The rules for sending emails are of paramount importance to ensure the successful delivery of messages to users’ inboxes. Orange has recently revised its requirements for senders, aligning itself with practices already implemented by Yahoo, Google, and Microsoft. These new rules aim to improve the integrity and security of electronic communications while reducing the number of messages flagged as spam. Here is a detailed overview of these updated requirements and some practical tips to ensure better deliverability.
New requirements for senders according to Orange
The new guidelines from Orange include several key points designed to help senders avoid having their emails labeled as spam. To meet Orange’s criteria favorably, it is essential to follow SMTP standards, ensure correct DNS configuration, and implement necessary authentication mechanisms. Let’s review these requirements in more detail.
Compliance with SMTP standards and inclusion of mandatory headers
For your emails to be accepted by Orange’s platform, they must include headers compliant with the described RFC protocols. Protocols such as Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) and Internet Message Format provide clear guidelines on the appropriate structure of emails. Adhering to these standards is crucial to ensure that messages are not rejected or marked as spam.
Monitoring IPs and domain names
It is also advisable to monitor your IP addresses and domain names to detect their presence on real-time blocklists. Tools like those from Abusix, Spamhaus, and Cloudmark allow you to check whether your information is on these lists, which could negatively affect your ability to deliver emails.
Correct DNS configuration
Your IP address must have a valid reverse DNS record, and your domain name must have valid A or MX records. A correct DNS configuration helps prove that you are a legitimate sender, which increases your chances of having your messages reach their destination smoothly.
Activation of encryption
Orange strongly recommends the use of TLS to encrypt communication between your SMTP server and their platform. Encryption ensures the confidentiality and integrity of the messages during transit, which is particularly important to combat interceptions and other attacks.
Required authentication mechanisms
To enhance email security, Orange now requires at least one of the following authentication mechanisms:
- SPF (Sender Policy Framework)
- DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)
- DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance)
- ARC (Authenticated Received Chain) for forwarded messages
These mechanisms add different layers of verification to confirm that the emails indeed originate from the domain they claim to represent.
Guidelines for major and minor senders
The delivery requirements may slightly vary depending on whether you are a small or large sender. However, some best practices remain universal. The following table summarizes the main applicable guidelines, regardless of the volume of emails sent.
| Criterion | Small senders | Large senders |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum number of simultaneous connections | 2 | 2 |
| Number of recipients per message | 100 | 100 |
| Maximum email size | 45MB | 45MB |
| Required authentication mechanisms | SPF recommended, DKIM, DMARC recommended | SPF, DKIM, DMARC mandatory |
| TLS encryption | Strongly recommended | Mandatory |
| Distribution list | Must be regularly updated | Must be rigorously maintained |
Specificities for large senders
In addition to the general guidelines, large senders must follow specific practices to ensure the best possible deliverability of their emails. Among these, observing the recommended practices by SignalSpam, reducing the user complaint rate to less than 1%, and the strict prohibition of purchasing email lists are counted.
Practices recommended by SignalSpam
SignalSpam is a French public-private partnership that allows internet users to report emails they consider as spam. Large companies are encouraged to follow the best practices recommended by this entity to minimize the perception of their emails as spam. For instance, this could include proactive measures such as integrating bounce management and feedback requests.
Management of mailing lists
Effective management of mailing lists requires using appropriate techniques to allow users to subscribe (OptIn) and easily unsubscribe (OptOut). Regularly maintaining these lists to eliminate invalid addresses helps not only maintain a good sending reputation but also minimize the risk of systematic rejections.
With the new requirements from Orange regarding email sending, senders are encouraged to adopt optimal practices to ensure high deliverability. Whether dealing with small or large volumes of sends, adhering to the guidelines presented ensures not only that messages reach their recipients but do so in a secure and efficient manner. By integrating these recommended practices, senders can expect to reduce issues related to email delivery and improve the satisfaction of their end users.
