Paubox blog: HIPAA compliant email made easy

What is email deliverability optimization?

Written by Kirsten Peremore | February 15, 2024

Email deliverability optimization increases the likelihood that an email will reach the recipient's inbox successfully, avoiding filters that might direct it to the spam folder or block it entirely. With email deliverability rates averaging 81.3%, healthcare organizations should not be left in the dust in optimizing email strategies. 

 

Understanding email deliverability optimization

In healthcare settings, optimizing email deliverability allows for timely communication with patients, delivering health updates, appointment reminders, and educational content directly to their inboxes. This practice supports improving patient management, while enhancing the patient experience by providing reliable and direct communication channels.

 

The connection between email deliverability optimization and email marketing effectiveness

The link between email deliverability optimization and the effectiveness of email marketing is fundamental. Without the former, the latter's potential impact is compromised. Optimizing email deliverability guarantees that marketing emails are delivered to the intended recipients' inboxes. A failure in deliverability can result in emails being marked as spam or blocked altogether, which reduces the campaign's reach and engagement rates.

High deliverability rates, achieved through maintaining a strong sender reputation and crafting relevant, engaging content, boost the likelihood of emails being opened and acted upon by recipients. This, in turn, increases conversion rates, enhances customer engagement, and drives revenue.  

See also: How to create an effective email marketing strategy?

 

The characteristics of an effective email deliverability optimization strategy 

  1. Advanced list segmentation based on user behavior and engagement levels.
  2. Implementation of AI-driven predictive analytics for optimizing send times.
  3. Use of domain reputation management tools to proactively address deliverability issues.
  4. Engagement scoring systems to prioritize high-engagement contacts.
  5. Tailored re-engagement campaigns for inactive subscribers.
  6. Integration of feedback loops with ISPs to manage and respond to spam complaints effectively.
  7. Utilization of email authentication protocols beyond SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, such as BIMI for brand recognition.
  8. Deployment of machine learning algorithms to optimize email content for individual preferences.
  9. Implementation of progressive profiling techniques to gradually enrich subscriber data without overwhelming them at signup.
  10. Incorporation of interactive email elements to boost engagement directly within the inbox.

See also: Top 10 HIPAA compliant email services

 

How to effectively implement email deliverability optimization 

Understand email deliverability fundamentals

Begin by familiarizing yourself with the core concepts of email deliverability, including sender reputation, email authentication methods (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), and the factors that influence whether an email lands in the inbox or the spam folder.

 

Ensure email authentication

Set up SPF (Sender Policy Framework), DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) records for your domain. These protocols verify your identity as the sender and help protect against spoofing and phishing, boosting your sender reputation.

 

Maintain a clean email list

Regularly clean your email list to remove invalid, non-responsive, and unsubscribed email addresses. Use a double opt-in process to ensure that subscribers genuinely want to receive your emails, which improves engagement rates and deliverability.

 

Segment your email list

Segment your email list based on user behavior, preferences, and demographics to send more targeted, relevant content. Tailored emails are more likely to engage recipients, improving your reputation and deliverability.

 

Optimize email content and design

Create engaging, relevant content that provides value to your audience. Avoid spammy words and ensure your emails are mobile-friendly. Test different subject lines, email formats, and content to see what resonates best with your audience.

 

Monitor sender reputation

Use tools to monitor your sender score, which reflects your email sending practices. A high sender score indicates good reputation, while a low score could lead to deliverability issues.

 

Use feedback loops and manage complaints

Set up feedback loops with ISPs (Internet Service Providers) to be notified when recipients mark your emails as spam. Address these complaints promptly by removing these contacts from your list and analyzing why your emails were marked as spam.

 

Test and monitor email deliverability

Regularly test your email deliverability using specialized tools that can simulate email sends to various email providers. Monitor key metrics such as open rates, bounce rates, and spam complaints to gauge your strategy’s effectiveness.

See also: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide

 

FAQs

How can I improve my email sender reputation?

You can improve your sender reputation by regularly cleaning your email list, avoiding spam triggers in your content, implementing email authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), and maintaining high engagement rates through relevant and targeted content.

 

Can using a professional email marketing service improve deliverability?

Yes, reputable email marketing services such as Paubox Marketing offer tools and expertise to help manage your email list, ensure compliance with authentication standards, and provide insights into deliverability and engagement metrics, thereby improving your email deliverability.

 

Is email deliverability the same as email delivery rate?

No, email delivery rate refers to the percentage of emails that were not rejected by the recipients' servers, while email deliverability focuses on the emails that not only were delivered but also successfully reached the inbox instead of the spam folder.