Email has solidified its role as the primary communication channel for businesses — one report found that brands’ usage surged by 26% year over year. It’s easy to see the importance of integrating email functionality directly within your app — everyone uses it, so why not keep your users in your application? To eliminate context-switching further, you should strongly consider including sought-after features like email tracking. Implementing this via an email tracker or using the features of an email API for email tracking capabilities can cater to your users’ needs and enhance your app’s stickiness.
Email tracking tools reveal whether users’ emails are being opened and provide insights into how recipients engage with their messages. This functionality is vital for businesses aiming to enrich their app with robust email capabilities. It ensures that your customers can fine-tune their communication strategies and boost productivity seamlessly within your platform.
At its core, an email tracker is a software tool or feature that allows you to see when a recipient opens your emails and track clicks on any links within those messages. This information enables users to understand the effectiveness of their communications and tailor their approach to maximize engagement.
Email tracking is not just about knowing if an email has been opened; your solution should have functionalities to enhance your users’ email communication strategies significantly.
Let’s look at the capabilities that set the best email tracking tools apart:
Incorporating email tracking with these capabilities into your email integration can bring more value to your end-users, providing them with the insights and automation needed to enhance communication, productivity, and results.
Email tracking provides valuable data that enables businesses and individuals to make informed decisions. With email tracking capabilities in your application (as part of your email integration), your users can:
Choosing the ideal email tracking solution involves understanding the available options and determining which best aligns with your needs. Let’s explore the two primary routes: opting for ready-made solutions or leveraging the capabilities of an email API for more customized functionality.
Ready-made solutions are email-tracking software programs designed for immediate use. They cater to broad email tracking requirements with user-friendly interfaces and features. Individuals or businesses seeking a straightforward, no-fuss approach to email tracking and looking for quick deployment without technical customization may opt for a ready-made solution.
Building with an email API presents a compelling option for those seeking a personalized approach to email (and email tracking). This method provides unparalleled flexibility, allowing for the development of bespoke email tracking functionalities that can be precisely adjusted to meet unique operational demands. While it does necessitate a certain level of technical know-how and development input, the potential for creating a robust and highly customized email integration makes it an attractive choice for businesses with specific needs or ambitions to seamlessly merge email tracking into their existing digital ecosystem.
The choice between ready-made solutions and building with an email API hinges on your requirements, resources, and the level of customization you desire.
Considering the factors outlined, you can choose an email tracking solution that meets your communication needs and enhances your app’s overall productivity and email management capabilities. Now, let’s dive into the list of the best email tracking tools.
How it works: The Nylas Email API streamlines in-app email, from creation and sending to tracking open rates, all in one solution. Beyond tracking, it offers seamless inbox connectivity and bi-directional email capabilities with a 99.6% deliverability rate, supporting all email providers like Google and Outlook quickly. This saves countless development hours, enhancing user engagement and driving growth.
Key features:
Pros and cons:
Pricing: Nylas’ pricing tiers are designed to be simple and easy, with clear benefits that prioritize customers. With three tiers (free, pay-as-you-go, and custom), customers can select value-added features while balancing growth with maximizing cost savings, making choosing the plan that best meets your requirements simple.
How it works: Mailtrack is a browser extension for Gmail that adds double-check marks to sent emails, letting users know when messages are read. It’s a simple tool for individuals and businesses looking to track email opens without needing any technical setup.
Key features:
Pros and cons:
Pricing: Free for basic functionality; Pro version available with a monthly subscription for advanced features and removal of Mailtrack signature.
How it works: HubSpot Sales includes email tracking as part of its broader sales and CRM platform. It integrates directly with your email client and provides notifications and a suite of tools designed to streamline the sales process.
Key features:
Pros and cons:
Pricing: Free CRM features; Sales Hub starts with a monthly fee per user, with premium features available at higher price points.
How it works: SendGrid is a cloud-based email service that supports transactional email, and its API offers detailed analytics and flexible integration options. It’s great for businesses managing large-scale email campaigns and other transactional email sends.
Key features:
Pros and cons:
Pricing: Free tier available; paid plans based on email volume, more advanced features, and dedicated IP options for higher tiers.
How it works: Yesware is an email productivity platform that integrates with Gmail and Outlook. It offers tools like email tracking, templates, and analytics to enhance sales efforts.
Key features:
Pros and cons:
Pricing: Subscription-based pricing per user per month, with different tiers based on feature access.
How it works: Mixmax enhances Gmail with productivity tools, including email tracking, scheduling, and automation, aimed at sales and customer success teams.
Key features:
Pros and cons:
Pricing: Subscription-based pricing per user per month, with different tiers based on feature access.
Learn how to track emails in Gmail. We will explore how to use an Email API to configure email tracking using Gmail.
Discover the best email scheduler software for effective business communication, featuring key players like Nylas, SendGrid, Mailchimp, and more.
Erin is a content marketing professional at Nylas, where she creates digital assets that connect the organization to individuals. Before Nylas, she spent eight years working in public relations specializing in corporate communications strategy, B2B/B2C writing and editing, executive thought leadership, and other storytelling. In her free time, she enjoys volleyball, karaoke, and baking.
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