What is Microsoft's equivalent to Google Postmaster Tools for deliverability monitoring?

Summary

Microsoft's equivalent to Google Postmaster Tools is primarily the Smart Network Data Services (SNDS) program, supplemented by the Junk Mail Reporting Program (JMRP). SNDS allows senders to monitor their IP reputation, complaint rates, spam trap hits, and authentication status when sending emails to Outlook.com users. JMRP provides feedback by reporting when users mark emails as junk. However, experts and marketers generally agree that SNDS is not as comprehensive, user-friendly, or informative as Google Postmaster Tools. Interpreting SNDS data effectively can be challenging, often requiring careful monitoring and analysis. Third-party email deliverability platforms are frequently recommended to provide more detailed insights and analytics. Maintaining a clean email list, adhering to email marketing best practices, and actively managing IP reputation are crucial for improving deliverability and maximizing the effectiveness of SNDS data. External tools like SenderScore can also aid in assessing IP reputation with Microsoft.

Key findings

  • SNDS is Primary Tool: SNDS is Microsoft's main tool for deliverability monitoring, providing data on IP reputation and related metrics.
  • JMRP provides Feedback: JMRP offers feedback on deliverability issues through user-reported junk mail.
  • SNDS Inadequate: SNDS is generally considered less comprehensive and user-friendly than Google Postmaster Tools.
  • Interpretation Difficult: Interpreting SNDS data can be challenging and requires expertise.
  • Third-Party Tools Recommended: Third-party tools are often recommended for more in-depth analysis and better insights.

Key considerations

  • Monitor Reputation: Actively monitor IP reputation and deliverability metrics using SNDS.
  • Clean Email List: Maintain a clean and engaged email list to improve deliverability.
  • Apply Best Practices: Adhere to email marketing best practices to avoid spam filters.
  • Analyze SNDS Data: Invest time in understanding and interpreting SNDS data effectively.
  • Consider Third-Party Tools: Explore using third-party tools to supplement SNDS and gain deeper insights.
  • Utilize JMRP Feedback: Pay attention to and address issues raised through JMRP feedback.

What email marketers say
8Marketer opinions

While Microsoft offers SNDS (Smart Network Data Services) and JMRP (Junk Mail Reporting Program) as tools for deliverability monitoring, they are generally considered less comprehensive and user-friendly than Google Postmaster Tools. SNDS provides data on IP reputation, spam complaints, and authentication status, but effectively interpreting this data can be challenging. Third-party deliverability tools are often recommended for more in-depth analysis and insights. Maintaining a clean email list and adhering to best practices are also crucial for improving deliverability to Microsoft-owned email services.

Key opinions

  • SNDS exists: Microsoft provides SNDS, but it is not as robust as Google Postmaster Tools.
  • Interpretation is key: Interpreting SNDS data can be difficult and requires careful monitoring.
  • Third-party tools: Third-party deliverability tools offer more comprehensive analysis.
  • JMRP provides Feedback: JMRP allows senders to receive reports when users mark their emails as junk

Key considerations

  • List hygiene: Maintaining a clean email list is critical for deliverability.
  • Best practices: Adhering to email marketing best practices improves deliverability.
  • IP Reputation: Monitoring and managing IP reputation is important.
  • SNDS Limitations: While SNDS provides data, consider its limitations and potential need for supplemental tools.
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit highlights that while SNDS is available, it is not as comprehensive or user-friendly as Google Postmaster Tools. It recommends using third-party deliverability tools for more in-depth analysis.

October 2021 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Deliverability Blog shares insights into how to interpret SNDS data effectively. It emphasizes understanding the different metrics and how they relate to deliverability.

March 2021 - Email Deliverability Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from Return Path responds by suggesting senders use SenderScore to assess their IP reputation with Microsoft. It provides a score based on various factors and helps identify potential issues.

December 2021 - Return Path
Marketer view

Email marketer from Avoid Bounces shares details that maintaining a clean email list and following best practices are crucial for improving SNDS data and overall deliverability to Outlook.com and Hotmail.

June 2021 - Avoid Bounces
Marketer view

Email marketer from Quora suggests using third-party email deliverability platforms because they provide more detailed insights and analytics than SNDS alone, offering a more robust solution.

December 2022 - Quora
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks refers to SNDS as Microsoft's equivalent to Google Postmaster Tools.

August 2021 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Stack Overflow shares that SNDS provides data, but interpreting that data effectively can be challenging, and it doesn't offer the same level of detail as Google Postmaster Tools.

September 2021 - Stack Overflow
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Marketing Forum explains that SNDS is useful for identifying spam complaints and tracking IP reputation, but it requires careful monitoring and analysis to derive meaningful insights. You can also signup for the JMRP program to track if your users are marking your messages as spam.

January 2023 - Email Marketing Forum

What the experts say
3Expert opinions

Microsoft provides SNDS (Smart Network Data Services) and JMRP (Junk Mail Reporting Program) as tools for monitoring email deliverability. SNDS offers data on complaint rates, spam trap hits, and authentication status, enabling senders to track their reputation. JMRP allows senders to receive reports when users mark their emails as junk, offering valuable feedback to improve deliverability. However, SNDS is generally considered less helpful and informative compared to Google Postmaster Tools (GPT).

Key opinions

  • SNDS Provides Data: SNDS provides data on complaints, spam traps, and authentication.
  • JMRP Provides Feedback: JMRP offers feedback via junk mail reports.
  • SNDS not as Helpful as GPT: SNDS is less helpful and informative than Google Postmaster Tools.

Key considerations

  • Monitor Reputation: Use SNDS to monitor sending reputation.
  • Utilize Feedback: Utilize JMRP reports to improve deliverability.
  • SNDS limitations: Be aware that SNDS has limitations compared to GPT.
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource explains that Microsoft's SNDS provides data on complaint rates, spam trap hits, and authentication status, allowing senders to monitor their reputation.

June 2023 - Spam Resource
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks explains that Microsoft has SNDS, but it is not as helpful or informative as Google Postmaster Tools (GPT).

September 2022 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise explains that Microsoft's JMRP program allows senders to receive reports when users mark their emails as junk, providing valuable feedback for improving deliverability.

August 2024 - Word to the Wise

What the documentation says
3Technical articles

Microsoft's SNDS (Smart Network Data Services) allows senders to monitor the health and reputation of their sending IP addresses when sending emails to Outlook.com users. The JMRP (Junk Mail Reporting Program) enables users to report unwanted emails as junk, providing senders with feedback on potential issues. Feedback loops, where users report spam, are crucial for improving filtering accuracy; high spam volumes can lead to blocked mail.

Key findings

  • SNDS monitors reputation: SNDS allows monitoring of IP health and reputation for Outlook.com users.
  • JMRP provides feedback: JMRP allows users to report junk mail, providing feedback to senders.
  • Feedback loops are important: Feedback loops are critical for improving filtering accuracy and preventing blocks.

Key considerations

  • Monitor IP health: Regularly monitor IP health and reputation through SNDS.
  • Address JMRP feedback: Act on feedback received through JMRP to improve email practices.
  • Minimize spam complaints: Minimize spam complaints to avoid potential blocks.
Technical article

Documentation from Microsoft Support explains the importance of feedback loops, where users can report spam and provide valuable data for improving filtering accuracy. If high spam volumes are associated with your IP addresses or sending domains, Microsoft may block your mail.

February 2025 - Microsoft Support
Technical article

Documentation from Microsoft SNDS explains that the Junk Mail Reporting Program (JMRP) allows users to report unwanted emails as junk, providing senders with feedback on potential issues.

October 2022 - Microsoft SNDS
Technical article

Documentation from Microsoft SNDS explains that the Smart Network Data Services (SNDS) program allows you to monitor the health and reputation of your sending IP addresses when sending email to Outlook.com users.

June 2024 - Microsoft SNDS