How to Track Email Opens and Clicks
Tracking opens and clicks tells you who's engaging with your emails and what content resonates. OutSends provides real-time tracking with detailed per-recipient analytics.
What you'll need
Before you start, make sure you have the following ready.
- An OutSends account
- A campaign ready to send
- A custom tracking domain (recommended)
Step-by-step guide
Follow these steps to complete the setup.
Enable tracking per campaign
When creating a campaign, toggle "Track Opens" and "Track Clicks" on. Both are on by default.
Set up a custom tracking domain
Configure a subdomain (e.g., track.yourdomain.com) for tracking links. This prevents link rewriting from hurting deliverability.
Launch your campaign
Send your campaign. OutSends automatically adds a tracking pixel for opens and rewrites links for click tracking.
View campaign report
Go to Statistics > [Campaign Name]. See open rate, click rate, and per-recipient engagement data.
Use real-time alerts
Set up webhooks or notifications for specific events — someone opens 5 times, clicks a specific link, etc.
Tips for best results
Pro tips to get the most out of this setup.
- Track clicks on your most important links only (top 3-5) to keep emails clean
- Use a custom tracking domain to avoid link-wrapping reputational damage
- Compare open rates across segments to refine your targeting
Frequently asked questions
Does tracking affect deliverability?
Open tracking uses a 1x1 pixel that does not affect delivery. Click tracking rewrites links, which can be mitigated with a custom tracking domain.
What is a good open rate?
20-30% is average for bulk email. 40%+ is excellent for targeted campaigns.
Can I disable tracking for specific links?
Yes, you can mark specific links as "do not track" in the campaign editor.
Related guides
Explore more how-to guides for OutSends.
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