How can test sends backfire if overused?

Test sends, while valuable, can backfire when overused because they create patterns that filters find suspicious.

Test addresses lack engagement. Seed addresses do not open, click, or reply like real subscribers. Sending heavily to non-engaging addresses degrades your engagement metrics.

Unusual patterns emerge from testing. Sending the same message repeatedly to the same addresses, or sending single messages to many addresses simultaneously, looks unlike normal communication.

Rate limits may be triggered if you send too many tests too quickly. This can affect your regular mail delivery.

Some providers detect seed lists and may treat messages differently than real subscriber mail, reducing the validity of test results.

Testing should inform your strategy, not become your strategy. Use it judiciously rather than obsessively.