How to choose an email tracker: essential features to consider

Imagine giving a presentation remotely, using software such as Microsoft Teams. You can't see the faces of the people present, and all the microphones are muted. How do you know if your message is getting people's attention, or if they're actually there?
That's what happens when you send an e-mail without knowing how it's received. Has the email been received? How does the recipient behave? 
This is where an email tracker can make all the difference. A good email tracking tool offers visibility on every interaction, and helps you understand the impact of every email sent.
Whether you're an individual looking to better understand your contacts' engagement, or a company looking to optimize your communication campaigns, choosing the right email tracker is a must. 
With so many email tracking solutions available online, it can be difficult to choose the right software for your needs. So how do you choose the right software? In this article, we'll look at the essential criteria to consider when choosing the right email tracking software.

What is an email tracker?

An email tracker is a tool that enables users to follow the activity of an email after it has been sent. Specifically, the sender is notified when the recipient opens the email.
This technology generally uses invisible e-mail tracking pixels, inserted into the body of the message. As soon as the email is opened, the pixel sends information to the software, which then collects data on the recipient's behavior.
According to a 2017 study, nearly 70% of emails contained a tracker. This popularity is explained by the importance of the information returned by the email tracker. In addition to knowing whether an email has already been opened, email trackers can sometimes indicate information such as the time and date the email was opened, where it was opened or whether any links were clicked.
This information can then be used to understand recipient behavior, and can be extremely useful for managing and improving a marketing campaign, for example. 

The different types of email tracking tools

Email trackers can be segmented into 3 distinct categories: email trackers integrated directly into inboxes, email trackers based via stand-alone platforms, and email trackers integrated directly into CRMs. Each category has its own advantages and meets different needs.
Email trackers integrated directly into the inbox are mostly browser extensions or add-ons. These tools integrate directly into the mailbox, such as Gmail. Very simple to use, they offer discreet tracking while keeping your inbox, so you don't lose your bearings. On the other hand, these solutions are generally more limited than other, more feature-rich tools. Finally, it's important to choose a tool you can trust, as some extensions can pose confidentiality problems.
Email trackers via stand-alone platforms operate independently of traditional mailboxes and generally require connection to a separate web platform. While they may be more feature-rich than browser extensions, they are also more expensive, complex and require getting used to a new interface.
Finally, email trackers integrated directly into CRM systems are the most complete solution. It is possible to track all email interactions with all the necessary customer relationship management data, providing a holistic view of customer interaction, as well as powerful analysis functionalities. On the other hand, these tools require the use of a CRM, are much more expensive and complex to install, and require technical expertise.

5 Key features to look for in an email tracker

When it comes to choosing which email tracker to use, certain features are essential to ensure accurate tracking and usable information. The main features to consider are : 

Follow-up of email openings

Email open tracking is the main feature of email trackers. This feature lets you know if emails are opened and how many times. The most advanced software sends notifications in real time, so you're instantly informed of recipients' actions.

Confidentiality and data security

It is essential to choose an email tracker that complies with rigorous data security standards and offers advanced privacy options to ensure the protection of sensitive information. We strongly recommend choosing an email tracker that complies with US privacy laws such as the California Consumer Privacy Act.

Ease of use and user experience

Even more so for beginners, a simple, intuitive interface is essential to get to grips with the email tracker and ensure efficient email tracking. An easy-to-use tool considerably reduces the learning curve and has a direct impact on productivity. 
What's more, a company that provides comprehensive documentation and resources to facilitate email tracker installation, as well as its use, greatly helps its users get the most out of the tool, while demonstrating its seriousness.

Cost

It's important to find the right balance between a full-featured, more expensive email tracker, aimed at digital marketing professionals, and an email tracker with more limited functionality. Some email trackers offer free trials, enabling you to test the email tracker before committing yourself.

Mobile compatibility

According to Forbes, mobile devices are the main medium on which emails are read. Mobile compatibility is therefore an essential criterion when choosing an email tracker. A tracker available on mobile means fast, fluid access to the data returned by the tracker when on the move or away from the office.

Mailtracker for Gmail : one of the most flexible solution availible today

Mailtracker for Gmail currently ranks as one of the best email tracking extensions thanks to its ease of use, seamless integration and great value for money.
Designed to provide real-time information, Mailtracker for Gmail lets you know instantly when an email is opened and whether the recipient has clicked on any included links. 
With an intuitive interface directly integrated into Gmail and mobile compatibility, Mailtracker for Gmail requires no complex configuration, making it equally well-suited to both professional and novice users who want fast results without extra effort.
What's more, this solution is designed to work without adding logos or signatures to the emails it sends, allowing a certain degree of discretion.
By offering real-time notifications and advanced privacy options, Mailtracker for Gmail enables users to efficiently manage their follow-ups while ensuring data security.