> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.bulkemailsetup.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.bulkemailsetup.com/popular-topics/email-deliverability.md).

# Email Deliverability

Improve your email deliverability with tips on SMTP servers, external delivery providers, bounce management, and understanding email delivery for better inbox placement.

### **Email Deliverability: Ensuring Your Emails Reach the Inbox**

Email deliverability is critical to the success of any email marketing campaign. It directly affects how many recipients see your emails, and whether your messages land in the inbox or get marked as spam. We help you improve your email delivery rates through various features and best practices. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:

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<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th><th data-hidden></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Understanding Email Delivery</strong></td><td>Explanation of how emails reach recipients, highlighting key factors influencing successful delivery.</td><td><a href="/popular-topics/email-deliverability/understanding-email-delivery.md">Understanding Email Delivery</a></td><td><a href="https://1066064866-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FOkewfSKAYkGLToZXJWoJ%2Fuploads%2Ft21fkoO5WNr0jh2GgwaQ%2FUnderstanding-Email-Delivery.png?alt=media&amp;token=b1b53de3-1534-4649-a397-e0fb3a77e73a">Understanding-Email-Delivery.png</a></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><strong>SMTP vs. External Delivery Servers</strong></td><td>Comparison of using internal SMTP servers versus external email delivery services, discussing pros and cons.</td><td><a href="/popular-topics/email-deliverability/smtp-vs-external-delivery-servers.md">SMTP vs External Delivery Servers</a></td><td><a href="https://1066064866-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FOkewfSKAYkGLToZXJWoJ%2Fuploads%2FJ2nV7miB51691gwC47EB%2FSMTP-vs-External-Delivery-Servers.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=f6196c37-a881-4640-b6a7-0d7ff8738c8d">SMTP-vs-External-Delivery-Servers.jpg</a></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Handling Bounces for Microsoft Emails</strong></td><td>Guidance on managing bounce issues specifically when sending emails to Microsoft domains (e.g., Outlook, Hotmail).</td><td><a href="/popular-topics/email-deliverability/handling-bounces-for-microsoft-emails.md">Handling Bounces for Microsoft Emails</a></td><td><a href="https://1066064866-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FOkewfSKAYkGLToZXJWoJ%2Fuploads%2FkzkO2EAxXF0JIHcFQoHN%2FHandling-Bounces-for-Microsoft-Emails.png?alt=media&amp;token=f14118e5-bd21-461b-bd4b-da76ed018b4f">Handling-Bounces-for-Microsoft-Emails.png</a></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Understanding SPF, DKIM, and DMARC</strong></td><td>Overview of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC protocols, emphasizing their importance in email authentication and deliverability.</td><td><a href="/popular-topics/email-deliverability/understanding-spf-dkim-and-dmarc.md">Understanding SPF, DKIM, and DMARC</a></td><td><a href="https://1066064866-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FOkewfSKAYkGLToZXJWoJ%2Fuploads%2FbcQXZN9etfZ1DGolBwmd%2FSPF-DKIM-DMARC.png?alt=media&amp;token=f354d142-08ba-4da2-aa11-cb2377dbfc42">SPF-DKIM-DMARC.png</a></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Inbox Placement Challenges for Custom SMTP Servers</strong></td><td>Common issues faced by custom SMTP servers in reaching inboxes, with strategies to improve inbox placement.</td><td><a href="/popular-topics/email-deliverability/inbox-placement-challenges-for-custom-smtp-servers.md">Inbox Placement Challenges for Custom SMTP Servers</a></td><td><a href="https://1066064866-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FOkewfSKAYkGLToZXJWoJ%2Fuploads%2Fsnp3onv542e0LY23a0F8%2FInbox-Placement-Challenges.png?alt=media&amp;token=17ba26e2-4423-4e50-aa78-5e16794fbf01">Inbox-Placement-Challenges.png</a></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

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By following best practices for email deliverability, such as maintaining a clean mailing list, optimizing email content, and managing bounce rates, you can improve your email campaign performance.

Our Email App helps you automate many of these tasks, ensuring that your emails are delivered reliably, whether you choose SMTP servers or external delivery providers.
