What are the most common email delivery issues when using IP-based protocols?

2 POP3 and IMAP Issues

POP3 and IMAP are two protocols for retrieving email messages from a server and storing them on a local device, such as a computer or a smartphone. POP3 downloads the messages and deletes them from the server, while IMAP synchronizes the messages between the server and the device. Both protocols have their advantages and disadvantages, but they can also cause some email delivery issues, such as duplicate messages when multiple devices or applications are configured to access the same email account using POP3, or missing messages when an email account is accessed using both POP3 and IMAP. To solve these issues, it is recommended to use only one protocol for accessing the email account, or to adjust the settings to preserve the messages on the server. Additionally, using IMAP instead of POP3 can prevent duplicate messages from being downloaded.

3 MIME Problems

MIME, or Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions, is a standard for encoding and formatting email messages that contain different types of content, such as text, images, audio, video, or attachments. This allows emails to be compatible with different email clients and systems. However, MIME can also cause some issues such as corrupted or unsupported messages. Corrupted messages occur when the MIME encoding or decoding process is interrupted, incomplete, or incorrect, resulting in unreadable or distorted messages. Possible causes are network errors, software bugs, or incompatible MIME versions. Unsupported messages occur when the email client or system does not support or recognize the MIME type or format of the message, resulting in blank or missing content. Possible causes are outdated software, missing plugins, or non-standard MIME types. To resolve these issues, you can resend the message, update the software, use a different MIME format, upgrade the software, install the plugins, or use a standard MIME type.

4 Best Practices for Email Delivery

To minimize the risk of email delivery issues, there are a few best practices to follow. Firstly, use a valid and verified email address and domain name, and avoid generic or disposable ones. Secondly, configure your email server and client settings correctly, and use secure connections whenever possible. Additionally, monitor your email reputation and deliverability to prevent triggering spam filters or bounce backs. You should also test your email messages before sending them to ensure they are compatible with different email clients and systems, and follow the MIME standards and guidelines. Finally, keep your email software and plugins updated with the latest versions of the email protocols and formats.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?