What are the deliverability and usage limit issues with using Dropbox links in email marketing?

Email marketer from Stack Overflow community explains that while embedding links to Dropbox files in email campaigns is possible, it might not be a best practice. Sharing direct links can trigger spam filters due to the possibility of malicious content. Instead, the recommendation is to use a landing page on your own domain with clear instructions and a prominent download button to increase credibility and deliverability.

Email marketer from Reddit warns against using direct Dropbox links due to spam filters. They suggest linking to a webpage where the user can then choose to download from Dropbox (or another source). This provides an extra step of security and intent, and also allows you to provide further information about your link.

Email marketer from Mailtrap Blog explains that embedding direct download links (like those from Dropbox) can significantly impact email deliverability. Email providers often flag emails with these links as suspicious due to their potential use in phishing or malware distribution. He advises using a dedicated landing page with clear branding and context instead.

Marketer from Email Geeks suggests that using generic storage domains (dropbox, google drive, etc.) might not be the smartest idea for external emails because they don't always have a great reputation and might trigger anti-virus/phishing filters.

Email marketer from Quora explains that using shortened links or links to file sharing services can be an issue with spam filters. Its best to use a proper URL from your own domain and a clear textual call to action for trust.

Marketer from Email Geeks shares that aside from deliverability, dropbox links may hit a limit once a certain amount of people open/bandwidth is used.

Email marketer from Warrior Forum advises that while technically feasible, including direct Dropbox links might raise red flags with ISPs. Brad suggests using a branded redirect or landing page to mitigate risks and improve deliverability. He mentions that using a URL shortener can also help mask the direct Dropbox link.

Expert from Email Geeks highlights that Dropbox will place limits, and provides a link to Dropbox help documentation regarding banned links.

Expert from Email Geeks suggests that wrapping the Dropbox link in a click tracker should solve most of the delivery problems associated with a bare dropbox link.

Expert from Word to the Wise shares that many mailbox providers don't like shared links as they often lead to phishing sites. If you have to use them, ensure to use a link wrapper, and make sure the link is clearly explained to your users.

Expert from Word to the Wise warns against using file sharing services like Dropbox to share documents in emails as they can have a negative impact on deliverability and user experience. It's generally better to attach the document directly to the email or host it on your own website and link to it from there.

Documentation from Google Workspace Admin explains bandwidth limits and usage - these can depend on plan and file type. Linking to large downloads can eat up bandwidth which could cause issues.

Documentation from Dropbox Help outlines that shared links have bandwidth limits. If a link generates excessive traffic, Dropbox may temporarily disable it. The exact limits depend on the user's Dropbox plan. Free accounts have lower limits than paid subscriptions. Exceeding these limits results in an error message for users trying to access the file.

Documentation from RFC Editor explains how the SMTP Protocol works - which enables sending of emails. Details on how the transaction happens (email is sent, checked for validity) and how URL filtering can occur. It also mentions some common pitfalls and concerns.

Documentation from Spamhaus explains that their Domain Block List (DBL) is used to identify domains with poor reputation, which includes those frequently used in spam. While not specifically about Dropbox, it highlights the general principle that linking to domains associated with spam-like activity can negatively impact deliverability. Spamhaus blocks domains based on spam content, malware or botnet activity, which could include file-sharing services if abused.