Does SSL certificate type affect email deliverability?

Summary

The consensus is that the specific *type* of SSL certificate (DV, OV, EV) does not directly impact email authentication protocols or deliverability algorithms used by mailbox providers. Mailbox providers prioritize factors like email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), user engagement, and sender reputation. However, *having* a valid SSL certificate (enabling HTTPS) on all domains associated with your email program, including landing pages, tracking links, and image hosting, is crucial for maintaining a positive reputation and ensuring a secure user experience. The lack of SSL, or presence of mixed content, can trigger browser warnings, erode user trust, and negatively impact engagement, all of which indirectly harm deliverability. Proper certificate validation and avoiding mixed content are vital for ensuring security. TLS encrypts email in transit, protecting it from eavesdropping and tampering. Experts do not view EV certificates as indicators of a more reputable or accountable company.

Key findings

  • Type Irrelevance: The specific type of SSL certificate (DV, OV, EV) doesn't directly impact email deliverability algorithms.
  • HTTPS Essential: Having a valid SSL certificate (HTTPS) on all associated domains (landing pages, tracking) is crucial.
  • Reputation Impact: Valid SSL certificates build trust and a positive reputation, while invalid ones harm it.
  • User Experience: SSL-related browser warnings negatively impact user experience and engagement.
  • Authentication Focus: Mailbox providers primarily focus on email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and user engagement.
  • TLS Security: TLS encryption secures email in transit, protecting it from interception.
  • EV Perception: EV certificates are not viewed as a sign of higher reputability by mailbox providers.

Key considerations

  • Complete HTTPS: Ensure all domains associated with your email program are served over HTTPS with valid certificates.
  • Certificate Monitoring: Regularly monitor SSL certificate validity and address issues promptly.
  • Avoid Mixed Content: Strictly avoid mixed content on HTTPS pages by loading all resources over HTTPS.
  • Authentication Priority: Prioritize proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) as a primary deliverability factor.
  • User-Centric Approach: Strive for a secure and seamless user experience to boost engagement and improve sender reputation.
  • Cost Optimization: Choose an SSL certificate type based on your security needs and budget, knowing the *type* doesn't affect deliverability.

What email marketers say
7Marketer opinions

While the type of SSL certificate (DV, OV, EV) itself doesn't directly impact email authentication protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, the presence of a valid SSL certificate (and therefore HTTPS) on linked websites and landing pages significantly affects email deliverability. Absence of SSL, or the presence of 'mixed content' (HTTPS pages loading HTTP resources), can trigger browser warnings, erode user trust, negatively impact engagement (click-through rates), and damage sender reputation, all of which ultimately harm deliverability. Maintaining consistent HTTPS usage demonstrates a commitment to security and builds trust, contributing to a positive sender reputation.

Key opinions

  • Direct Authentication: SSL certificate type doesn't directly impact email authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC).
  • Indirect Impact: SSL certificates indirectly affect deliverability through user perception, engagement, and sender reputation.
  • User Trust: Valid SSL certificates build trust with recipients, improving engagement and deliverability.
  • Negative Signals: Lack of SSL or 'mixed content' on linked pages can trigger browser warnings, scaring off recipients and lowering engagement.
  • Reputation: Consistent use of HTTPS contributes to a positive sender reputation, improving deliverability.

Key considerations

  • HTTPS Everywhere: Ensure all linked content in emails (landing pages, images, tracking links) is served over HTTPS.
  • Avoid Mixed Content: Prevent 'mixed content' issues by ensuring HTTPS pages do not load HTTP resources.
  • User Experience: Prioritize a seamless and secure user experience to maximize engagement and maintain a positive reputation.
  • Reputation Management: Monitor sender reputation and address any SSL-related warnings or issues promptly.
  • Consistent Branding: Ensure SSL is consistently applied to all resources associated with your brand to build a credible image.
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit explains that SSL certificates on linked websites demonstrate a commitment to security, building trust with recipients. While not a direct ranking factor for mailbox providers, user engagement is influenced by perceived security, potentially boosting deliverability.

January 2023 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailjet Blog states that SSL certificates on landing pages linked in emails indirectly affect deliverability. If a landing page lacks SSL, browsers may flag it as insecure, potentially harming sender reputation and deliverability.

December 2021 - Mailjet Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email on Acid Blog recommends to ensure all linked content is served over HTTPS. They state that insecure content can trigger warnings and scare off recipients, resulting in deliverability issues.

June 2024 - Email on Acid Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from HubSpot Blog suggests that you should always use SSL, as it keeps customer data secure. They state that if it is not implemented it can raise security flags.

June 2024 - HubSpot Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from Sender.net Blog highlights that while SSL certificates don't directly impact email authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), using HTTPS for links in emails is crucial. Insecure links can trigger browser warnings and negatively impact user perception and engagement.

December 2023 - Sender.net Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from StackOverflow highlights that while SSL certificates directly encrypt web traffic, their presence on linked sites reassures recipients. They state that this promotes clicks, and is beneficial as engagement is a deliverability factor.

March 2023 - StackOverflow
Marketer view

Email marketer from Litmus Blog shares that a domain's reputation plays a crucial role in deliverability. Using SSL certificates consistently contributes to a positive reputation. They state that this shows commitment to security.

August 2022 - Litmus Blog

What the experts say
5Expert opinions

Experts agree that the *type* of SSL certificate (DV, OV, EV) does not directly impact email authentication or deliverability in the eyes of mailbox providers. Mailbox providers primarily focus on email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), user engagement, and sender reputation. However, *having* a valid SSL certificate (enabling HTTPS) on domains associated with email programs (landing pages, tracking links) is crucial. A valid certificate ensures user data is secure and builds a positive reputation. The lack of a valid SSL certificate can lead to browser warnings, erode user trust, negatively affect user experience and engagement, indirectly harming deliverability. EV certificates are not viewed as indicators of a more reputable company by mailbox providers.

Key opinions

  • Type Irrelevant: The specific type of SSL certificate (DV, OV, EV) has no direct impact on email deliverability.
  • HTTPS Matters: Having a valid SSL certificate (HTTPS) on domains associated with email programs is important.
  • Reputation Boost: Valid SSL certificates build a positive reputation by demonstrating a commitment to security.
  • Indirect Impact: Poor SSL configuration and invalid certificates can hurt user experience and engagement, indirectly impacting deliverability.
  • EV Certificate Perception: Mailbox providers do not consider EV certificates as indicators of a more reputable or accountable company.

Key considerations

  • Secure All Domains: Ensure all domains associated with your email program (landing pages, tracking links) have valid SSL certificates.
  • Monitor Certificate Status: Regularly monitor SSL certificate validity and address any issues promptly to avoid browser warnings.
  • Focus on Authentication: Prioritize proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) as the primary factor for deliverability.
  • User Experience: Strive for a seamless and secure user experience to improve engagement and maintain a positive reputation.
  • Cost vs. Benefit: Consider the cost-benefit of different SSL certificate types, knowing that the *type* itself doesn't affect deliverability.
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks explains DV (domain validation) certificates involve proving domain ownership, are automated, and cheap to free. EV (extended validation) certificates involve proving Dun & Bradstreet number and payment clearing, and are expensive.

April 2022 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource explains that SSL certificates are an important element of security. It shows commitment to your users, and ensures that user information is not exposed. SSL certs are essential for domains associated with your email program (e.g., tracking links, landing pages).

June 2023 - Spam Resource
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise explains that while the specific type of SSL certificate doesn't directly impact email authentication, having valid SSL certificates for domains associated with your email program (e.g., tracking links, landing pages) is important for building and maintaining a positive reputation. Browser warnings caused by invalid certificates can negatively affect user experience and engagement, which can indirectly impact deliverability.

December 2024 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks shares that mailbox providers and others do not view EV certificates as indicators of a more reputable or accountable company.

August 2023 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks explains that mailbox providers primarily focus on email authentication and user engagement. Links within the message can be used for fingerprinting content, and while HTTP vs. HTTPS might have a minor effect, the type of SSL certificate (OV, DV, or EV) protecting the HTTPS link has no impact on deliverability.

October 2023 - Email Geeks

What the documentation says
3Technical articles

Technical documentation emphasizes the importance of TLS (SSL's successor) for securing email communications. TLS encrypts email during transmission, protecting it from eavesdropping and tampering, which enhances sender reputation. Proper certificate validation is vital for overall security, preventing configuration errors that lead to security warnings. Furthermore, avoiding mixed content (HTTPS pages loading HTTP resources) is crucial, as it presents a security risk, potentially triggering browser warnings, harming user experience, and damaging the credibility of emails.

Key findings

  • TLS Encryption: TLS encrypts email in transit, protecting it from interception and modification.
  • Security Importance: Correct certificate validation is a prerequisite for security. Security issues can affect trust and reputation.
  • Mixed Content Risks: Mixed content on HTTPS pages introduces security vulnerabilities and degrades user experience.

Key considerations

  • Implement TLS: Ensure that TLS is properly configured for all email communications.
  • Validate Certificates: Always perform thorough certificate validation to prevent misconfigurations.
  • Avoid Mixed Content: Strictly avoid mixed content by ensuring all resources on HTTPS pages are also served over HTTPS.
  • Security Best Practices: Implement all-round security best practices to enhance sender reputation and user trust.
Technical article

Documentation from MDN Web Docs explains that mixed content (HTTPS page loading HTTP resources) poses a security risk. Browsers often block or warn users about mixed content, which impacts user experience and can hurt the credibility of emails.

September 2021 - Mozilla
Technical article

Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help emphasizes the importance of TLS (SSL's successor) for securing email communication. It explains that TLS encrypts email during transmission, protecting it from eavesdropping and tampering, which improves sender reputation.

October 2022 - Google
Technical article

Documentation from RFC Editor emphasizes that certificate validation should always be performed. While not directly related to email deliverability it is vital for security. Incorrect configurations can lead to security warnings.

November 2024 - RFC Editor