How to check for valid vs. invalid email addresses

Email validation isn't just a technical chore; it's a strategic necessity. The quality of your email list, specifically the distinction between invalid and valid email addresses, can significantly impact the success of your digital interactions. Invalid addresses lead to bounced messages, delivery failures, and potential damage to your sender reputation. On the other hand, valid addresses ensure that your messages reach their intended recipients, fostering effective communication and engagement.

This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricate world of email validation, shedding light on how to discern between valid and invalid email addresses. We'll explore how these unwanted email addresses find their way into your lists, why they pose problems, and, most importantly, how you can check and verify email addresses to maintain the integrity of your digital communication channels.

What is an invalid email address?

Before diving into the intricacies of email validation, let's start by defining what constitutes an invalid email address. An invalid email address is any email address that doesn't conform to the standard rules of email address formatting or doesn't exist on the email server it claims to belong to. 

How do invalid email addresses end up on your list?

Invalid email addresses can infiltrate your email list through various means, often unbeknownst to you. Understanding how these invalid addresses find their way into your list is crucial for prevention. Here are some common pathways:

1. Using a purchased email list

Purchasing email lists may seem like a shortcut to building a large subscriber base, but it's a risky endeavor. Many of these lists contain outdated, fake, or invalid email addresses, and sending emails to them can lead to a high bounce rate and damage your sender reputation.

1. Disposable emails

Disposable email addresses, also known as temporary or throwaway emails, are used by individuals to avoid giving out their primary email addresses. These addresses have a short lifespan and are often used for a single purpose before being discarded.

1. Human error

Mistakes happen. Subscribers may accidentally provide incorrect email addresses when signing up for your services, leading to invalid entries in your list.

1. Outdated subscriber details

Over time, subscribers may change their email addresses, and if they fail to update this information with you, you could end up with invalid addresses in your list.

1. Full mailbox

Email addresses that are no longer actively monitored or have full mailboxes can result in email bounces and, subsequently, invalid addresses on your list.

1. Dreaded spam traps

Spam traps are email addresses specifically created to catch spammers. If your list includes spam traps, your sender reputation will suffer, and your emails may end up in the spam folders.

Examples of invalid email addresses

Invalid email addresses come in various forms, and it's essential to recognize their patterns to spot them effectively. Here are some examples:

• Missing "@" symbol: An email address without the "@" symbol is invalid since it lacks the essential component that separates the local part (username) from the domain.
• Multiple "@" symbols: An email address with more than one "@" symbol is also invalid. The "@" symbol should appear only once in a valid email address.
• Spaces and special characters: Email addresses with spaces or certain special characters that aren't allowed in email addresses are considered invalid.
• Invalid domain: An email address with a domain that doesn't exist or isn't properly configured is invalid. This can occur if a subscriber mistypes the domain or if the domain no longer exists.
• Incorrect format: Email addresses must follow a specific format, with the "@" symbol separating the local part and domain. Any deviation from this format is invalid.

Why invalid emails are dangerous

Invalid email addresses pose several risks and challenges for individuals and businesses relying on email communication:

• Bounced emails: Sending emails to invalid addresses results in bounces, which can negatively impact your email deliverability. A high bounce rate can lead to your emails being marked as spam by email service providers.
• Sender reputation: A poor sender reputation can result from sending emails to invalid addresses or spam traps. A damaged reputation makes it harder to get your legitimate emails delivered to recipients' inboxes.
• Wasted resources: Collecting, storing, and attempting to send emails to invalid addresses consumes resources, including storage space, email sending capacity, and staff time.
• Legal implications: In some jurisdictions, sending emails to invalid addresses may violate anti-spam laws and regulations, potentially leading to legal consequences.

How to check if an email address is valid

Understanding the importance of validating email addresses is one thing, but knowing how to verify their validity is another. Here are several methods to check if an email address is valid:

1. Send an email

This straightforward method involves sending a confirmation or validation email to the address in question.  If the email bounces, it's likely an invalid address, which can result in a "hard bounce." However, this method has limitations, such as not detecting disposable email addresses or spam traps, potentially impacting your email campaign metrics

2. Password recovery

If you offer user accounts or memberships on your website, you can implement a password recovery feature. When users forget their passwords and request a reset, you send an email to their registered address. Password recovery method will help you detect invalid email addresses: If the email bounces or the user doesn't receive it, you can flag the address as potentially invalid.

3. Do a quick Google search

Sometimes, a quick web search of the email address can yield useful information. If the address is associated with known scams or fraudulent activities, you'll likely find references to it online, helping you avoid potential issues with email blocklists and Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

4. The best method: Use an email verification tool

The most effective and efficient way to verify email addresses in bulk is to use an email verification tool or service. These tools can:

• Check the syntax and formatting of email addresses.
• Verify the existence of the domain and whether it's configured to receive emails.
• Identify disposable email addresses.
• Remove duplicate addresses.
• Flag role-based addresses (e.g., "support@domain.com") that may not belong to an individual.

Email verification tools save time and resources while ensuring the accuracy of your email list and enhancing your GDPR compliance. Try Atompark's tool mail verifiier to validate your mailing list and appreciate all its benefits. It is a multifunctional tool with which you will make your marketing campaigns even more successful.

How to avoid invalid email addresses appearing on your list

Prevention is often the best strategy when it comes to invalid email addresses. Here are some practices to help you avoid these addresses infiltrating your list:

• Use double opt-in: Implement a double opt-in process for new subscribers. This requires them to confirm their subscription by clicking a link in a confirmation email. It reduces the chances of mistyped or invalid email addresses entering your list.
• Regularly clean your list: Periodically review and clean your email list to remove invalid addresses, outdated contacts, and subscribers who no longer engage with your emails.
• Educate subscribers: Clearly communicate the importance of providing valid email addresses during the sign-up process. Explain that valid addresses are necessary to receive updates, notifications, or access to your services.
• Monitor your list's performance: Keep an eye on bounce rates, open rates, and engagement metrics. Unusually high bounce rates may indicate a problem with invalid addresses.
• Update subscriber information: Encourage subscribers to update their email addresses if they change. This helps you maintain accurate contact information.

Invalid emails are here to stay

Despite best efforts, invalid email addresses will always be a part of the digital landscape. However, understanding the types, risks, and verification methods for invalid email addresses equips you with the knowledge to manage your email lists effectively. By implementing best practices and using email verification tools, you can maintain a high-quality list, improve deliverability, and ensure your email communications reach the right recipients.

In today's digital world, where email campaigns play a vital role in connecting with audiences, understanding and managing invalid email addresses is crucial. It ensures your messages reach their intended recipients, maximizes your return on investment (ROI), and maintains a positive user experience. 

Embracing email verification as an essential step in your email list maintenance process will contribute to the success of your digital endeavors and ensure that your emails find their way to the right inboxes.

Written by:

Anny Roman