What is Sender Score?
In the world of
email marketing, a
Sender Score is a critical metric that indicates the
reputation of an email sender. It is a numerical value assigned to an IP address that sends email, ranging from 0 to 100. A higher score means a better reputation, which leads to higher email deliverability rates.
Why is Sender Score Important?
Sender Score is important because it directly affects whether your
emails land in the recipient's
inbox or their
spam folder. Email service providers (ESPs) use Sender Score to determine the credibility of the sender. A low Sender Score can result in your emails being blocked or filtered out as spam.
How is Sender Score Calculated?
The Sender Score is calculated based on several factors including
bounce rates, spam complaints, and
email volume. It is a rolling 30-day average, meaning it changes based on recent activity. Factors influencing Sender Score include:
Complaints - The number of recipients marking your email as spam.
Bounces - The number of emails that couldn’t be delivered.
Spam traps - Emails sent to addresses specifically set up to catch spammers.
Engagement - How recipients interact with your emails.
How to Check Your Sender Score?
To check your Sender Score, you can use online tools like
SenderScore.org. You simply enter the IP address you use for sending emails, and the tool will provide you with your score along with an analysis of your email sending practices.
Improving Your Sender Score
Improving your Sender Score is crucial for better email deliverability. Here are some tips: Clean your email list regularly to remove invalid or inactive addresses.
Ensure your emails are relevant and engaging to reduce spam complaints.
Implement a double opt-in process to confirm email subscriptions.
Monitor your
email metrics and adjust your strategies accordingly.
Authenticate your emails with
SPF,
DKIM, and
DMARC.
Common Mistakes that Lower Sender Score
There are several common mistakes that can negatively impact your Sender Score: Sending emails to purchased or scraped lists.
Ignoring spam complaints and not addressing them promptly.
Sending emails too frequently, leading to high unsubscribe rates.
Not authenticating your emails, making them look suspicious to ESPs.
Conclusion
A good Sender Score is essential for successful email marketing. By understanding what affects your score and taking proactive steps to improve it, you can ensure that your emails reach your audience's inbox and achieve higher
engagement rates. Regularly monitor your Sender Score and make necessary adjustments to maintain a high reputation.