Fast, relevant replies convert; slow ones go cold. Classification also keeps sequences compliant by catching opt-outs written in prose.
The metrics that matter#
- Authentication pass rate: share of mail passing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC alignment. Healthy: 99% or higher.
- Spam complaint rate: Gmail enforces at 0.3%; stay under 0.1%.
- Hard bounce rate: under 2%; above 5% triggers platform reviews.
- Inbox placement: above 90% across major providers via seed tests.
- Engagement: click and reply rates by segment; opens are unreliable after Mail Privacy Protection.
Where to read them#
- Google Postmaster Tools for Gmail domain reputation, spam rate, and authentication.
- Microsoft SNDS and JMRP for Outlook.com IP reputation and complaints.
- Your ESP's delivery and bounce reports.
- DMARC aggregate reports for authentication by source.
Improving the numbers#
- Define reply categories and the action for each (book meeting, pause 60 days, remove, forward).
- Route replies through a classifier before any automated response.
- Draft responses for review; auto-send only low-risk categories like out-of-office acknowledgments.
- Log every classification for audit and model tuning.
Frequently asked questions#
Can AI reply to prospects automatically?
Technically yes. Practically, keep a human approving anything that commits your company to a meeting or claim.