Deliverability: Each hop presents a potential failure point where an email could be lost, delayed, or marked as
spam.
Security: More hops mean more opportunities for
interception or tampering. Email marketers must ensure secure transfer protocols such as
TLS (Transport Layer Security).
Tracking: Understanding the hops can help in diagnosing delivery issues and optimizing
email campaigns.
Increased Latency: More hops can slow down the delivery of your emails, which is critical for
time-sensitive campaigns.
Higher Spam Probability: Each hop is a checkpoint where your email could be flagged as spam, especially if one server has a bad reputation.
Security Vulnerabilities: More hops mean more opportunities for unauthorized access or data breaches.
How to Track Server Hops?
Tracking server hops is essential for diagnosing delivery issues. You can check the
email headers for a detailed log of each hop. Most email clients allow you to view the headers by selecting options like "Show Original" or "View Source". Look for the "Received" lines, which will list each server the email passed through.
Conclusion
Server hops play a critical role in the journey of an email from the sender to the recipient. Understanding and optimizing these hops can significantly impact your email marketing success, affecting deliverability, security, and overall effectiveness. By using reputable ESPs, authenticating your emails, and regularly monitoring email headers, you can minimize the risks associated with server hops and ensure your emails reach their intended audience.