USS Missouri fires a broadside

Partial bulking & other warning shots

23 March 2011

This morning, I got a question about some, but not all, of a mailing going into the bulk folder at a large ISP.  “What does it mean when they do that? What should we do?”

Most think sending mail to the bulk folder is an “all or nothing” proposition. They know there is a problem if all the mail goes to the bulk folder. Of course, there is no problem, and everyone is happy if all of the mail goes through. But that is not always the case. Sometimes, only some mail goes to the bulk folder.

Now, there are a variety of reasons why this might happen. It could be (but probably isn’t) a mistake on the part of the filter. It could be dynamic due to complaints about that particular mailing, and your next one will be fine.

Read moreThe Spock Trap

Or, it could be a warning shot telling you that someone’s reputation system is taking another look at what you’re doing.  That is to say that marketers are not the only ones testing out there.  Receivers have systems constantly testing things to ensure their filtering decisions are the right ones.  And if your mail stream seems to be on the cusp of the Inbox/Bulk folder divide, guess whose mail will most likely be the subject of one of those tests?

So, what can you do? I suggest restricting mail to the most highly engaged recipients for two or three weeks while you take time to have a good, hard look at your list and all of the feedback you get from various sources.  Are people getting what they expect when they expect to get it?  Do you have some (especially older) list segments that are dead on the vine and need trimmed?  Consider doing a re-engagement campaign to get rid of the dead weight.

I often consider partial bulk foldering a warning sign. Feel free to comment with other warning signs you look for.

Mickey Chandler
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