How Do You Know if Your Emails Are Getting Read?

When you send a message on WhatsApp, those little blue checkmarks instantly let you know it’s been read. Email, however, doesn’t offer that kind of clarity. Recent changes in email privacy and security have made it even harder for senders to know if their messages are being opened.

Email Privacy Changes Complicate Tracking

Apple Mail and Gmail have both introduced features that make traditional email tracking less reliable. Apple, for example, now masks email opens to protect user privacy, so a sender might see an “opened” status even if the recipient hasn’t touched the message. Gmail, on the other hand, blocks images from unknown senders, which prevents standard tracking pixels from reporting opens.

Five Ways to Get Some Insight

Even with these hurdles, there are methods to gauge whether your emails are being seen:

1. Request a Read Receipt

This classic method is still available in most email platforms. Outlook makes it easy under the Options tab, and Gmail offers it for business accounts. The recipient can choose to decline, so it’s best used for formal or important messages rather than casual emails.

2. Use Email Tracking Extensions

Browser plugins like Mailtrack or Streak insert a hidden pixel into your email. These tools can notify you when an email is opened, how many times, and even what device was used. They are most effective for professional communications rather than large-scale marketing campaigns.

3. Track Link Clicks

Instead of focusing on whether the email itself is opened, track engagement through links. Shorteners like Bitly let you monitor if someone clicks on a link, which gives a more meaningful indication of interaction.

4. Leverage Automation Tools

For business users or those sending frequent emails, automated platforms can provide detailed reports showing if messages reached inboxes or got flagged as spam. This goes beyond simple open notifications and helps maintain sender reputation.

5. Embed a Custom Pixel (Advanced)

For users comfortable with coding, adding a personalized tracking pixel in the email’s HTML can provide detailed insights. It’s more technical and should be used carefully.

Keep Your Emails Effective

All of these methods are only useful if your emails are delivered properly. If they end up in spam, tracking won’t help. While email tracking isn’t as immediate as a blue checkmark, these strategies can give senders a clearer picture of engagement, especially for important communications or business purposes.

Cate Bender, the author, is Project Coordinator of Marketing Keys