The collective responses indicate that sender score, while debated in its absolute importance, generally serves as a valuable indicator of IP and sender reputation, significantly impacting email deliverability. A good sender score (often cited as 90 or 95+) is associated with better inbox placement, whereas a consistently low score suggests deliverability issues. However, it's crucial to understand that sender score is one of many factors considered by ISPs. Its relevance can vary based on the recipients and spam traps/sensors used. Experts recommend proactively monitoring your sender score and maintaining best practices such as email authentication, low complaint rates, and clean mailing lists to ensure a healthy sending reputation and improve overall deliverability. It is also an indicator of trust with low scores leading to emails being filtered as spam. A Sender Score in the 70s, 80s, or 90s may signal deliverability problems. While flawed, Sender Score provides a relative ranking compared to other IPs.

The relevance of sender score to email deliverability is multifaceted. While opinions vary on its absolute importance, it's generally agreed that sender score acts as an indicator of IP reputation. A high sender score (typically 90 or 95+) is often associated with better deliverability, whereas a consistently low score can signal deliverability problems. However, sender score is just one of many factors ISPs consider, and its relevance can depend on the recipient base and the specific traps/sensors used. Proactive monitoring of sender score, coupled with best practices like email authentication, low complaint rates, and list hygiene, are recommended to maintain a healthy sending reputation.

Experts from Word to the Wise suggest that Sender Score, although not a perfect metric, offers a valuable relative ranking compared to other IPs. A perfect score doesn't assure inbox placement, while a low score indicates underperformance relative to other senders. Furthermore, a Sender Score in the 70s, 80s, or 90s can signify existing deliverability problems, potentially causing loss of potential customers due to unnoticed reputation issues. Thus, Sender Score is a useful tool for understanding your relative performance and identifying possible hidden deliverability concerns.

Documentation from Validity, Google Postmaster Tools, Microsoft, and Spamhaus indicates that sender reputation, which sender score measures, is crucial for email deliverability. Sender score is calculated based on factors like complaint rates and spam trap hits, influencing how mailbox providers handle your emails. A strong sender reputation is essential for ensuring messages reach recipients' inboxes, and improving sender reputation is key for better deliverability.