Is a third-party sender reputation assessment worth it if DMARC/DKIM issues are already identified?
Summary
What email marketers say9Marketer opinions
Email marketer from GlockApps states that a third-party assessment provides a more comprehensive view of sender reputation by analyzing various data points like blacklist status, spam trap hits, and feedback loop data, offering insights beyond DMARC/DKIM results.
Email marketer from Validity notes that ongoing monitoring of sender reputation is essential even with DMARC/DKIM in place, as reputation can fluctuate due to various factors like spam complaints and engagement rates.
Email marketer from Stack Overflow highlights that if you are on shared IPs, a third party tool can help identify if your IP's reputation is affected by others on the same IP Pool.
Email marketer from Reddit explains that even with passing DMARC, poor list hygiene or content issues can negatively impact your sender reputation and deliverability, making an external assessment useful.
Email marketer from SendPulse suggests that while DMARC/DKIM address authentication, sender reputation involves a broader evaluation of sending behavior and infrastructure, which a third-party assessment can help uncover.
Email marketer from Email Geeks says Inbox Monster can identify issues with IP reputation, offering a Search History tool to see the last 90 days of data for any domain or IP.
Email marketer from Email Geeks shares that companies like EHawk, Validity, Blackbox by Email Industries, and Inbox Monster all have tools based on trap networks, often called vetting tools.
Email marketer from Mailjet highlights that a third-party assessment can offer deeper insights into sender reputation beyond basic DMARC/DKIM checks, potentially uncovering hidden deliverability bottlenecks.
Email marketer from Neil Patel explains that monitoring sender reputation helps identify deliverability issues, improve inbox placement, and maintain a positive sending reputation.
What the experts say4Expert opinions
Expert from Word to the Wise emphasizes that while DMARC/DKIM is important, sender reputation is an ongoing factor that influences deliverability. A third-party assessment can help uncover hidden issues like low engagement or spam complaints that DMARC alone doesn't address.
Expert from Spamresource.com responds that factors beyond authentication, such as complaint rates, spam trap hits, and sending volume, influence sender reputation and deliverability.
Expert from Email Geeks confirms that it's common to do a deliverability audit, reviewing sending practices, IP/domain reputation, and technical settings.
Expert from Email Geeks suggests it's common to audit companies even on shared IPs, and a consultant can discuss whether shared or dedicated IP is the best path forward.
What the documentation says3Technical articles
Documentation from Google Postmaster Tools emphasizes that maintaining a good sender reputation is crucial for ensuring emails reach the intended recipients. They suggest monitoring reputation metrics to identify and address any issues affecting deliverability.
Documentation from RFC specifies that while SPF helps prevent sender address forgery, sender reputation involves broader factors like sender history and behavior, which require additional monitoring and assessment.
Documentation from Microsoft details that factors beyond authentication, such as complaint rates, spam trap hits, and sending volume, influence sender reputation and deliverability.