How can ESP analytics differ from real inbox data?
ESP analytics have blind spots:
What ESPs show: Delivery rate (acceptance), opens, clicks, bounces, unsubscribes. What happened during and after the send.
What ESPs cannot show: Actual inbox versus spam placement. The ESP knows the server accepted, not where the message landed.
Open rate limitation: Opens can proxy for placement but have accuracy issues (privacy features, image blocking).
Supplement ESP data with seed testing for placement visibility and postmaster tools for reputation context.
Your ESP reports successful departure. Only port inspection reveals which dock you received.
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