How can I validate a domain for Verizon FBL without using postmaster verification emails?
Summary
What email marketers say8Marketer opinions
Email marketer from MailerLite explains that to avoid spam filters use proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC).
Email marketer from Litmus shares some email bounces are unavoidable. However, you can prevent bounces by validating email addresses, sending relevant content and removing unengaged subscribers.
Email marketer from StackExchange explains that Yahoo (which Verizon owns) requires that the domain in the 'from' address matches the domain that owns the IP addresses. If you're using shared IPs, you'll have to either use Yahoo's Authentication program or get dedicated IPs
Email marketer from EmailGeeks mentions double DKIM signing with their own domain so the FBL is based on that d= rather than custom one, and this is the standard method
Email marketer from Mailjet shares that some of the best ways to improve sender reputation include: Authenticating your email, cleaning up your email lists, and segmenting your audience.
Email marketer from Reddit recommends implementing proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and actively monitoring your sender reputation through tools like Google Postmaster Tools. While not directly avoiding postmaster verification for FBLs, this approach can help proactively manage deliverability issues.
Email marketer from EmailToolTester recommends to reduce your spam score and land in the inbox use a dedicated IP address.
Email marketer from OnlyMarketingJobs shares to ensure your email authentication is properly configured, including SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records, so receivers can verify the email is actually coming from you.
What the experts say11Expert opinions
Expert from Email Geeks says that you might reasonably ask whether they could send mail to abuse@ as well as postmaster@, but asking for anything more than that isn't going to fly.
Expert from Email Geeks believes putting in a way to catch the postmaster verification emails is better than trying to invent new ways to verify domains, since many places use postmaster for verification.
Expert from Spamresource.com recommends setting up FBLs as they give you direct information about users who are marking your mail as spam, so you can remove them from your list. This will help improve your overall reputation.
Expert from Email Geeks recommends custom DKIM d= whenever possible because anything that makes it easier for the ISPs and filters to identify this mail is you and not someone else.
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that setting up your own DKIM keys avoids the problems shared domains can cause. Using custom DKIM records help providers identify that emails come from you.
Expert from Email Geeks clarifies it’s not just COI as much as it is verifying a legitimate interest in getting FBLs and warns you do not want competitors hijacking your FBL.
Expert from Email Geeks explains that to validate the group that handles mail for a domain, the main method has always been sending a mail to postmaster@thedomain with a magic cookie in it.
Expert from Email Geeks explains that Acoustic likely uses double DKIM signing with their own domain and the FBL is based on that d= not a custom one, and this is the standard method.
Expert from Email Geeks explains that a customer DKIM signature carries the customer's reputation and allows it to move from one ESP to another. The ESP DKIM signature makes setting up FBLs easier but has the concern of smearing reputation.
Expert from Spamresource.com explains that feedback loops (FBLs) are a mechanism by which an ISP forwards a copy of spam complaints from their users to the sender. To set up a feedback loop you will need to validate your identity to the ISP, a common method is to reply to a validation email sent to postmaster@yourdomain.com.
Expert from Email Geeks states it’s very unlikely Verizon will send verification emails to a different domain as it prevents competitors from hijacking the FBL. She adds postmaster is a standard email address every sending domain should have.
What the documentation says4Technical articles
Documentation from SparkPost explains feedback loops. This involves subscribing to FBLs offered by ISPs, which can provide insights into spam complaints and help improve deliverability. The setup process typically involves verification, but the specifics vary by ISP.
Documentation from Verizon Media Postmaster explains that the setup for their Feedback Loop (FBL) involves sending a request with specific information, including IP addresses and contact details, to initiate the process. While it doesn't directly address avoiding postmaster verification, understanding their general FBL setup process provides context.
Documentation from Gmail explains that to ensure Gmail delivers your messages, authenticate your email with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.
Documentation from RFC explains that DMARC allows domain owners to receive reports about email authentication results, which can indirectly help in identifying and addressing deliverability issues without direct postmaster interaction.