What are the implications of Verizon Media's approach to email tracking and data access?
Summary
What email marketers say13Marketer opinions
Email marketer from EmailGeek.net responds that Verizon Media's shift towards privacy, showcased in their statements against tracking, could force marketers to find new methods of campaign measurement beyond pixel tracking and rely more on aggregate data feeds.
Marketer from Email Geeks confirms that the cost of Verizon Media's data feeds is substantial enough that only major players will be able to take part.
Marketer from Email Geeks expresses concern that Verizon's data feeds might only be accessible to major players, potentially leaving many in the dark. He notes that Verizon seems to be primarily engaging with ESPs and platforms like 250ok, implying that obtaining this data will incur costs, unlike free tools like Google Postmaster Tools and SNDS.
Email marketer from Email Subscriber Community suggests that building trust with subscribers will become more important. Brands that are transparent about their data practices and provide value will be more successful in the long run.
Email marketer from Reddit shares that smaller businesses might struggle with Verizon Media's data access fees. This could create an uneven playing field, where larger companies can afford better insights while smaller ones are left behind.
Marketers from Email Geeks discuss Verizon's decision to gate off data while simultaneously discouraging the use of open pixels. Brian finds it "a bit shady" that users now have to pay for data. Evan notes that Google is taking similar steps to limit third-party tracking, albeit without a direct cost.
Email marketer from Email Marketing Forum responds that businesses need to explore alternative data sources and analytics methods. This change could spur innovation in privacy-respecting measurement techniques.
Email marketer from Email Marketing News suggests that Verizon Media's changes challenge traditional personalization methods. Marketers must find ways to personalize content effectively without relying on granular tracking data.
Email marketer from Marketing Land states that marketers need to adapt to new metrics beyond open rates and click-through rates. This requires focusing on conversion rates and overall customer engagement.
Email marketer from Email Content Strategy Blog indicates that focusing on creating high-quality, engaging email content will be critical. Brands will need to invest in compelling content that resonates with their audience to drive results.
Marketer from Email Geeks highlights a key line from Verizon Media, stating `We believe that tracking our customers is wrong.` He suggests this indicates a shift in the industry where open/link tracking is viewed as an invasion of privacy. He also suspects that VTO (View Time Optimization) involves displaying the email at a specific time.
Email marketer from Email Optimization Blog suggests that the future of email marketing will require more sophisticated A/B testing and segmentation strategies. Marketers will need to test more variables and refine segmentation to send relevant emails.
Marketers from Email Geeks suggest that while the pricing is not outrageous for the features offered, the services are most valuable to brands with a decent market who use VMG (Verizon Media Group).
What the experts say2Expert opinions
Expert from SpamResource explains that the industry will face increased scrutiny and ISPs will keep looking for new tracking avoidance techniques, which may eventually lead to the death of email marketing.
Expert from Word to the Wise responds that the Verizon announcement is another reason for senders to pay attention to their data and lists, and to only mail to people who want the email.
What the documentation says6Technical articles
Documentation from ietf.org responds that RFC 8889 discusses privacy considerations for email. The Internet Engineering Task Force's documentation addresses concerns about user tracking and potential mitigation techniques, providing a context for Verizon Media's privacy moves.
Documentation from Mailgun responds that they describe their partnership with Verizon Media for View Time Optimization (VTO). Mailgun's documentation details how VTO aims to deliver emails at times when recipients are most likely to engage, improving open rates while respecting user privacy.
Documentation from DMA discusses the significance of adhering to privacy regulations. The Data & Marketing Association is highlighting the critical importance of complying with data regulations and ethical marketing practices.
Documentation from Litmus explains how marketers should adapt email analytics strategies. The platform is pushing for marketers to evolve beyond simple open tracking and to embrace more comprehensive methods of measuring engagement and conversions.
Documentation from Verizon Media Postmaster explains the introduction of performance feeds. Verizon Media intends to provide aggregate data on email performance, allowing senders to understand deliverability without tracking individual users.
Documentation from SparkPost answers about the importance of email deliverability. The platform emphasizes how deliverability strategies must adapt to shifting privacy landscapes, encouraging marketers to prioritize robust authentication and sender reputation management.