Summary
Monitoring Microsoft reputation on shared IPs involves using a combination of tools and strategies due to the limitations of Microsoft's SNDS. Experts recommend tools like GPT (with the caveat of assuming its measurements are similar to Microsoft), Sender Score, Talos Intelligence, and Google Postmaster Tools, while emphasizing inbox and seed list monitoring. Regular checks of blocklist status using multi-RBL lookup tools and monitoring tools are crucial. Focusing on domain reputation is also advised. Regarding third-party DKIM signatures, defined as signatures from a domain other than the sender's (often an ESP), experts stress understanding their implications for brand reputation and authentication. It's essential to maintain good sending practices, clean lists, avoid spam traps, and ensure DKIM alignment, especially with ESPs, as improperly configured third-party DKIM can harm deliverability.
Key findings
- Limited SNDS: Microsoft's SNDS has limitations in providing domain-level insights and specific shared IP monitoring capabilities.
- Tool Combination: Effective monitoring requires a combination of tools and techniques, including GPT, Sender Score, Google Postmaster Tools, and blocklist checks.
- Domain vs. IP: Focusing on domain reputation is increasingly important, though IP reputation monitoring remains relevant, especially for shared IPs.
- DKIM Importance: Proper DKIM configuration, particularly when using third-party DKIM through an ESP, is crucial for authentication and deliverability.
Key considerations
- Monitoring Strategy: Develop a comprehensive monitoring strategy that incorporates multiple tools and techniques to capture both IP and domain reputation metrics.
- Alert System: Implement an alert system to promptly identify and address blocklist listings or significant reputation changes.
- ESP Assessment: Assess your ESP's DKIM practices and ensure they align with best practices to prevent deliverability issues.
- Good Practices: Adhere to good sending practices, including list hygiene, avoiding spam traps, and maintaining consistent sending volumes, to safeguard your sending reputation.
- SNDS Limitations: Be aware that SNDS is limited to IP-level data and does not provide domain-level insights or specific shared IP monitoring capabilities so other tools are also needed.
What email marketers say
9 marketer opinions
To monitor Microsoft reputation on a shared IP, email marketers suggest using various tools such as Sender Score, multi-RBL lookup tools, and seed list testing. It's advised to focus on domain reputation through Google Postmaster Tools and monitor sender reputation using tools like Talos Intelligence. Key practices include maintaining good sending habits, regularly checking blocklist status, and setting up alerts for listings. For third-party DKIM signatures, which occur when ESPs sign emails on behalf of clients, it's crucial to understand their implications for brand reputation and ensure proper configuration to avoid deliverability issues. Monitoring sending volumes, practicing list hygiene, avoiding spam traps, and adhering to best authentication practices are essential for maintaining a positive reputation.
Key opinions
- Monitoring Tools: Various tools can be employed to monitor IP and domain reputation, including Sender Score, multi-RBL lookup tools, Google Postmaster Tools, and Talos Intelligence.
- Shared IP Challenges: Monitoring reputation on shared IPs requires vigilance, as the actions of other senders can impact your deliverability.
- Third-Party DKIM: Third-party DKIM signatures are often used by ESPs but necessitate careful configuration to ensure they don't negatively affect deliverability.
- Proactive Practices: Good sending practices, such as maintaining clean lists and avoiding spam traps, are crucial for upholding a positive sending reputation.
Key considerations
- Tool Selection: Choose the right tools for monitoring both IP and domain reputation based on your specific needs and resources.
- Alerting System: Set up alerts for blocklist listings or significant changes in reputation to enable prompt responses to potential issues.
- Configuration: Properly configure DKIM and other authentication methods, especially when using a third-party DKIM signature through an ESP.
- Continuous Monitoring: Regularly monitor your sending reputation and adjust practices as needed to maintain optimal deliverability.
- List Hygiene: Regularly clean your email lists to remove inactive or invalid addresses, reducing the risk of spam complaints and improving sender reputation.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Reddit suggests regularly checking blocklist status using multi-RBL lookup tools to monitor the shared IP's reputation. He also suggests setting up alerts for any listing.
13 Mar 2022 - Reddit
Marketer view
Email marketer from Email Deliverability Forum explains that ESPs often use their own DKIM domains when sending on behalf of clients. This can help the ESP manage feedback loops and authentication more effectively but can also lead to deliverability issues if not properly configured.
10 Sep 2023 - Email Deliverability Forum
What the experts say
6 expert opinions
Monitoring Microsoft reputation on a shared IP involves using tools like GPT (with assumptions about MSFT similarity) and focusing on inbox monitoring, especially through seed list testing. Experts emphasize the importance of minimizing third-party DKIM signatures on emails sent to Microsoft and Google. A third-party DKIM signature is defined as a signature with a domain other than the sender's, often used by ESPs. To maintain IP reputation on shared IPs, regular monitoring of blocklist listings is advised. Understanding the implications of third-party DKIM signatures for brand reputation and authentication is crucial.
Key opinions
- GPT Reliance: Relying on GPT (Google Postmaster Tools) is a common strategy, but assumptions must be made for its accuracy with Microsoft.
- Third-Party DKIM Risks: Third-party DKIM signatures pose potential risks to brand reputation and authentication, requiring careful management.
- Blocklist Monitoring: Checking blocklist listings is essential for maintaining IP reputation, particularly on shared IPs.
- Seed List Testing: Inbox placement testing via seed lists is an effective method for monitoring deliverability.
Key considerations
- DKIM Alignment: Ensure your DKIM signature always aligns with your domain to maintain brand consistency and trust.
- Microsoft Specifics: Be aware that SNDS (Smart Network Data Services) may not be upgraded for domain-level reputation management, requiring alternative monitoring methods.
- Proactive Monitoring: Regularly check blocklists and use monitoring tools to quickly identify and address any reputation issues.
- ESP Practices: If using an ESP, understand how they handle DKIM signatures and ensure it aligns with best practices for deliverability.
Expert view
Expert from Spamresource recommends closely monitoring blocklist listings as an indicator of IP reputation for shared IPs. Regularly check major blocklists and use monitoring tools to stay informed about potential issues affecting deliverability.
5 Jan 2024 - Spamresource
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that third-party DKIM signatures are often used by ESPs when sending mail on behalf of their clients, particularly if the client hasn't set up their own DKIM. She advises senders to be aware of the potential implications for brand reputation and authentication.
17 Oct 2022 - Word to the Wise
What the documentation says
4 technical articles
Microsoft's SNDS provides data on IP-related metrics like complaints and spam traps but doesn't cover domain reputation or shared IP specifics. DKIM, as explained by Google and RFC documentation, is an email authentication method that allows organizations to take responsibility for their messages. A third-party DKIM involves an ESP signing on behalf of a client. Google Postmaster Tools provides data on email performance, including spam rates and IP reputation, aiding in identifying and fixing deliverability issues.
Key findings
- SNDS Limitations: Microsoft SNDS is limited to IP-level data and does not provide domain-level insights or specific shared IP monitoring capabilities.
- DKIM Purpose: DKIM is an email authentication method used to verify sender identity and prevent spoofing.
- 3rd Party DKIM: Third-party DKIM signatures involve an ESP signing emails on behalf of their clients.
- Postmaster Tools Utility: Google Postmaster Tools helps identify and fix deliverability issues by providing data on email performance metrics.
Key considerations
- Alternative Monitoring: Because SNDS does not address domain-level reputation, it's essential to employ alternative monitoring tools and techniques.
- DKIM Implementation: Proper DKIM implementation is crucial for sender authentication and preventing email spoofing.
- ESP Practices: Understand how your ESP handles DKIM signatures and ensure it aligns with best practices.
- Data Analysis: Regularly analyze data from tools like Google Postmaster Tools to identify and address any deliverability issues proactively.
Technical article
Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help explains that DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) is an email authentication method designed to detect email spoofing. It allows an organization to take responsibility for a message in transit.
26 Jun 2021 - Google Workspace Admin Help
Technical article
Documentation from RFC Editor details how DKIM signatures work, including the use of cryptographic keys to verify the sender's identity. A third-party DKIM signature would involve a domain other than the sender's, often from an ESP.
13 Oct 2022 - RFC Editor
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