Does using HTTP links instead of HTTPS links affect email deliverability?
Summary
What email marketers say10Marketer opinions
Email marketer from Email on Acid explains that using HTTPS in links is part of a broader strategy to ensure email security. While it might not directly impact deliverability algorithms, it contributes to creating a secure and trustworthy experience for recipients, which can indirectly improve engagement.
Email marketer from SendPulse Blog answers that while HTTPS in links isn't a primary factor for email deliverability, it contributes to the overall sender reputation. Positive sender reputation enhances the likelihood of emails reaching the inbox.
Marketer from Email Geeks shares that using HTTP links should not impact deliverability, but HTTPS is now best practice. Gmail proxies HTTP links to ensure visibility within HTTPS webmail sessions.
Email marketer from ActiveCampaign explains while HTTPS isn't a massive impact to deliverability, it does increase trust for the end user and that using it makes sense as a best practice for email.
Email marketer from Reddit explains that using HTTPS links isn't a major factor in deliverability algorithms, but can improve user trust. This is based on the user's experience with various ESPs.
Email marketer from Mailchimp Community Forum suggests that while HTTPS may not directly impact deliverability scores, it can positively influence user perception and engagement, ultimately helping inbox placement.
Email marketer from HubSpot says that while HTTPS for links isn't a direct deliverability factor, it enhances security and user trust. A secure experience can improve engagement metrics, indirectly boosting deliverability.
Email marketer from Litmus shares that while not a direct deliverability factor, HTTPS usage in links aligns with modern security standards and builds trust with recipients, which can indirectly improve engagement and sender reputation.
Marketer from Email Geeks agrees with others, stating that while it might not directly affect deliverability, using HTTPS is the current standard for other reasons.
Email marketer from Neil Patel Blog shares that while HTTPS is not directly related to email deliverability, Google favors HTTPS-secured websites, which indirectly boosts SEO and can enhance user trust, potentially leading to higher engagement with emails.
What the experts say3Expert opinions
Expert from Email Geeks mentions that Google favors TLS websites in search ranking and suggests this preference may eventually influence email reputation.
Expert from Word to the Wise emphasizes the importance of secure links (HTTPS) as part of overall domain and sending reputation, noting that while it may not be a direct deliverability factor, it contributes to a positive user experience and trust, which indirectly influences deliverability.
Expert from Email Geeks explains it's not a spam issue currently but impacts link functionality in some browsers, advising a move to HTTPS for broader compatibility.
What the documentation says4Technical articles
Documentation from Mailjet explains that maintaining a consistent and secure sending infrastructure, including using HTTPS for links where possible, helps improve sender reputation, which is critical for email deliverability.
Documentation from SparkPost shares that while not explicitly stating HTTPS impacts deliverability, ensuring links are valid and functional is essential. HTTPS links contribute to a safer and more trustworthy user experience.
Documentation from Google Webmaster Central Blog explains that HTTPS is a ranking signal. While this refers to website ranking in search results, a similar principle could influence email engagement indirectly as users become more security-conscious.
Documentation from RFC Editor discusses the importance of security in various internet protocols. While it doesn't specifically address email deliverability related to HTTPS, it highlights the importance of secure communication, which aligns with using HTTPS links.