Summary
When sending an email, unless you quickly receive a response from the recipient, it is difficult to know if the message has been read and opened by the latter.
Fortunately, to ensure that your correspondent has received it, there are two very simple techniques that we describe below.
Activate a receipt or read receipt
Do you know the acknowledgment function when sending SMS? It is the same principle for emails.
It confirms the receipt of your email in your recipient's inbox. However, it is not a read receipt, so you will not know if he has read it or not.
Few email services offer this feature. Gmail, for example, doesn't offer read receipt unless you opt for a third-party option that often involves paying for a subscription.
On the other hand, if you are using the Outlook application, then you will find the Read receipt and Delivery receipt features. Follow the steps below to configure them:
- Open the Outlook application on your computer
- Write your new email
- Click on the tab Options at the top of the window
- In the tracked group, check request an acknowledgment of receipt ou request a read receipt
Note that some email addresses may filter your request.
Track acknowledgments
- Open the message you sent with a return receipt, or read receipt request.
- Sous Message, in the group Show, select Order Tracking.
Install an extension
As explained above, Gmail does not allow email tracking, this is an option reserved for professional versions. However, you can download an extension to take advantage of this feature.
Mailtrack offers a free package that allows unlimited email tracking and real-time alerts. To add more features, you'll need to upgrade to the Pro version, which starts at $2,42 per month.
To install it:
- Open gmail
- Click on Parameters in the upper right corner (cogwheel icon)
- From the drop-down menu, select Download add-ons then search Mailtrack
- Download the extension
- Back on Gmail, go to New message
- Click on two green arrows next to Send to make sure the feature is on ON
- Write your email and send it
The free version of Mailtrack adds a signature to your message to let the person know you are using the service. This can only be disabled in the Pro version.
If your needs are business-related, there are also more comprehensive services that provide rigorous email tracking within your business.
Two of the most popular are Bananatag and ContactMonkey and offer several packages.
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