Email Deliverability Optimization

Note: SPF/DKIM/DMARC authentication and other DNS-level changes happen outside Shopify admin (in your DNS provider and/or email platform) — Sidekick cannot apply them directly. This is a checklist for you or your developer to implement manually.

Create an email deliverability optimization plan:

Brand name: [YOUR BRAND NAME]
Sending domain: [YOUR EMAIL DOMAIN]
Email platform: [KLAVIYO/MAILCHIMP/SHOPIFY EMAIL/OMNISEND/OTHER]
Current open rate: [PERCENTAGE]
List size: [SUBSCRIBER COUNT]
Bounce rate: [PERCENTAGE OR “UNKNOWN”]
Spam complaint rate: [PERCENTAGE OR “UNKNOWN”]
Authentication status: [SPF/DKIM/DMARC SET UP? YES/NO/UNSURE]

Create a comprehensive deliverability audit and action plan:


  Authentication Setup:
    
      SPF record configuration steps
      DKIM signing setup for your platform
      DMARC policy implementation (start with monitoring)
      How to verify each is working correctly
    
  
  List Hygiene Protocol:
    
      Identify and remove invalid addresses
      Sunset policy for unengaged subscribers (define thresholds)
      Double opt-in recommendation and implementation
      Regular list cleaning schedule
    
  
  Sending Practices:
    
      Optimal sending frequency based on list size
      Warm-up protocol if sending from a new domain
      Consistent from-name and from-address guidance
      Avoiding spam trigger words and patterns
    
  
  Content Best Practices:
    
      Text-to-image ratio recommendations
      Link quantity guidelines
      Unsubscribe link placement and visibility
      Preheader text optimization
    
  
  Monitoring and Maintenance:
    
      Key metrics to track weekly
      Tools for checking blacklists and sender score
      How to handle a deliverability drop
      When to consider a dedicated sending IP
    
  


Provide specific steps for the chosen email platform.
Include a checklist format for ongoing monthly maintenance.
Prioritize actions by impact (quick wins first, then advanced optimizations).