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What does delivered, opened, clicked mean?

Understand email tracking status and what each metric tells you.

Written by Brian
Updated over 2 weeks ago

What does delivered, opened, clicked mean?

Understand email tracking status and what each metric tells you.

Plan requirement: Standard or Pro plan

Short answer: Delivered means it reached their inbox; opened means they viewed it; clicked means they interacted with a link.

Email status definitions

Delivered

  • The email reached the recipient's mail server

  • It was accepted and not bounced

  • Should be in their inbox (or possibly spam)

  • Doesn't guarantee they saw it

Opened

  • The recipient opened/viewed the email

  • Tracked when images load in the email

  • Not 100% accurate (some clients block tracking)

  • Multiple opens may be counted

Clicked

  • The recipient clicked a link in the email

  • More reliable than open tracking

  • Shows actual engagement

  • Commonly the RSVP or website link

Bounced

  • Email couldn't be delivered

  • Invalid address or server rejected it

  • Needs attention - update the email address

Failed

  • Delivery failed for a reason

  • Technical error

  • May be temporary or permanent

Tracking limitations

Open tracking isn't perfect:
- Some email clients block tracking images
- Preview pane might count as open
- "Not opened" doesn't mean unread

Click tracking is more reliable:
- Shows definite engagement
- Guests actively clicked something
- Better indicator of interest

Tips

  • Focus on clicks for true engagement

  • Use delivered rate to check email health

  • Fix bounces promptly

  • Don't worry too much about exact numbers

  • Follow up based on status

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