How does link tracking domain reputation affect deliverability?

Your tracking domain's reputation directly affects email deliverability. Spam filters inspect links and evaluate their destination domains.

Blocklisted tracking domains: If a tracking domain lands on blocklists (Spamhaus DBL, Google Safe Browsing, etc.), emails containing those links may be filtered or blocked. The links might appear broken or trigger security warnings. This is a major risk with shared ESP tracking domains.

Reputation scoring: Link domains contribute to overall message scoring. A suspicious tracking domain adds negative signals even if your content and sending domain are clean.

URL scanners: Many security systems follow links to inspect destinations. If the tracking domain behaves unexpectedly (slow, errors, suspicious redirects), it can trigger filtering.

Shared domain risks: When thousands of senders use the same tracking domain, one bad actor can poison it for everyone. The domain accumulates complaints and blocklist hits from all users combined.

Custom domain benefits: Your own tracking domain (track.yourbrand.com) has only your reputation. You control what links pass through it. Blocklist issues affect only you, and you can address them directly.

Monitor tracking domain health using URL reputation checkers. If using shared domains, your ESP should actively manage their reputation. If they don't, consider switching or implementing custom domains.