Optimizing Email Deliverability and Troubleshooting with SendGrid in Bubble
Effective email deliverability is crucial for the success of any web application using emails for notifications, confirmations, or marketing. This guide provides actionable steps to help Bubble users optimize email deliverability while using the SendGrid plugin or Bubble's default SendGrid integration, and troubleshoot common delivery issues.
Overview of Email Deliverability Challenges
Emails may face deliverability challenges based on several factors, such as content quality, email configuration, or domain settings. Specifically, when using SendGrid through Bubble, emails sometimes:
End up in recipient spam or Promotions tabs (e.g., in Gmail)
Are blocked by some email servers
Fail to reach recipients altogether, despite appearing as sent in server logs.
These challenges often result from shared IP pools, configuration oversights, or account-level service restrictions.
Common Causes of Email Deliverability Problems
Shared IP Addresses
Bubble’s built-in “Send email” workflow relies on SendGrid’s default shared IP addresses. These IPs are:
Shared across multiple users, leading to unpredictable reputation and deliverability outcomes.
Sometimes flagged by security systems, especially with providers like Microsoft/Hotmail and Yahoo .
Tab Assignment in Gmail
Gmail automatically categorizes incoming emails into tabs (e.g., Primary or Promotions) based on:
Email content and formatting.
User engagement history.
Sending IP and domain reputation.
Emails sent using the SendGrid plugin in Bubble may be assigned to the Promotions tab due to configuration factors, such as lack of domain or IP white-labeling .
Recommended Optimizations for Email Deliverability
Improving email deliverability involves proper configuration and consistent email practices. Here are some actionable recommendations:
Set Up Domain and IP White-Labeling: - Configure domain white-labeling and IP white-labeling in your dedicated SendGrid account settings. - Consult SendGrid’s guide for a step-by-step process. - White-labeling helps establish domain authenticity and reduces the risk of being flagged as spam .
Use a Dedicated IP Address: - Upgrade to a dedicated SendGrid account and assign a dedicated IP for your domain. - This isolates your IP reputation from other SendGrid users .
Optimize Email Content: - Avoid excessive promotional language, heavy formatting, or large attachments. - Clean your recipient lists to remove unengaged or incorrect email addresses.
Consider Alternatives to SendGrid: - Explore other email services like Postmark or Mailchimp for high-priority transactional or marketing emails. These services often provide better deliverability rates via dedicated configurations .
Troubleshooting Email Delivery Issues
If emails are showing as sent in Bubble’s server logs but are not reaching recipients, consider the following steps:
Check SendGrid Account Status: - Ensure your SendGrid account is active and you’ve met any subscription requirements. Note that SendGrid’s Free Plan is no longer available, which can impact delivery outcomes .
Review Bubble and SendGrid Settings: - Re-check API key setups and verify domain and IP white-labeling configuration. - Ensure no daily or recipient limits are being exceeded.
Consult SendGrid Documentation: - SendGrid offers extensive support materials on troubleshooting delivery issues related to their service. Make use of these resources for detailed resolutions .
Use Community Resources: - Visit the Bubble community forums for user experiences and additional solutions specific to your implementation.