An inbox placement test checks where your emails actually land and why. It combines message receipt checks with authentication, content, and sender-quality diagnostics.
Quick answer
A complete inbox placement test should verify:
- inbox vs spam placement outcomes for key message types
- SPF, DKIM, and DMARC pass status
- stable sender identity and routing headers
- consistent outcomes across release/campaign variants
Placement test workflow
- Define critical message flows (signup, reset, billing, alerts).
- Send test messages to controlled inbox cohorts.
- Capture placement and timing outcomes.
- Validate sender auth and header consistency.
- Investigate poor outcomes and re-test before rollout.
What to investigate when placement drops
Authentication drift
Use:
DNS and identity issues
Use:
Content and reputation issues
Use:
Release-gate checklist
- auth checks must pass
- no critical template defects
- expected receipt count and latency thresholds met
- remediation tickets created for any failed checks
- re-test completed before production send
For full rollout readiness, follow Email deliverability test.