Why do email clients argue with deliverability experts about email marketing advice?
Summary
What email marketers say12Marketer opinions
Email marketer from Litmus explains that clients argue because they have a vested interest in continuing their current practices and also may have a lack of understanding of the intricacies of email deliverability. It may also be a failure to fully utilize the services that Litmus provides.
Email marketer from Sendinblue Blog shares that some clients argue because they are under pressure to achieve unrealistic results. When deliverability issues arise, they may blame the expert rather than address underlying problems with their email marketing practices.
Email marketer from SparkPost shares the view that it may be due to a conflict of interest between achieving business goals and following best practices, especially if the client has pre-existing marketing processes.
Email marketer from Mailjet Blog explains that clients often have preconceived notions and are unwilling to accept that their existing methods are flawed. They're looking for someone to confirm their beliefs, not challenge them.
Email marketer from Neil Patel's Blog explains that clients often argue because they believe they already know best practices and are looking for validation, not actual advice. They may also be resistant to changing their current strategies, even if those strategies are ineffective.
Email marketer from HubSpot Blog shares that clients often argue due to a lack of understanding of the technical complexities of email deliverability. They may oversimplify the process and resist advice that involves complex solutions.
Email marketer from Email Geeks suggests senders are more interested in succeeding while continuing their existing practices rather than adopting best practices, and hate being told they have to admit they have spent time, effort and money going down the wrong path.
Email marketer from Campaign Monitor adds that it may be due to a power dynamic - challenging the advice could be a way for the client to assert control in the relationship.
Email marketer from Reddit explains that clients sometimes argue because they're attached to outdated or black-hat tactics that they believe still work. They resist advice to change because they've invested time and resources into those tactics.
Email marketer from Warrior Forum responds that some clients have a 'know-it-all' attitude and don't want to admit they need help. They may argue to assert their perceived expertise and avoid feeling inferior.
Email marketer from Email Geeks shares the opinion that the issue arises from clients expecting quick and easy solutions ('the secret of delivering crap successfully') without investing the necessary effort and resources, and they're not going to pay for common sense guidelines.
Email marketer from Email Geeks shares that clients might seek multiple opinions, like a second deliverability consultant, hoping for a 'gotcha' moment or to uncover a hidden secret to deliverability, suggesting a distrust or belief that consultants are withholding information.
What the experts say6Expert opinions
Expert from Spamresource.com explains that clients often argue or resist deliverability advice because they are unwilling to accept that their current practices are the reason they are experiencing problems. It's easier to blame the expert than to overhaul their strategy.
Expert from Email Geeks clarifies that it is not intended as an insult, but rather a statement of inability to help when opt-in methods are not used for collecting addresses because it would be ineffective.
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that arguing with deliverability experts is a way for some clients to avoid change, as they are often comfortable with their current strategies, however ineffective, and resist any changes. They may also be looking for a quick fix, not a fundamental shift in approach.
Expert from Email Geeks confirms the experience of clients seeking second opinions isn't unique to one company, further solidifying the observation that clients often look for validation or alternative approaches.
Expert from Email Geeks shares an experience with a potential client wanting help setting up an ESP using addresses from real estate licensing boards, and how she couldn't help because she doesn’t work with companies who are using lists like that, highlighting a common disagreement point with clients about opt-in methods.
Expert from Email Geeks responds that clients may argue because they feel personally insulted, interpreting the consultant's refusal to work with them as a judgment on their current practices or quality, as they hear you're the best and you're saying they're not good enough for you to deal with.
What the documentation says4Technical articles
Documentation from Google explains that clients might disagree with deliverability advice because they do not fully understand the information from postmaster tools. Clients may resist advice that implicates them in sending undesirable emails to recipients.
Documentation from Microsoft answers that the information available from SNDS gives the client insights into complaint rates and may make recommendations on how to get removed from block lists. Often clients get defensive or challenge the validity of the SNDS data if it means they have to alter existing practices.
Documentation from Spamhaus explains that clients may argue with advice if it implicates them in sending spam or engaging in practices that lead to being blacklisted. Admitting fault requires changing their behavior.
Documentation from RFC Editor explains that a failure to fully understand and implement SMTP standards (defined in RFC documents) may result in deliverability issues. Clients may argue with experts who point out these non-compliances because accepting fault requires acknowledging a lack of adherence to industry standards.