How can I verify email addresses for cold outreach?

Email verification helps prevent sending to invalid addresses, protecting your sender reputation.

Verification methods:

Syntax check: Validates format (name@domain.com structure)

Domain check: Confirms the domain exists and has MX records

Mailbox check: Queries the mail server to see if the specific address exists (without sending)

Risk assessment: Identifies catch-all domains, disposable addresses, and known problematic patterns

Verification services: ZeroBounce, NeverBounce, Hunter.io, BriteVerify, and similar platforms offer bulk verification.

What verification does:

Reduces hard bounce rates

Removes obviously invalid addresses

Identifies some risky addresses

What verification doesn't do:

Confirm the person wants your email

Guarantee inbox placement

Detect all spamtraps (especially recycled ones)

Provide legal compliance

Verification is necessary hygiene but not sufficient strategy. Confirming the harbor exists doesn't mean they'll welcome your ship.