What are the best alternative deliverability tools to Kickbox after its shutdown?

Summary

Following Kickbox's shutdown, the best alternative deliverability tools and strategies revolve around a multi-faceted approach. Several specific tools are suggested, including GlockApps, Everest (and its Everest Elements tier), eDataSource by MessageBird, Inbox Monsters, InboxReady, Junkbox monitor, Mailjet, Sendinblue, ZeroBounce, Mail-Tester, and MXToolbox. These tools, offered by ESPs like SparkPost, Amazon SES, Mailgun, SendGrid, Postmark and GlockApps often feature capabilities for inbox placement testing, spam filter analysis, DMARC monitoring, sender reputation monitoring, IP warming, analyzing bounce and complaint rates, feedback loops and optimizing email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC). A key theme is proactive deliverability management through monitoring sender reputation (Google Postmaster Tools, Microsoft SNDS), email list hygiene, and proper authentication. Finally, remember to chose a reputable ESP.

Key findings

  • Tool Variety: A wide array of tools and services are available, catering to different needs and budgets.
  • Proactive Management: Active monitoring and management of sender reputation, authentication, and list quality are crucial.
  • Authentication Importance: Proper implementation of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is repeatedly emphasized as fundamental for deliverability.
  • List Hygiene: Maintaining a clean email list is essential for a good sender reputation.
  • Inbox Placement is Key: Tools exist to perform inbox placement testing.

Key considerations

  • Budget: Consider the cost of different tools and services, with some offering more affordable options for smaller senders.
  • Integration: Ensure the chosen tools integrate seamlessly with your existing email marketing platform and workflow.
  • Specific Needs: Assess your specific deliverability needs and choose tools that address those requirements effectively.
  • Reputable ESP: Ensuring you pick a reputable email service provider for good deliverability rates.
  • European Coverage: Check if the seed list has good coverage for European providers if needed.

What email marketers say
16Marketer opinions

Following the shutdown of Kickbox, numerous alternative deliverability tools and strategies are recommended. Several solutions focus on list cleaning and validation, such as MailerCheck and ZeroBounce, to maintain a good sender reputation. Other tools like GlockApps, Mailjet, Sendinblue, and Validity Everest offer features for inbox placement testing, spam score analysis, and deliverability monitoring. Furthermore, implementing proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and monitoring sender reputation through tools like Google Postmaster Tools and Microsoft SNDS are crucial for ensuring reliable deliverability.

Key opinions

  • List Hygiene: Maintaining a clean email list through validation and cleaning tools is crucial for good sender reputation and deliverability.
  • Deliverability Monitoring: Tools like GlockApps and Validity Everest provide inbox placement testing and spam score analysis for deliverability monitoring.
  • Email Authentication: Implementing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is essential for verifying email legitimacy and improving deliverability.
  • Sender Reputation Monitoring: Actively monitoring sender reputation using Google Postmaster Tools and Microsoft SNDS helps identify and address deliverability issues.
  • Tool Variety: A combination of different types of tools, including those for list hygiene, authentication, and monitoring, is often recommended for effective deliverability management.
  • European Provider Coverage: Everest and InboxReady offer coverage of European providers on their seed lists for monitoring deliverability in Europe.

Key considerations

  • Budget: Some tools, like Everest, can be expensive, so consider options like Everest Elements or other cost-effective solutions.
  • Tool Integration: Ensure that chosen tools integrate well with your existing email marketing platform and workflows.
  • Specific Needs: Evaluate your specific deliverability needs, such as geographic focus (e.g., European ISPs), before selecting a tool.
  • Proactive Management: Deliverability is an ongoing process; consistent monitoring and adjustments are necessary for optimal results.
  • ESP Reputation: Choosing a reputable email service provider (ESP) is critical for ensuring reliable deliverability.
  • Alternative Solutions: Consider lesser known or more niche solutions such as Inbox Monster or Junkbox Monitor.
Marketer view

Email marketer from MailerCheck Blog highlights its focus on list cleaning and deliverability monitoring, emphasizing the importance of a clean email list for maintaining a good sender reputation.

July 2021 - MailerCheck Blog
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks mentions that Everest has Everest Elements which is $20/month for smaller clients.

March 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Quora recommends using ZeroBounce for email validation and deliverability monitoring, stating it helps maintain a clean list and improve sender reputation.

November 2021 - Quora
Marketer view

Email marketer from GMass Blog shares that they focus on deliverability testing, offering features to analyze spam scores and inbox placement to ensure emails reach their intended recipients.

March 2024 - GMass Blog
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks mentions that Everest has about 30 different European providers on their seed list.

December 2021 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Stack Overflow advises implementing proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and using a reputable email service provider (ESP) to ensure reliable deliverability.

May 2022 - Stack Overflow
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks suggests Inbox Monsters as a possible alternative to Kickbox.

June 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks mentions his own solution Junkbox monitor which is used by major senders in France, Danone EU/USA, and even Samsung.

December 2024 - Email Geeks
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Email marketer from Email Vendor Selection explains that Validity Everest offers a comprehensive suite of deliverability tools, including inbox placement testing, list hygiene, and reputation monitoring.

July 2021 - Email Vendor Selection
Marketer view

Email marketer from EmailToolTester suggests Mailjet and Sendinblue as alternative tools that offer deliverability features, including dedicated IPs and deliverability monitoring.

February 2022 - EmailToolTester
Marketer view

Email marketer from an Email Marketing Forum suggests actively monitoring sender reputation using Google Postmaster Tools and Microsoft SNDS to identify and address potential deliverability issues.

October 2024 - Email Marketing Forum
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit recommends GlockApps for monitoring inbox placement and identifying potential deliverability issues, noting its ability to simulate real-world sending conditions.

December 2023 - Reddit
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks suggests Glock as a Kickbox alternative, noting its recent interface and seed updates but also some faults.

September 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks mentions InboxReady and that it has ok coverage of global seeds.

September 2021 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit suggests using a combination of tools like Mail-Tester and MXToolbox to diagnose and resolve deliverability issues, emphasizing the importance of checking SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records.

May 2021 - Reddit
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks offers an overview of Inbox Monster, highlighting its global and extensive seed list.

August 2023 - Email Geeks

What the experts say
3Expert opinions

Following Kickbox's shutdown, alternative deliverability tools and strategies center around proactive management and a combination of solutions. eDataSource by MessageBird is suggested as a specific alternative. Experts recommend employing a range of tools for email list hygiene, authentication monitoring, and inbox placement testing. Additionally, proactive monitoring of sender reputation and analysis of bounce rates are crucial for identifying and addressing potential deliverability issues.

Key opinions

  • eDataSource Alternative: eDataSource by MessageBird is a suggested alternative to Kickbox.
  • Combination of Tools: Effective deliverability management requires a combination of tools for list hygiene, authentication, and inbox placement testing.
  • Proactive Management: Proactive monitoring of sender reputation and analysis of bounce rates are crucial for identifying and addressing potential deliverability issues.

Key considerations

  • Tool Selection: Consider which specific tools are most suitable for your organization's needs regarding list hygiene, authentication, and inbox placement.
  • Implementation: Ensure proper implementation and configuration of chosen tools for effective deliverability management.
  • Continuous Monitoring: Establish a process for continuously monitoring sender reputation and analyzing bounce rates to promptly address any deliverability problems.
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks suggests eDataSource by MessageBird as an alternative to Kickbox.

December 2022 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise emphasizes the importance of proactive deliverability management, recommending tools for monitoring sender reputation, analyzing bounce rates, and identifying potential deliverability issues.

July 2022 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Expert from SpamResource recommends using a combination of tools, including those for email list hygiene, authentication monitoring, and inbox placement testing, to ensure effective deliverability after Kickbox's shutdown.

October 2021 - SpamResource

What the documentation says
6Technical articles

Following the shutdown of Kickbox, various email service providers (ESPs) offer comprehensive deliverability tools and analytics. SparkPost provides tools for monitoring sender reputation, IP warming, and inbox placement. Amazon SES offers a deliverability dashboard with insights into bounce and complaint rates. Mailgun provides tools like dedicated IPs, feedback loops, and inbox placement testing. SendGrid shares tools for managing sender reputation, monitoring bounce rates, and optimizing email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC). Postmark focuses on transactional email deliverability and monitoring performance. GlockApps offers inbox placement testing, spam filter analysis, and DMARC monitoring.

Key findings

  • Comprehensive ESP Tools: Major ESPs offer a suite of tools and analytics to manage and improve email deliverability.
  • Sender Reputation Monitoring: Monitoring sender reputation is a common feature across platforms.
  • Inbox Placement Testing: Inbox placement testing is a key component to understanding email deliverability.
  • Authentication Optimization: Optimizing email authentication settings (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is essential for reliable deliverability.
  • Transactional Focus: Postmark focuses on the deliverability of transactional emails.

Key considerations

  • Platform Choice: Consider the specific features and strengths of each ESP when choosing a platform based on your email needs.
  • Data Analysis: Utilize the provided analytics to monitor performance and identify areas for improvement.
  • Authentication Setup: Properly configure and maintain email authentication settings (SPF, DKIM, DMARC).
  • Proactive Monitoring: Actively monitor key metrics like bounce rates and complaint rates to address any deliverability issues promptly.
  • Transactional vs. Marketing: Consider whether your primary need is transactional or marketing email deliverability when choosing a platform.
Technical article

Documentation from SparkPost explains that they offer robust deliverability analytics and tools for monitoring sender reputation, IP warming, and inbox placement.

June 2024 - SparkPost
Technical article

Documentation from SendGrid shares that they provide tools for managing sender reputation, monitoring bounce rates, and optimizing email authentication settings (SPF, DKIM, DMARC).

August 2024 - SendGrid
Technical article

Documentation from Mailgun outlines its suite of deliverability tools, including dedicated IPs, feedback loops, and inbox placement testing, to help users optimize email delivery.

December 2021 - Mailgun
Technical article

Documentation from GlockApps shares that they offer inbox placement testing, spam filter analysis, and DMARC monitoring to help users improve email deliverability rates.

October 2022 - GlockApps
Technical article

Documentation from Amazon Web Services (SES) details its deliverability dashboard, which provides insights into bounce rates, complaint rates, and overall sender reputation.

November 2023 - Amazon Web Services
Technical article

Documentation from Postmark shares that they focus on transactional email deliverability and provides tools for monitoring email performance and identifying deliverability issues.

November 2021 - Postmark