Email Validation Explained: Improve Deliverability & Protect Your Sender Reputation

Afruz Fatulla-zada· Published April 18, 2025

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Email Validation Explained: Improve Deliverability & Protect Your Sender Reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about email verification.

What is the difference between email validation and syntax checking?

Syntax checking is only the first layer of validation; it checks if an address "looks" right (e.g., has an @ symbol and a .com). Email validation goes much deeper by performing DNS lookups, checking MX records, and pinging the actual mail server to ensure the specific mailbox exists and can receive mail.

Will validating my list remove "complainers" or spam traps?

High-quality validation tools can identify spam traps (email addresses used by ISPs to catch unauthorized senders) and disposable emails. While it can't predict every human who might click "spam," it significantly lowers your risk by removing high-risk addresses that are known to hurt sender reputations.

Does email validation send a "test" email to my subscribers?

No. Advanced validation tools use an SMTP handshake process. They contact the recipient's mail server and ask if the address exists, but they disconnect before any actual data or email is sent. Your subscribers will never know their address was verified.

How often should I perform a bulk validation of my list?

Because email lists decay at a rate of roughly 2% per month, most experts recommend a full list cleaning every 3 to 6 months. However, if you are planning a major seasonal campaign or have not emailed your list in over 90 days, you should validate it immediately before sending.

Can I validate emails in real-time on my website?

Yes. Most services offer an API that you can integrate into your signup forms. This prevents users from entering typos (like gnail.com instead of gmail.com) or using temporary "throwaway" addresses, ensuring your list stays clean from the very first touchpoint.

What is a "Catch-All" or "Unverifiable" email?

A Catch-All domain is configured to accept any email sent to it, regardless of whether the specific mailbox exists. Because the server says "Yes" to everything, validation tools cannot 100% guarantee deliverability for these addresses. It is usually best to segment these and send to them with caution.

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