Understanding Feedback Loops (FBLs)
To maintain a high sender reputation and ensure maximum deliverability, Mailbaby utilizes Feedback Loops (FBLs) from major providers including Validity, Microsoft, and Yahoo. These systems allow us to monitor complaint ratios in real-time alongside direct spam complaints.
What is a Feedback Loop?
A Feedback Loop is a reporting system provided by email service providers (ISPs). When a recipient marks your email as “Spam” or “Junk,” the ISP sends a report back to Mailbaby. Our system then forwards this notice to you, including the specific Email ID that was reported.
How to Handle a Complaint Notice
When you receive an FBL notification, your response should depend on the type of email sent. Use the following guidelines to protect your domain reputation:
- Mailing Lists & Newsletters: Potentially treat these complaints as a request to opt out and remove the user. Accidental spam reports can re-sign up.
- Sign-up Forms & New Accounts: If a new account notification triggers a complaint, it may indicate that your form is being targeted by bots for mailbombing or spamming attempts.
- False Positives: Sometimes a user clicks “Spam” by accident. Mailbaby takes your overall history into account; a single isolated complaint is usually not an issue, but patterns of complaints will require action.
- Other Emails: Determine the intent of the message and decide if that recipient should continue receiving mail from your domain.
Critical Best Practices
1. Use One-Click Unsubscribe
If you do not currently have a one-click unsubscribe link, we strongly recommend adding one. Making it easy for users to leave your list reduces the likelihood that they will use the “Report Spam” button as a way to stop receiving mail.
2. Treat Complaints as Unsubscribes
If you run a mailing list, you should consider FBL complaints as a potential permanent opt-out. Multiple FBL complaints may negatively affect your sending reputation.
For more information, see:
Validity: What is a Feedback Loop?
