPS encryption doesn't directly impact inbox placement, it improves user experience and provides trust, which can help your email deliverability indirectly by improving user behavior.
Expert from Email Geeks shares that secure links likely have a minimal impact on deliverability currently, acting as a minor signal at best. However, she suggests that if more senders adopt HTTPS, it could become a more significant factor in the future. She also recommends using secure links as a good practice regardless of current deliverability benefits.
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that mail streams, like HTTPS, are all about getting secure and authenticated. They are about encrypting mail in motion and proving you're not a spammer.
Expert from Email Geeks shares that Gmail favors HTTPS and treats web content with HTTPS as higher value for search, suggesting it might apply the same to links in email content, although he lacks definitive proof.
What the documentation says6Technical articles
Documentation from RFC defines opportunistic TLS (STARTTLS) for SMTP, allowing email servers to negotiate encrypted connections to protect email in transit. This is critical for preventing eavesdropping but doesn't directly relate to HTTPS links within email content.
Documentation from Microsoft explains that Exchange Online uses TLS to encrypt email in transit but doesn't discuss the impact of HTTPS links within the email body on deliverability. The focus is on securing the connection between email servers.
Documentation from Google explains that HTTPS is used as a ranking signal in search results, encouraging website owners to implement HTTPS to improve their site's visibility. Google also provides resources for website owners to migrate to HTTPS.
Documentation from DMARC.org focuses on how DMARC, SPF, and DKIM authentication methods affect deliverability and protection against spoofing, not directly discussing the impact of HTTPS links within email content.
Documentation from Mozilla explains that HTTPS encrypts communications between a user's browser and the website's server, protecting against eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks, and ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.
Documentation from Sectigo mentions that while HTTPS is essential for website security and SEO, its direct impact on email deliverability is less pronounced. However, using HTTPS for links within emails helps build trust and protects user data, potentially improving engagement and reducing spam complaints.