Does SSL certificate type affect email deliverability?
Summary
What email marketers say7Marketer opinions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What the experts say5Expert opinions
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.
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).
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.
Expert from Email Geeks shares that mailbox providers and others do not view EV certificates as indicators of a more reputable or accountable company.
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.
What the documentation says3Technical articles
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.
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.
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.