What deliverability tools are recommended for startups needing insights into email flows and DMARC compliance?

Summary

For startups needing insights into email flows and DMARC compliance, numerous deliverability tools and strategies are recommended. Tools mentioned include Valimail, 250ok (acquired by Validity), Agari, InboxMonster, Mailjet, Sendinblue (Brevo), MailerLite, GlockApps, MXToolbox, DMARC Analyzer, Dmarcian, Dmarcly, EasyDMARC, eDS, Fraudmarc, GoDmarc, OnDMARC, Postmark, Powerdmarc, ProDmarc, Proofpoint, and Validity. Key strategies involve implementing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for email authentication, monitoring email flows, and promptly addressing deliverability issues. Proper SPF record configuration is crucial for DMARC functionality. Platforms like Valimail, Dmarcian, and EasyDMARC offer DMARC monitoring and reporting, while Google Workspace provides DMARC setup guidelines. It's emphasized that deliverability tools are essential for diagnosing inbox placement and overall email deliverability.

Key findings

  • Variety of Tools: There is a wide range of deliverability tools available, catering to different startup needs and budgets, from all-in-one platforms to specialized tools for DMARC monitoring and deliverability testing.
  • DMARC Importance: DMARC (with SPF and DKIM) is essential for email authentication, enhancing deliverability, protecting against phishing, and improving brand reputation.
  • SPF Dependency: DMARC relies on correctly configured SPF records; without them, DMARC cannot function properly.
  • Diagnostic Tools Needed: Deliverability tools are crucial for diagnosing and addressing inbox placement issues, providing insights into email flows and authentication compliance.

Key considerations

  • Tool Selection: Startups should carefully evaluate tools based on their specific requirements, technical capabilities, budget, and the features offered.
  • SPF Configuration: Properly configuring SPF records is paramount for DMARC compliance and overall email deliverability.
  • Monitoring and Reporting: Implement a solution that provides comprehensive monitoring and reporting on email authentication and deliverability metrics for proactive issue identification and resolution.
  • DMARC Setup: Carefully follow setup guides (like those from Google Workspace) for your specific email environment to ensure correct DMARC implementation.

What email marketers say
11Marketer opinions

Several deliverability tools and strategies are recommended for startups focused on understanding email flows and ensuring DMARC compliance. Suggested tools include Valimail, 250ok (acquired by Validity), Agari, InboxMonster, Mailjet, Sendinblue (Brevo), MailerLite, GlockApps, and MXToolbox. Strategies such as proper SPF, DKIM, and DMARC implementation are also emphasized to improve deliverability rates, brand reputation, and protection against email spoofing and phishing.

Key opinions

  • Tool Variety: A wide array of tools is available, ranging from comprehensive platforms like Sendinblue and Mailjet to specialized tools like GlockApps for deliverability testing and MXToolbox for DNS record checks.
  • DMARC Importance: DMARC, along with SPF and DKIM, is crucial for email authentication, helping to improve deliverability and protect against phishing attacks.
  • Actionable Insights: Tools such as InboxMonster, Mailjet, and GlockApps offer insights and analytics to monitor and improve email flows and address compliance issues.
  • Domain Authentication: Authenticating email domains with SPF and DKIM is vital to prove the legitimacy of emails, reducing the likelihood of being marked as spam.

Key considerations

  • Startup Needs: Startups should consider their specific needs, technical capabilities, and budget when selecting a deliverability tool, as some tools offer more advanced features or are more suited for larger organizations.
  • Pricing Models: Different tools offer different pricing models; startups should compare these models to find a solution that fits their budget.
  • Ease of Implementation: Startups need to assess the ease of implementation and ongoing maintenance of DMARC, SPF, and DKIM, potentially leveraging tools that simplify this process.
  • Comprehensive Monitoring: Implementing a solution that provides comprehensive monitoring and reporting on email authentication and deliverability metrics is crucial for proactive issue identification and resolution.
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks recommends InboxMonster as a deliverability tool with a robust alert system.

August 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from EmailToolTester reviews MailerLite, noting its affordability and features suitable for startups, including email automation and deliverability tools with DMARC setup guides.

August 2022 - EmailToolTester
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailchimp advises users to authenticate their email domains with SPF and DKIM to improve deliverability, which is necessary for DMARC compliance. They explain this process helps prove that the emails sent are legitimate, reducing the chance of being marked as spam.

July 2021 - Mailchimp
Marketer view

Email marketer from Capterra recommends Sendinblue (Brevo) for startups seeking an all-in-one marketing platform with strong email deliverability features, including DMARC compliance and detailed reporting.

February 2023 - Capterra
Marketer view

Email marketer from G2 highlights Mailjet for its email marketing features and detailed analytics, suggesting it's beneficial for startups focusing on email flows and deliverability insights.

August 2024 - G2
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit suggests using Valimail for DMARC compliance, particularly for startups needing assistance with setup and monitoring of email authentication protocols.

July 2024 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit suggests using GlockApps for deliverability testing, emphasizing its ability to simulate real-world email delivery scenarios and provide actionable insights for improving inbox placement.

November 2021 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from SuperOffice highlights the importance of email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) to avoid spam filters and improve email deliverability. By properly authenticating emails, the source indicates that companies can improve trust with ISPs and receivers.

December 2024 - SuperOffice
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks shares that Valimail, 250ok (acquired by Validity), and Agari are options for deliverability tools, noting experience with 250ok and the latter, and suggests demoing each to compare pricing models.

November 2021 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Litmus shares the benefits of DMARC implementation, noting improved deliverability rates, enhanced brand reputation, and protection against phishing attacks. This source emphasizes the strategic advantages of implementing DMARC for email marketing success.

September 2024 - Litmus
Marketer view

Email marketer from Stack Overflow recommends using a service like MXToolbox for checking DMARC, SPF, and DKIM records, suggesting it can help startups quickly identify and fix email authentication issues.

February 2025 - Stack Overflow

What the experts say
3Expert opinions

Experts recommend a diverse range of deliverability tools for startups to gain insights into email flows and ensure DMARC compliance. A comprehensive list of vendors includes Agari, DMARC 360, DMARC Analyzer, Dmarcian, Dmarcly, EasyDMARC, eDS, Fraudmarc, GoDmarc, MXToolbox, OnDMARC, Postmark, Powerdmarc, ProDmarc, Proofpoint, Validity, and Valimail. Proper SPF records are crucial for DMARC to function effectively. Furthermore, deliverability tools are essential for diagnosing inbox placement issues by simulating real user environments.

Key opinions

  • Extensive Vendor List: A wide range of deliverability tool vendors cater to different needs and budgets.
  • SPF Necessity: A correctly configured SPF record is fundamental for DMARC compliance and proper email authentication.
  • Diagnostic Tools: Deliverability tools are critical for understanding and resolving inbox placement problems, offering insights into email delivery pathways.

Key considerations

  • Vendor Selection: Startups should carefully evaluate vendors based on their specific requirements and the features offered by each tool.
  • Technical Setup: Ensuring proper configuration of SPF and other email authentication protocols is paramount for DMARC compliance and overall deliverability.
  • Problem Diagnosis: Leveraging deliverability tools to proactively diagnose and address inbox placement issues can significantly improve email marketing effectiveness.
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks provides an extensive list of deliverability tool vendors, including Agari, DMARC 360, DMARC Analyzer, Dmarcian, Dmarcly, EasyDMARC, eDS, Fraudmarc, GoDmarc, MXToolbox, OnDMARC, Postmark, Powerdmarc, ProDmarc, Proofpoint, Validity, and Valimail, mentioning personal use of Valimail's monitor product and past experience/trials with some of the services.

December 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource, John Levine, explains the necessity of a correct SPF record for DMARC compliance. He emphasizes that without SPF, DMARC cannot function as designed, as it relies on SPF or DKIM to authenticate the sender.

June 2023 - Spam Resource
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise, Laura Atkins, explains that inbox placement issues can be difficult to diagnose without deliverability tools. She notes that these tools simulate real user environments and provide reports about whether emails landed in the inbox, spam folder, or were blocked, providing crucial insight into email flow problems.

May 2021 - Word to the Wise

What the documentation says
5Technical articles

Documentation from various sources highlights the importance of DMARC and the tools available for its implementation and monitoring. Valimail, Dmarcian, and EasyDMARC provide platforms offering DMARC monitoring, reporting, and analytics to help startups identify and resolve email authentication issues, gain insights into email flows, and ensure compliance. Additionally, Google Workspace provides guidelines for setting up DMARC for its domains, and RFC 7489 details the DMARC standard itself, emphasizing its role in protecting against spoofing and phishing.

Key findings

  • DMARC Monitoring Tools: Tools like Valimail, Dmarcian, and EasyDMARC offer comprehensive DMARC monitoring and reporting capabilities.
  • DMARC Standard: RFC 7489 defines the DMARC standard for email authentication and protection against spoofing and phishing.
  • Implementation Guides: Google Workspace provides specific guidelines for setting up DMARC within its environment.

Key considerations

  • Platform Choice: Startups should choose a DMARC monitoring platform that aligns with their technical capabilities and provides the necessary insights for their email strategy.
  • DMARC Understanding: Understanding the DMARC standard (RFC 7489) is crucial for effective implementation and troubleshooting.
  • Specific Environment Setup: Follow environment-specific guidelines (e.g., Google Workspace) to ensure correct DMARC setup and integration.
Technical article

Documentation from Dmarcian explains that their platform offers in-depth analytics and reporting on DMARC, SPF, and DKIM, enabling startups to gain insights into their email flows and authentication compliance.

December 2022 - Dmarcian
Technical article

Documentation from Valimail details how their platform provides comprehensive DMARC monitoring and reporting, which helps startups identify and resolve email authentication issues to improve deliverability.

April 2021 - Valimail
Technical article

Documentation from Google Workspace provides guidelines on setting up DMARC for Google Workspace domains, including steps for creating and publishing DMARC records in DNS, which is useful for startups using Google Workspace.

March 2024 - Google
Technical article

Documentation from RFC Editor details the DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) standard, explaining how it works to protect domains from email spoofing and phishing attacks.

October 2023 - RFC Editor
Technical article

Documentation from EasyDMARC offers guidance on implementing DMARC and provides tools for monitoring email authentication, which is particularly useful for startups seeking to secure their email communications.

January 2025 - EasyDMARC