How can I verify if my company's emails have List-Unsubscribe headers correctly configured?

Summary

Verifying List-Unsubscribe header configuration involves several techniques. Experts recommend tools like aboutmy.email, viewing email source code for 'List-Unsubscribe:', and noting that a Gmail unsubscribe link suggests valid headers but isn't definitive. RFC8058 is essential for one-click unsubscribe implementation. Marketers stress that implementing List-Unsubscribe improves deliverability, sender reputation, and ISP relations. Google and Microsoft documentation highlight the header's purpose and processing. RFC standards detail its syntax and implementation. Integrating DKIM, SPF, and DMARC records is also crucial for deliverability.

Key findings

  • Verification Tools: aboutmy.email and similar tools can check for List-Unsubscribe headers.
  • Source Code Inspection: Email source code should be checked for 'List-Unsubscribe:' header.
  • Gmail Link Indicator: Gmail unsubscribe link indicates headers but isn't always reliable.
  • RFC8058 for One-Click: RFC8058 enables one-click unsubscribe functionality.
  • Positive Impact: List-Unsubscribe improves deliverability and sender reputation.
  • ISP Relationship: Adding a List-Unsubscribe header shows that you care about recipients preferences.
  • Multiple Authentication Methods: DKIM, SPF and DMARC alongside List-Unsubscribe also help deliverability.

Key considerations

  • Comprehensive Verification: Use a combination of tools, source code inspection, and Gmail checks for thorough verification.
  • Implement One-Click: Implement List-Unsubscribe-Post for one-click unsubscribe to enhance user experience.
  • Comply with Standards: Adhere to RFC standards for List-Unsubscribe implementation.
  • Complaint Monitoring: Ensure you handle complaints in a timely matter as too many complaints can have a knock on effect on deliverability.
  • Overall Authentication: Implement DKIM, SPF and DMARC alongside the list unsubscribe headers.

What email marketers say
11Marketer opinions

Verifying the correct configuration of List-Unsubscribe headers in your company's emails involves several methods. Examining the email's source code for the 'List-Unsubscribe:' header is a primary step. Tools like Mail-Tester and aboutmy.email can also be used to analyze email headers and validate the header's presence and format. The presence of an unsubscribe link in Gmail indicates valid headers, but checking the raw source is necessary for complete verification. RFC8058 is important for enabling one-click unsubscribe. Implementing List-Unsubscribe headers, especially with the List-Unsubscribe-Post option for one-click functionality, is crucial for improving email deliverability, sender reputation, and compliance with anti-spam regulations. Setting up List-Unsubscribe correctly signals to ISPs that you respect recipient preferences.

Key opinions

  • Header Verification: Check email source code for 'List-Unsubscribe:' header.
  • Gmail Indicator: Unsubscribe link in Gmail suggests valid headers, but raw source verification is needed.
  • RFC8058 Importance: Implementing RFC8058 enables one-click unsubscribe functionality.
  • Deliverability Boost: List-Unsubscribe headers improve email deliverability and sender reputation.
  • ISP Signal: Properly configured headers signal respect for recipient preferences to ISPs.

Key considerations

  • Multiple Methods: Use multiple verification methods (source code, online tools, Gmail indicators) for thorough checks.
  • One-Click Unsubscribe: Consider implementing List-Unsubscribe-Post for one-click unsubscribe to improve user experience.
  • Anti-Spam Compliance: Ensure compliance with anti-spam regulations by correctly configuring List-Unsubscribe headers.
  • Reputation Monitoring: Monitor unsubscribe rates and feedback loops to maintain a positive sender reputation.
  • Tool Usage: Utilize tools like Mail-Tester and aboutmy.email to validate header presence and format.
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks shares to always confirm with headers as Gmail picks up on stuff from the email to enhance the UI experience. Using List-Unsub and post ensures Gmail is using the right thing and that you meet the requirements to offer one-click.

October 2021 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Litmus provides a detailed guide on implementing List-Unsubscribe headers. The guide covers the different types of List-Unsubscribe options, including mailto and one-click unsubscribe. Also, the article provides code snippets and advice on testing the implementation.

July 2024 - Litmus
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit shares that they have seen improved deliverability rates after implementing List-Unsubscribe headers and monitoring unsubscribe feedback loops. They recommend using a tool like Mail-Tester to check for the presence and validity of the header.

June 2021 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from SendGrid emphasizes that using List-Unsubscribe headers improves email deliverability and sender reputation. The article provides instructions on how to add the header to emails sent through SendGrid's platform and discusses monitoring unsubscribe rates.

August 2022 - SendGrid
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks says RFC8058 is what you need to implement for List-Unsubscribe.

May 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Stack Overflow answers that you can verify list-unsubscribe by sending a test email to yourself, viewing the source and looking at the headers to see if 'List-Unsubscribe' is present.

October 2023 - Stack Overflow
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks explains that if Gmail shows an unsubscribe link, it means valid List-Unsubscribe headers are present, and the actual raw source needs to be checked to see all the headers.

February 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailjet explains the importance of List-Unsubscribe headers for email deliverability and compliance with anti-spam regulations. The guide details how to implement the header using both mailto: and HTTP unsubscribe options, providing code examples and best practices for implementation.

February 2022 - Mailjet
Marketer view

Email marketer from EmailVendorSelection shares that adding a List-Unsubscribe header is a signal to ISPs that you care about recipients preferences, and it shows how to setup either with a mailto: or an URL setup.

April 2021 - EmailVendorSelection
Marketer view

Email marketer from SparkPost discusses the benefits of using the List-Unsubscribe-Post header alongside the standard List-Unsubscribe header. It explains how this header enables one-click unsubscribe functionality, improving user experience and sender reputation. You can also use the Return-Path header and set up feedback loops.

April 2023 - SparkPost
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email on Acid stresses the importance of List-Unsubscribe headers for avoiding spam filters. The article discusses how the absence of these headers can negatively impact sender reputation and provides tips on ensuring correct implementation.

August 2021 - Email on Acid

What the experts say
5Expert opinions

To verify List-Unsubscribe headers, experts recommend using tools like aboutmy.email or viewing the email's source code for the 'List-Unsubscribe:' header. If Gmail shows an unsubscribe link, it suggests the headers are present, but this isn't always reliable. List-Unsubscribe implementation is critical as email providers may add their own if missing, and the number of complaints affects deliverability.

Key opinions

  • Verification Tools: Tools like aboutmy.email are useful for checking List-Unsubscribe headers.
  • Source Code Check: Viewing email source code and searching for 'List-Unsubscribe:' header is a reliable method.
  • Gmail Inconsistency: The presence of an unsubscribe link in Gmail is not a definitive indicator.
  • Complaints Affect Deliverability: The number of complaints has a knock on effect on deliverability.

Key considerations

  • Tool Reliability: Rely on dedicated tools and source code analysis for accurate verification, rather than solely on Gmail's display.
  • Implementation Importance: Prioritize List-Unsubscribe implementation to prevent providers from adding their own and to manage complaints.
  • Proactive Implementation: Implement List-Unsubscribe proactively, as email providers may add their own, and high complaint rates can negatively impact deliverability.
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks shares that using aboutmy.email is a good way to check if a List-Unsubscribe header and List-Unsubscribe-Post header are present.

August 2022 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource explains that to check for a List-Unsubscribe header, you can view the email's source code and look for the 'List-Unsubscribe:' header. You can also use online tools that analyze email headers.

November 2022 - Spam Resource
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks shares that Gmail doesn't always show the unsubscribe link even if the header is present, recommending Steve's tool as a more reliable check. If the link is present you're good, if it isn't then don't panic yet.

November 2021 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks suggests viewing the full headers (view original) to check for the List-Unsubscribe header and recommends Steve's tool.

September 2023 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise shares that it is important to implement list-unsubscribe, as email providers will add their own. The amount of complaints you get will have an effect on deliverability.

July 2022 - Word to the Wise

What the documentation says
5Technical articles

Documentation emphasizes the importance of List-Unsubscribe headers for easy unsubscribing and better email management. Google recommends including both mailto: and URL options for best compatibility. Exchange Online automatically processes these headers for Outlook users. The original RFC standard outlines the header's purpose and syntax, while RFC 8058 details one-click unsubscribe implementation with List-Unsubscribe-Post. DKIM, SPF, and DMARC records also contribute to email deliverability alongside List-Unsubscribe headers.

Key findings

  • Google Recommendation: Include both mailto: and URL options in List-Unsubscribe header for compatibility.
  • Exchange Online Processing: Exchange Online automatically processes List-Unsubscribe headers for Outlook users.
  • RFC Standard: RFC outlines the purpose and syntax of List-Unsubscribe headers.
  • One-Click Unsubscribe (RFC 8058): RFC 8058 details one-click unsubscribe implementation with List-Unsubscribe-Post.
  • Additional Authentication: DKIM, SPF, and DMARC records also help with deliverability.

Key considerations

  • Comprehensive Approach: Use List-Unsubscribe headers in conjunction with DKIM, SPF, and DMARC for optimal email deliverability.
  • Compliance with Standards: Adhere to RFC standards for List-Unsubscribe implementation to ensure compatibility.
  • User Experience: Consider implementing one-click unsubscribe for improved user experience and sender reputation.
  • Double Check Configuration: Ensure that headers are configured correctly for both Google and Microsoft email clients.
Technical article

Documentation from RFC Editor details how to implement one-click unsubscribe functionality with the List-Unsubscribe-Post header, improving user experience and sender reputation. The document describes how the header should be constructed.

November 2021 - RFC Editor
Technical article

Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help explains that the List-Unsubscribe header allows users to easily unsubscribe from mailing lists. It specifies the format and requirements for including the header, including both mailto: and URL options. Google recommends including both for best compatibility.

November 2024 - Google Workspace Admin Help
Technical article

Documentation from RFC Editor outlines the original standard for the List-Unsubscribe header, defining its purpose and syntax. It specifies how the header should be constructed to ensure compatibility with various email clients and mailing list managers. This is a foundational document for understanding the technical aspects of the header.

July 2021 - RFC Editor
Technical article

Documentation from Microsoft Learn details how the List-Unsubscribe header works within Exchange Online. It highlights that Exchange Online automatically processes these headers, allowing recipients to unsubscribe directly from within Outlook. The article also notes security considerations and best practices.

October 2021 - Microsoft Learn
Technical article

Documentation from DKIMValidator highlights that as well as list-unsubscribe headers, DKIM, SPF and DMARC records help ensure your email are delivered.

April 2024 - DKIMValidator