> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://kasplo.gitbook.io/kasplo-doc/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://kasplo.gitbook.io/kasplo-doc/product-docs/overview/email-verification/getting-started-with-email-verification.md).

# Getting started with email verification

**Email verification** is the process of checking whether an email address is **valid, active, and safe to send to** *before* you actually send an email. It helps ensure that the contacts in your list are genuine and can successfully receive your messages.

This is a critical step in **email marketing** and **transactional communications**, as it directly affects your **deliverability**, **sender reputation**, and **campaign performance**.

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### **Why is Email Verification Important?**

Here’s what email verification helps you do:

#### 1. **Reduce Bounce Rates**

Verifying emails helps eliminate invalid or non-existent addresses that would otherwise bounce back when you send campaigns. High bounce rates can quickly damage your sender reputation.

#### 2. **Improve Deliverability**

By keeping your list clean, your emails are more likely to reach inboxes—not spam folders. Email Service Providers (ESPs) reward clean sending habits with better inbox placement.

#### 3. **Protect Your Domain and IP Reputation**

Frequent bounces, spam complaints, and sending to spam traps can get your domain or IP blacklisted. Verification helps you avoid these risky emails and maintain a good reputation.

#### 4. **Optimize Engagement**

Clean lists mean you're targeting real, active people who are more likely to engage with your emails leading to better open rates, click rates, and ROI.

#### 5. **Save Costs and Resources**

Most platforms charge based on list size or email volume. Verifying your list prevents you from wasting money on emails that won’t reach anyone.

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### **How Does Email Verification Work?**

When you upload your list to Kasplo (or any email verification tool), the system performs several real-time checks:

* **Syntax check**: Ensures the email is correctly formatted (e.g., no missing "@", domain, etc.)
* **Domain check**: Confirms the domain (like gmail.com) exists and has a working mail server.
* **Mailbox check**: Pings the server to see if the exact mailbox (like <john@example.com>) exists.
* **Spam trap detection**: Flags known trap addresses used to catch spammers.
* **Catch-all and greylist checks**: Identifies domains that may not confirm individual emails but accept all messages.

Based on the results, each email is categorized (Good, Bad, Unknown, etc.) so you can take appropriate action.

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### **When Should You Verify Emails?**

* **Before sending a campaign** (especially to a new or untested list)
* **When importing contacts from a third-party source**
* **If your bounce rate has recently spiked**
* **During regular list cleaning (e.g., monthly or quarterly)**
* **Before moving to a new Email Service Provider (ESP)**

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### **Conclusion**

Email verification is a **non-negotiable step** in modern email marketing. It’s not just about cleaning your list it’s about protecting your sender health, maximizing performance, and ensuring your communication reaches the people who matter.

For best results, verify your list **before every major send**, and integrate verification as part of your **email hygiene routine**.