How to test email deliverability?

Testing email deliverability requires checking authentication configuration, monitoring reputation, and validating actual inbox placement.

Step 1: Check authentication (automated) Use IntoDNS.ai to scan your domain and verify:

• SPF record exists and passes validation
• DKIM signatures are configured and valid
• DMARC policy is set (minimum p=none required)
• All three align with your sending domain

Step 2: Monitor blacklist status Check if your mail server IPs appear on public blocklists:

• Spamhaus (ZEN, PBL, SBL)
• SURBL, URIBL (URL blocklists)
• Barracuda, SpamCop IntoDNS.ai checks major blacklists automatically.

Step 3: Send test emails Create seed accounts at major providers:

• Gmail (personal + Google Workspace)
• Outlook/Hotmail
• Yahoo Mail
• Apple Mail Send test emails and verify inbox vs spam folder placement.

Step 4: Check email headers Examine SPF, DKIM, and DMARC results in received email headers:

• Look for Authentication-Results header
• Verify spf=pass, dkim=pass, dmarc=pass
• Check for spam score headers (X-Spam-Status)

Step 5: Monitor engagement metrics Track open rates, bounce rates, and spam complaints:

• Bounce rate should be <2%
• Spam complaint rate should be <0.1%
• Unsubscribe rate <0.5%

Use tools like IntoDNS.ai for automated daily monitoring of authentication and blacklist status.