The return path is the header in an email that tells the SMTP server where the non-delivery report/notification for bounced emails should go. The return path is usually linked to a mailbox that stores bounced emails and also sends the reasons for the delivery error. This allows you to stay organised and in the loop with your undelivered email during your email marketing campaigns.
Without return paths, effective communication which is the foundation of every successful email marketing campaign will be restricted. So when you send emails to your email list, you may not know which ones have been delivered or bounced.
Your emails cannot turn into conversions if they are not reaching the audience, so the return path is very essential. It also helps you maximise your marketing efforts and know the results to expect.
How to View the Return Path
Different email clients have different steps for viewing the return path of an email but they still contain the same information, so here is how to view the return path for Gmail, Yahoo, Apple Mail and Outlook.
Gmail
- Open the email and click on the 3 dot icon at the top right corner of the email message.
- Select “Show Original,” and you will be redirected to another tab, scroll down to view the return path.
Microsoft Outlook
- Right-click on the email you want to inspect.
- Select ”View Source” and you will be redirected to another tab.
- Search for the return path.
- Or search for the received SPF header.
- You will find a note that says ”pass (google.com: domain of bounce@notificationmail.microsoft.com designates 130.248.129.102 as permitted sender).”
- The domain name is the return path.
Yahoo
- Open the email, click on the 3 dot menu at the top and choose ”View Raw Message.”
- Locate the return path at the beginning of the tab or search for it with the search tab.
Apple Mail
- Open the email.
- Click on view – message – all headers.
- Scroll down the right reading panel and find the return path header.