What causes the 'error message' when accessing links in emails and how can it be resolved?
Summary
What email marketers say10Marketer opinions
Email marketer from Mailjet Blog explains that an incorrect setup of tracking links, particularly when using custom domains for tracking, can cause error messages. They recommend verifying the DNS settings for the custom domain and ensuring that the tracking links are correctly configured in the email sending platform.
Marketer from Email Geeks suggests that something is flagging Marketo's domain with a bad web reputation. He advises using an alternative device to pinpoint where the negative verdict is coming from and addressing it with the appropriate party.
Email marketer from Email on Acid Blog shares that including tracking parameters incorrectly or exceeding URL length limits can cause email links to break. They recommend keeping URLs concise and using appropriate URL builders to manage tracking parameters effectively.
Email marketer from SendPulse Blog shares that error messages upon clicking email links can stem from invalid or broken URLs. They recommend thoroughly testing links before sending emails and using link validation tools to ensure all URLs are functional. Additionally, avoiding URL shorteners can improve deliverability, as some are flagged as suspicious.
Email marketer from SuperOffice Blog suggests that excessive redirect chains can cause browsers to time out or refuse to load a page, resulting in an error message. They recommend minimizing redirects and ensuring that each redirect is necessary and correctly configured.
Email marketer from Litmus Blog answers that certain email clients use image proxies that can sometimes interfere with link tracking or redirect functionality, leading to error messages. They suggest testing emails across various email clients to identify and address these issues.
Email marketer from Reddit user u/EmailPro suggests that email links might be blocked by corporate firewalls or antivirus software due to security policies. They advise checking with the IT department to ensure the URL isn't being blocked at the network level.
Email marketer from StackOverflow user TechGuru responds that encoding issues within the URL can lead to errors. They suggest ensuring URLs are properly encoded, especially if they contain special characters, and that the encoding matches what the server expects.
Email marketer from Campaign Monitor Blog says that incorrect personalization tags in URLs can result in broken links. They advise double-checking the personalization code to ensure it's correctly implemented and doesn't introduce invalid characters into the URL.
Email marketer from Neil Patel Blog explains that broken links often result from website changes, typos, or incorrect redirects. He advises regularly checking links using tools like Google Analytics, fixing typos, and ensuring redirects are properly set up to maintain a positive user experience.
What the experts say4Expert opinions
Expert from Email Geeks shares that the issue could also stem from ad blocking software or anti-virus software installed on the user's computer, suggesting various internal PC factors might be responsible.
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that broken links can occur due to website redesigns, content removal, or typos. She advises regularly auditing links, implementing redirects, and ensuring URLs are correctly formatted to prevent errors.
Expert from Email Geeks explains that the error message is likely due to Cloudflare blocking access from an IP address suspected of malicious activity. It's a security issue to investigate with the person receiving the error, potentially related to the wifi network they are using or a personal VPN. Al Iverson emphasizes that this issue isn't directly related to email deliverability but rather a web access problem.
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that using reputable link shorteners is crucial as some can be blacklisted and trigger error messages. He advises sticking to well-known services and monitoring their reputation.
What the documentation says5Technical articles
Documentation from Microsoft explains that Outlook Safe Links rewrites URLs in emails to point to Microsoft servers. When a user clicks the link, Microsoft checks the destination website for malicious content. An error message can appear if the scan detects a threat or if the site is unavailable. They recommend contacting the sender if the link appears legitimate.
Documentation from Google Support explains that Gmail scans links in emails for malicious content. An error message might appear if the scan identifies a potential security risk, or if the link is to an untrusted or blacklisted website. They recommend ensuring the linked website is secure (HTTPS) and not on any blocklists.
Documentation from Cloudflare explains that 'Access Denied' errors often appear when a user's IP address is flagged for suspicious activity. Users may encounter such errors clicking email links if their current network or VPN has a poor reputation. Resolution involves switching networks or contacting the website administrator to whitelist the IP.
Documentation from RFC 3986 details the official syntax rules for URLs. Violations of these rules (e.g., unescaped characters, incorrect formatting) can lead to errors when a user tries to access the URL from an email. Adherence to the RFC's guidelines is essential for ensuring links function correctly.
Documentation from Spamhaus explains that email links to domains listed on their blocklists can trigger error messages or warnings in email clients. To resolve this, one needs to verify the domain's reputation and request delisting if appropriate.