Why is Sender Score reporting inaccurate data?

Summary

Sender Score's inaccuracies arise from several interconnected issues. The tool relies on limited data samples, leading to discrepancies between reported metrics and actual sending activity. Data sources used by Sender Score can be inconsistent, come and go, or be influenced by external factors unrelated to your email practices, such as shared IP space or regional issues. This reliance on third-party data, which may be outdated or incomplete, contributes to the problem. The algorithms used by Sender Score may not capture all factors impacting deliverability, particularly engagement metrics. Volume fluctuations and spam trap misidentifications further skew results. Ultimately, the consensus is that Sender Score should be considered just one data point among many, with a strong focus on factors like authentication, list hygiene, content quality, and monitoring deliverability metrics from various sources.

Key findings

  • Limited and Inconsistent Data: Sender Score relies on limited samples of data and uses data sources that can be inconsistent or unreliable.
  • External Influences: Sender Score is affected by external factors like shared IP space, regional issues, and temporary network problems.
  • Algorithmic Limitations: The algorithms used by Sender Score may not capture all factors impacting deliverability, especially engagement metrics.
  • Third-Party Reliance: The reliance on third-party data that might be outdated or incomplete leads to inaccuracies.
  • Volume Sensitivity: The metrics are sensitive to volume fluctuations, with even modest increases dramatically impacting the score.
  • Spam Trap Issues: False positives with spam traps can negatively affect the score even with sound sending practices.
  • Provider Bias: Major email providers use proprietary metrics, making Sender Score less accurate for specific platforms like Microsoft.

Key considerations

  • Holistic Assessment: View Sender Score as one data point within a broader deliverability monitoring strategy.
  • Focus on Fundamentals: Prioritize authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), list hygiene, and content quality as foundational elements.
  • Monitor Multiple Sources: Track engagement metrics and reputation data from multiple sources, including provider-specific tools.
  • Address External Issues: Be aware of the impact of shared IP space and address any network issues affecting deliverability.
  • Adapt to Regional Variations: Understand that regional differences and specific provider issues can skew Sender Score results.

What email marketers say
14Marketer opinions

Sender Score inaccuracies stem from several factors, including limited data samples, reliance on third-party data sources that may be outdated or conflicting, and a failure to account for engagement metrics. Volume fluctuations, spam trap misidentifications, and delays in data processing also contribute to inconsistencies. Specific issues, such as the inclusion of Laposte.net data for French senders and problems with European RepNet providers, have been noted. Overall, Sender Score should be considered one data point among many when assessing sender reputation, as other factors like authentication, list hygiene, and content quality are crucial for deliverability.

Key opinions

  • Limited Data: Sender Score relies on a limited sample of email traffic, which may not accurately represent overall sending practices.
  • Third-Party Data Issues: Reliance on third-party data sources can lead to inaccuracies due to outdated or conflicting information.
  • Engagement Metrics Ignored: Sender Score doesn't fully account for engagement metrics like opens, clicks, and replies, which are important for assessing sender reputation.
  • Volume Sensitivity: Sender Score is sensitive to volume fluctuations, and even small increases can negatively impact the score.
  • Spam Trap Misidentification: False positives with spam traps can lead to inaccurate reporting, even if sending practices are sound.
  • Data Processing Delays: Delays in data processing can cause fluctuations in Sender Score, as improvements in reputation may not be immediately reflected.
  • Regional/Provider Issues: Specific regional or provider-related issues, like the inclusion of Laposte.net data or problems with European RepNet providers, can affect Sender Score.

Key considerations

  • Holistic Assessment: Consider Sender Score as one data point among many when assessing sender reputation, rather than relying on it exclusively.
  • Focus on Key Factors: Prioritize factors like authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), list hygiene, and content quality, as these are crucial for overall deliverability.
  • Monitor Other Metrics: Monitor engagement metrics (opens, clicks, replies) and reputation data from multiple sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of deliverability.
  • Account for Regional Differences: Be aware that regional differences and specific provider issues can affect Sender Score, and tailor strategies accordingly.
  • Implement Best Practices: Implement email marketing best practices to minimize the risk of spam trap hits and improve overall sender reputation.
  • Address Volume Spikes: Carefully monitor sending volume and address any unexpected spikes, as these can negatively affect Sender Score.
Marketer view

Email marketer from Quora user responds that Sender Score's results don't always align with actual deliverability because it's just one factor among many. Others, such as authentication, list hygiene, and content, heavily influence whether emails reach the inbox.

December 2023 - Quora
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks shares that there have been recent changes in data sources and some wonkiness with Sender Score. They are planning a rehaul of it soon, and generally suggests not worrying too much about it. A European RepNet provider was also fixed then turned off due to odd numbers, causing volume fluctuations.

December 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailjet shares that Sender Score inconsistencies arise because the data is based on a limited portion of your email traffic. Therefore, changes you make might not be immediately reflected.

February 2025 - Mailjet
Marketer view

Email marketer from StackExchange user shares that Sender Score might not accurately reflect your reputation because it doesn't account for engagement metrics like opens, clicks, and replies. These factors are important for assessing sender reputation.

July 2024 - StackExchange
Marketer view

Email marketer from Litmus shares that Sender Score can report inaccurately due to false positives with spam traps. If a legitimate email is misidentified as spam, it can negatively affect your score, even if your practices are sound.

July 2024 - Litmus
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks shares that data sources for Sender Score can come and go, or temporarily go offline. This could be due to a data source recently beginning to report traffic.

January 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit user shares that Sender Score can be inaccurate because it relies on a limited view of your email traffic. It might not capture the nuances of your sending practices or the preferences of your recipients, leading to skewed results.

February 2025 - Reddit
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks explains that Sender Score often shows unusual metrics that don't match actual IP activity because the data is a small sample. He suggests focusing on actual volume counts.

September 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks says this is widely seen for French senders, with the rumor being that Laposte.net data is being added, potentially causing the weird behavior in Sender Score, although there has been no deliverability impact.

January 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from ReturnPath responds that Sender Score's reliance on third-party data can lead to inaccuracies. The data may be outdated or not representative of your overall sending practices.

May 2022 - ReturnPath
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks confirms that they've tested tens of IPs and only IPs sending to FR customers showed huge volume increases and Sender Score drops, even with no changes to IP activity. Some MBP Providers are using SenderScore to apply rate limiting or blocking and in such case, it impacts delivery...

June 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email on Acid responds that Sender Score's reporting can fluctuate due to delays in data processing. Changes you make to improve your sending reputation might not be immediately reflected in your score.

June 2023 - Email on Acid
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Marketing Forum says that a sender's volume changes can greatly affect your Sender Score. Even a modest increase in reported volume can dramatically decrease your Sender Score overnight.

March 2024 - Email Marketing Forum
Marketer view

Email marketer from Neil Patel explains that Sender Score, while a useful tool, isn't always 100% accurate due to the limited data it uses. He suggests considering it as one data point among many when assessing your sender reputation.

August 2022 - Neil Patel

What the experts say
2Expert opinions

Experts agree that Sender Score inaccuracies arise because it relies on limited data sets and algorithms, failing to capture all the factors affecting email deliverability. Additionally, the way Sender Score collects and processes data, along with external influences like shared IP space and network issues, can lead to misleading reports.

Key opinions

  • Limited Data: Sender Score's data is a small sample of overall email volume, leading to inconsistencies.
  • Flawed Algorithms: The algorithms used by Sender Score may not capture all factors impacting deliverability.
  • Data Collection Issues: The way Sender Score collects and processes data can result in misleading reports.
  • External Influences: Factors unrelated to sending practices, such as shared IP space and network issues, can influence Sender Score.

Key considerations

  • Multiple Data Points: Do not rely solely on Sender Score; consider multiple data points to assess deliverability.
  • Monitor IP Space: Be aware of the impact of shared IP space on Sender Score.
  • Address Network Issues: Monitor and address network issues that may affect Sender Score reports.
  • Consider Broader Factors: Recognize that Sender Score is just one factor among many that influence email deliverability.
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise responds that Sender Score reports can be misleading due to the way they collect and process data. This is because Sender Score relies on data that is given to them and also may be influenced by factors unrelated to your sending practices, such as shared IP space or temporary network issues.

January 2022 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource explains that Sender Score might show inconsistencies because it relies on limited data sets and algorithms that may not capture all factors impacting deliverability. The data is a small sample of overall email volume.

January 2023 - Spam Resource

What the documentation says
4Technical articles

Documentation suggests Sender Score inaccuracies stem from aggregating conflicting or incomplete data from multiple sources. Its focus on IP reputation neglects domain reputation and content quality. Furthermore, variations in spam filters across ISPs and the use of proprietary metrics by providers like Microsoft contribute to discrepancies. Therefore, Sender Score should not be the sole metric for assessing email deliverability.

Key findings

  • Data Aggregation Issues: Sender Score aggregates data from multiple sources, leading to discrepancies when data is conflicting or incomplete.
  • Overemphasis on IP Reputation: The focus on IP address reputation neglects domain reputation and content quality, which are also significant for deliverability.
  • Varying Spam Filters: Different ISPs use different spam filters, causing discrepancies between Sender Score and actual inbox placement.
  • Proprietary Metrics: Major email providers like Microsoft use their own proprietary metrics and algorithms, rendering Sender Score less accurate for their services.

Key considerations

  • Comprehensive Assessment: Avoid relying solely on Sender Score for assessing email reputation; consider a broader range of metrics.
  • Optimize Domain and Content: Focus on improving domain reputation and content quality, as these factors are critical for deliverability.
  • Understand ISP Variations: Recognize that different ISPs have different filtering criteria, and tailor email strategies accordingly.
  • Consider Provider-Specific Metrics: Where possible, use provider-specific metrics (e.g., Microsoft's SNDS) to gain a more accurate understanding of reputation.
Technical article

Documentation from Microsoft states that Sender Score's data may not accurately reflect your reputation with Microsoft's email services. Microsoft uses its own proprietary filtering algorithms and reputation metrics, so Sender Score should not be the only metric.

January 2024 - Microsoft
Technical article

Documentation from Cisco explains that Sender Score's focus on IP address reputation alone can lead to inaccuracies. Domain reputation and content quality also play a significant role in deliverability.

July 2022 - Cisco
Technical article

Documentation from Google Postmaster Tools suggests that discrepancies between Sender Score and other metrics can arise from the specific spam filters used by different ISPs. Each ISP has its own criteria for evaluating email traffic.

December 2021 - Google Postmaster Tools
Technical article

Documentation from Validity explains that Sender Score aggregates data from multiple sources, and discrepancies can occur if these sources have conflicting or incomplete information. This can lead to inaccuracies in the overall score.

March 2021 - Validity