Segmented campaigns consistently produce higher opens, clicks, and revenue per recipient, and lower complaints, which protects deliverability.
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 3 to 5 core segments: new subscribers, engaged, at-risk, customers, and lapsed.
- Capture the data needed at signup and through behavior tracking.
- Build dynamic segments that update automatically as behavior changes.
- Tailor cadence and content per segment; engaged contacts tolerate more frequency.
- Measure revenue per recipient per segment, not just open rate.
Frequently asked questions#
What is the simplest segmentation to start with?
Engagement recency: opened or clicked in the last 30, 90, or 180 days. It drives both relevance and deliverability.