Editing Deliverability Terminology

'''Navigation:''' [[Main_Page]] > [[Email]] > [[Deliverability]] > Deliverability Terminology

== Deliverability Terminology ==

Email deliverability is a crucial aspect for businesses as it determines the ability of emails to reach recipients’ inboxes. The evolution of mailbox providers has made it imperative for marketers and email senders to understand the underlying concepts and terminology that affect deliverability. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of key deliverability terms, enabling you to effectively optimize your email strategies, enhance your understanding, and increase engagement with clients.

== Introduction ==

In the world of email marketing, '''deliverability''' refers to the success rate of emails reaching their intended inboxes. As email becomes a central tool for communication and marketing, the ability to deliver messages accurately impacts not only engagement rates but also customer satisfaction. An awareness of deliverability terminology is essential for strategizing around email sending practices, maintaining domain reputation, and adhering to compliance regulations.

== How to Access This Feature ==

To familiarize yourself with deliverability terms, you do not need to go through any specific setting in ActiveCampaign. Instead, this article serves as a point of reference for common terminologies in deliverability related to email marketing.

== Step-by-Step Instructions ==

Below you will find common deliverability terms organized for easy reference. Familiarizing yourself with these terms can help you interact and communicate effectively regarding email marketing strategies and deliverability challenges.

=== A - C ===

- '''A Record''': A type of DNS record that maps a domain name to the IP address hosting that domain.
- '''Anti-Spam''': Techniques used to block spam from entering a domain or system.
- '''Average Open Rate''': The percentage of email recipients who open emails from a sender. Consult the article on improving your open rate for strategies.
- '''Authentication''': The process of setting up DNS records for DKIM, DMARC, and SPF to ensure email legitimacy.
- '''BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification)''': A DNS record to display a company logo in email inboxes.
- '''Block''': Occurs when a message is outright rejected by a recipient domain.
- '''Blocklist''': Lists used to track senders that send spam. Being on certain blocklists can harm deliverability.
- '''Bounce Rate''': The percentage of emails that cannot be delivered; bounced contacts are marked after delivery failures.
- '''CAN-SPAM Act''': U.S. legislation governing email marketing to which compliance is mandatory.
- '''Click-Through Rate (CTR)''': It compares link clicks in email to the total emails delivered.

=== D - H ===

- '''Dedicated IP''': An IP address used exclusively for sending emails from one sender.
- '''Deliverability''': Refers to successful email delivery to a contact's inbox.
- '''DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)''': An email authentication method that verifies the sender's identity.
- '''Domain Reputation''': The overall health signal from mailbox providers indicating how legitimate the sender is based on engagement and performance.

=== I - M ===

- '''IP Address''': A unique identifier for individual devices connected to a network.
- '''IP Reputation''': Historical perception of an IP by mailbox providers based on its sending patterns and engagement.
- '''List Hygiene''': The regular practice of maintaining clean email lists by removing inactive or invalid addresses.

=== N - T ===

- '''Opt-Out''': The action taken by a recipient to unsubscribe from email communications.
- '''Phishing''': Fraudulent emails that impersonate legitimate companies to steal personal information.
- '''Soft Bounce''': A temporary delivery failure, often caused by full mailboxes or connection issues.

=== U - W ===

- '''Unsubscribe''': A process for recipients to stop receiving messages from a mailing list.
- '''Warm Up''': Gradually increasing email volume sent to establish sender reputation, particularly after migrating to ActiveCampaign.

== Configuration Options and Settings ==

While accessing the deliverability terminology, there are specific terms you should configure to enhance deliverability. This includes setting up necessary '''DNS records''' for DKIM, DMARC, and SPF to authenticate your emails effectively. 

Utilizing tools like ActiveCampaign’s feature for managing a '''Sending Domain''', which entails verifying your domain ownership, is paramount for ensuring better deliverability.

== Best Practices and Tips ==

1. **Maintain Clean Lists**: Regularly perform '''list hygiene''' practices to keep your email list updated and relevant.
2. **Use Authentication**: Implement '''DKIM''', '''SPF''', and '''DMARC''' to authenticate emails and build trust with mailbox providers.
3. **Monitor Engagement**: Keep an eye on metrics like '''bounce rates''' and '''open rates''' to adjust your strategies accordingly.
4. **Stay Informed**: Familiarize yourself with current regulations, such as the '''CAN-SPAM Act''' or '''GDPR''', to ensure compliance in all emails.
5. **Warm-up Your IP**: If using a dedicated IP, gradually increase email volume to boost your sender reputation.

== Troubleshooting ==

When facing deliverability issues, consider the following:

- Check if your domain is on a '''blocklist'''; if yes, take steps to request removal.
- Analyze bounce reports for insights into invalid email addresses or technical issues.
- Review spam complaint rates to identify patterns and resolve potential problems.
  
== Related Features ==

Explore the following features to enhance your understanding of deliverability in ActiveCampaign:

- [[Email Deliverability Best Practices]]
- [[Authentication Methods]]
- [[Sending Domains]]

== FAQ ==

=== What does it mean if my emails are landing in spam? ===
Emails can land in spam due to poor sender reputation or lack of authenticated settings like DKIM and SPF.

=== How do I improve my open rates? ===
Improving subject lines and targeting your audience based on their engagement metrics can enhance open rates.

=== How often should I clean my email list? ===
List hygiene should be performed regularly, ideally every month, to maintain engagement and deliverability.

=== What is a hard bounce? ===
A hard bounce indicates a permanent failure in email delivery due to an invalid email address.

=== Are there risks associated with using a shared IP? ===
Yes, when using a '''shared IP''', your reputation may be affected by the actions of other senders on that IP.

=== Can I use my own domain for sending emails? ===
Yes, adding a '''Sending Domain''' in ActiveCampaign allows you to use your own domain for sending.

=== How can I check if my domain is blacklisted? ===
You can check various blacklists online as many services track domain reputations based on spam complaints and engagement metrics.

By understanding deliverability terminology and practices, marketers can enhance their email strategies and ensure their messages reach the intended audience successfully.