How to resolve Microsoft domain deliverability issues from Salesforce?

Summary

Resolving Microsoft domain deliverability issues from Salesforce is a multifaceted process involving technical configurations, reputation management, and adherence to guidelines. Common issues include blocklisting (often indicated by the 5.7.1 error), poor sender reputation, and authentication failures. The process starts with contacting deliverability experts for assistance and closely monitoring your sender reputation through tools like SNDS and JMRP. Essential steps include warming up IP addresses to establish trust, implementing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC correctly, and considering a dedicated IP address for better reputation control. Actively managing feedback loops (FBLs) helps address spam complaints, while list hygiene, removing inactive subscribers, and monitoring bounces maintains a healthy sending list. Avoiding spammy content, previewing emails in Outlook, and testing deliverability to Microsoft accounts are crucial for ensuring inbox placement. Finally, leveraging Salesforce features and carefully interpreting bounce messages enable proactive issue resolution.

Key findings

  • 5.7.1 Error: The SMTP error 5.7.1 (delivery not authorized) often signifies that the sending IP address has been blocklisted by Microsoft.
  • Sender Reputation Impact: Poor sender reputation is a significant factor affecting deliverability to Microsoft domains. Proactive monitoring and management are essential.
  • Authentication Importance: Proper configuration and alignment of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records with Microsoft's requirements are critical for email authentication.
  • List Hygiene Benefits: Maintaining a clean email list by removing unengaged subscribers improves deliverability and reduces the risk of hitting spam traps.
  • Feedback Loop Value: Implementing feedback loops (FBLs) allows senders to address spam complaints and enhance their sender reputation with Microsoft.

Key considerations

  • Expert Assistance: Engaging deliverability experts helps pinpoint and resolve complex Microsoft deliverability challenges specific to Salesforce.
  • SNDS/JMRP Monitoring: Regularly monitor SNDS (Smart Network Data Services) and JMRP (Junk Email Reporting Program) data to track sender reputation and detect deliverability issues.
  • Authentication Verification: Thoroughly verify SPF, DKIM, and DMARC settings in Salesforce to ensure they are correctly configured and aligned with Microsoft's authentication standards.
  • IP Warming Strategy: Implement an IP warming strategy for new or re-established IP addresses to gradually build a positive sending reputation with Microsoft.
  • Content Optimization: Optimize email content to avoid spam triggers, excessive use of images, and promotional language that can negatively impact deliverability.

What email marketers say
13Marketer opinions

Deliverability issues with Microsoft domains (Outlook, Hotmail, MSN, Live) when sending from Salesforce can arise from various factors. Senders report receiving a '5.7.1 delivery not authorized' SMTP error message, often linked to being on a blocklist. Addressing these issues involves proactively managing sender reputation, which includes warming up IP addresses to avoid sudden volume spikes, implementing proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), and utilizing dedicated IP addresses to isolate sending reputation. Feedback loops (FBLs) are vital for managing spam complaints and maintaining list hygiene by removing inactive subscribers. Testing inbox placement using Microsoft email accounts and previewing emails in Outlook can help identify issues before mass sends. Furthermore, monitoring email events (bounces, complaints) within Salesforce, and avoiding spammy content can improve deliverability.

Key opinions

  • Blocklisting: The error '5.7.1 delivery not authorized' indicates potential blocklisting issues, requiring investigation into why the sending IP is blocked.
  • Sender Reputation: Maintaining a positive sender reputation is critical for deliverability to Microsoft domains. Low reputation leads to blocking.
  • Authentication: Correctly configured SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are essential for authenticating emails and improving deliverability.
  • List Hygiene: Regularly cleaning your email list by removing inactive subscribers reduces bounce rates and spam complaints.
  • Content: Avoid overly promotional or spammy email content to prevent triggering Microsoft's spam filters.

Key considerations

  • IP Warming: Gradually warm up new IP addresses to establish a positive sending reputation with Microsoft.
  • Dedicated IP: Consider using a dedicated IP address for sending emails from Salesforce to isolate your reputation.
  • Feedback Loops: Implement feedback loops (FBLs) to receive and act upon spam complaints from Microsoft users.
  • Monitoring: Continuously monitor email events (bounces, complaints, opens, clicks) in Salesforce to identify deliverability issues early.
  • Testing: Test email deliverability by sending to Microsoft accounts and previewing emails in Outlook to ensure proper rendering and inbox placement.
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit shares that sender reputation is critical for deliverability, especially with Microsoft. Monitor your sender score and ensure it remains high. If your reputation dips, work to improve it by reducing spam complaints and ensuring proper authentication.

August 2021 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from Litmus explains that overly promotional or spammy content can trigger Microsoft's spam filters. Avoiding excessive use of images, exclamation points, and spam trigger words can improve deliverability.

June 2024 - Litmus
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks shares that they are experiencing deliverability issues with Microsoft domains (Outlook, Hotmail, MSN, Live) from SF, even with low volumes. They have contacted support to request IP unblock and proactive accommodation, but both were rejected. They followed IP warming guidelines, but Microsoft blocked them in December. They are sending transactional emails to opted-in customers.

February 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks shares the SMTP error message received: 5.7.1 delivery not authorized.

January 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit explains that when facing deliverability problems on new IP addresses, the best solution is to 'warm' them up. It's important to avoid sudden bursts of sending volume, as it will likely cause your emails to be flagged as spam. Increase the sending volume gradually over time.

July 2023 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks provides more details from bounce data: "5.7.1 (delivery not authorized) Unfortunately, messages from [13.111.175.96] weren’t sent. Please contact your Internet service provider since part of their network is on our block list (S3150). You can also refer your provider to <http://mail.live.com/mail/troubleshooting.aspx#errors>. [<http://VI1EUR05FT047.eop-eur05.prod.protection.outlook.com|VI1EUR05FT047.eop-eur05.prod.protection.outlook.com>]”

February 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Marketing Forum shares the importance of previewing emails in Outlook before sending to a large audience. Use email testing tools to check how your emails render in different versions of Outlook and identify any potential formatting or deliverability issues.

March 2023 - Email Marketing Forum
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit responds that implementing proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is essential for improving deliverability to Microsoft domains. Ensure that these records are correctly configured for your sending domain in Salesforce.

April 2024 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from SparkPost shares that practicing good list hygiene is crucial for maintaining deliverability. Regularly remove inactive subscribers and those who have not engaged with your emails in a while. This reduces the likelihood of sending to spam traps and lowers your bounce rate.

June 2024 - SparkPost
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email on Acid responds that using a dedicated IP address for sending emails from Salesforce can improve deliverability by isolating your sending reputation from other users of shared IPs. This requires a consistent sending volume to maintain a good reputation.

April 2021 - Email on Acid
Marketer view

Email marketer from Salesforce Community explains that monitoring email events (bounces, complaints, opens, clicks) in Salesforce helps identify deliverability issues. High bounce rates and complaint rates can negatively impact your sender reputation and lead to blocking by Microsoft.

July 2022 - Salesforce Community
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailjet explains the importance of feedback loops (FBLs) to manage your sender reputation with Microsoft. Implementing FBLs allows you to receive reports about spam complaints from Outlook.com users, enabling you to remove those subscribers from your list and prevent future deliverability issues.

October 2023 - Mailjet
Marketer view

Email marketer from Gmass suggests sending test emails to a Microsoft email account to monitor inbox placement. Check if your emails are landing in the inbox, spam folder, or being blocked altogether. Analyze the email headers to identify any deliverability issues.

June 2021 - Gmass

What the experts say
4Expert opinions

Resolving Microsoft domain deliverability issues from Salesforce requires a multi-faceted approach focusing on expert guidance and proactive monitoring. Contacting deliverability/compliance teams is advised for specialized support. Actively monitoring sender reputation via tools like SNDS and JMRP is crucial for early detection of deliverability problems. Authentication misconfigurations (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) are common culprits, necessitating a thorough review against Microsoft's requirements. Finally, understanding and addressing the causes of blocklisting is essential to avoid or rectify deliverability failures.

Key opinions

  • Expert Support: Deliverability/compliance teams possess specialized knowledge to diagnose and resolve Microsoft deliverability problems.
  • Reputation Monitoring: Regularly monitoring sender reputation via SNDS and JMRP is essential for identifying deliverability issues proactively.
  • Authentication: Incorrectly configured SPF, DKIM, or DMARC records are a common cause of Microsoft deliverability issues.
  • Blocklisting: Blocklisting is a primary reason for email deliverability failures, emphasizing the importance of identifying and rectifying the underlying causes.

Key considerations

  • Contact Experts: Engage deliverability experts for tailored assistance with Microsoft-specific deliverability challenges.
  • Implement Monitoring: Set up and regularly review SNDS and JMRP data to track sender reputation and identify potential problems.
  • Verify Authentication: Thoroughly review SPF, DKIM, and DMARC settings to ensure correct configuration and alignment with Microsoft's requirements.
  • Address Blocklisting: Proactively identify and address the root causes of blocklisting to prevent or resolve deliverability issues.
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks suggests contacting the deliverability/compliance team for help with the Microsoft deliverability issues.

March 2023 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise, Laura Atkins, responds that often deliverability issues can be traced back to incorrect email authentication setup (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) or misconfiguration within Salesforce. Double-checking these settings, and ensuring they're properly aligned with Microsoft's requirements, is crucial for resolving deliverability problems.

October 2024 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource, Steve Jones, shares a list of causes of being blocklisted for spam and offers a resource to see if you've been blocklisted. Being blocklisted is one of the main reasons for email deliverability issues to Microsoft domains from Salesforce.

August 2023 - Spam Resource
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise, Laura Atkins, explains the importance of actively monitoring your sending reputation with Microsoft through tools like SNDS (Smart Network Data Services) and JMRP (Junk Email Reporting Program). Regular monitoring allows you to identify and address any issues affecting your deliverability before they escalate.

October 2023 - Word to the Wise

What the documentation says
4Technical articles

Resolving Microsoft domain deliverability issues from Salesforce involves leveraging available features and adhering to established guidelines. Salesforce offers DKIM signatures, dedicated IP addresses, and bounce rate monitoring. Microsoft emphasizes compliance with sender guidelines, including email authentication, low complaint rates, and participation in JMRP. Bounce messages provide critical insights into delivery failures, often related to authentication, reputation, or content. Implementing DMARC enhances domain protection against spoofing, improving sender reputation and deliverability.

Key findings

  • Salesforce Features: Salesforce provides built-in features like DKIM, dedicated IPs, and bounce rate monitoring to enhance deliverability.
  • Microsoft Guidelines: Adhering to Microsoft's sender guidelines, including authentication and low complaint rates, is crucial for deliverability.
  • Bounce Message Analysis: Understanding bounce message error codes helps diagnose specific deliverability problems related to authentication, reputation, or content.
  • DMARC Implementation: Implementing DMARC protects against domain spoofing, enhancing sender reputation and deliverability to Microsoft domains.

Key considerations

  • Utilize Salesforce Features: Actively implement and manage DKIM signatures, dedicated IPs (if applicable), and monitor bounce rates within Salesforce.
  • Comply with Microsoft: Thoroughly review and comply with Microsoft's sender guidelines, including authentication and complaint management.
  • Analyze Bounce Messages: Develop a process for analyzing bounce messages to quickly identify and address the root causes of delivery failures.
  • Implement DMARC: Deploy DMARC to protect your domain from spoofing and phishing attacks, improving overall email security and deliverability.
Technical article

Documentation from DMARC.org responds that Implementing DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) helps protect your domain from email spoofing and phishing attacks, which can improve your sender reputation and deliverability to Microsoft domains.

November 2022 - DMARC.org
Technical article

Documentation from Salesforce Help explains that Salesforce provides several features to help improve email deliverability. These include setting up DKIM signatures, using a dedicated IP address, and monitoring bounce rates.

May 2024 - Salesforce Help
Technical article

Documentation from Microsoft responds that bounce messages provide valuable information about why an email was not delivered. Understanding the specific error code can help diagnose and resolve deliverability issues. Common error codes include issues with authentication, sender reputation, or content.

January 2022 - Microsoft
Technical article

Documentation from Microsoft explains that to ensure deliverability to Outlook.com users, it's crucial to comply with their sender guidelines. This includes authenticating your email, keeping your complaint rate low, and subscribing to the Junk Email Reporting Program (JMRP).

October 2022 - Microsoft