What is a Soft Bounce?

A soft bounce is an email message that gets returned to the sender because the recipient's email server is temporarily unavailable. A soft bounce might occur if the recipient's email inbox is full. When an email server returns a soft bounce, it usually includes an error message explaining why the email couldn't be delivered. Common error messages for soft bounces include: "temporary failure," "mailbox full," and "user unknown." Soft bounces are different from hard bounces, which occur when an email is returned to the sender because the email address is invalid. An email can also be returned as a hard bounce if the email server detects that it's being used to send spam.

Tracking soft bounces can help you improve your email deliverability and ensure that your messages are getting through to your recipients. Soft bounces usually indicate a temporary problem, such as a full mailbox or an inactive email address. By tracking soft bounces, you can take steps to fix the problem and avoid losing important contacts.

In addition, tracking soft bounces can help you improve your email marketing strategy. By understanding why your messages are bouncing, you can make changes to improve your open and click-through rates. Ultimately, this can help you boost your bottom line.

1. Email Address Does Not Exist: The email address you are trying to reach does not exist. This is the most common type of soft bounce.

2. Mailbox Full: The mailbox you are trying to reach is full and can't accept any new messages.

3. Message Too Large: The message you are trying to send is too large for the mailbox you are trying to reach.

4. Server Error: There is a temporary problem with the server you are trying to reach. This is the least common type of soft bounce.

Email soft bounce and hard bounce are two types of email bounces. A soft bounce is an email that cannot be delivered due to a temporary issue, such as a full mailbox or a down server. A hard bounce is an email that cannot be delivered due to a permanent issue, such as a invalid email address.

There is no consensus on whether or not to remove soft bounce email addresses from your mailing list. Some experts recommend removing them, as soft bounces can indicate that an email address is invalid or no longer in use. However, other experts believe that soft bounces should not be removed, as they may simply indicate a temporary problem with the email address. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to remove soft bounce email addresses from your list is up to you.