Can Internal Communicators Analyze and Track Email Data in Outlook?
Outlook’s tracking features are limited, lacking integrated email analytics.
- Internal communicators have resorted to third-party add-ins for email data analysis.
- Microsoft’s new Outlook in 2024 is phasing out these add-ins, leaving uncertainty about tracking.
- The web-based nature of the new Outlook further limits functionality.
Discover the comprehensive tracking and analytics of Cerkl Broadcast as an alternative solution.
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How to Analyze Outlook Email Data
Outlook is a popular, widely used email client offering robust features for sending, receiving, organizing, and searching emails. Its accessibility across web browsers, mobile apps, and desktop software makes it convenient for various communication needs.
Limited tracking capabilities
- Outlook’s tracking capabilities for employee engagement are severely limited.
- Unlike specialized employee communication platforms, Outlook lacks a built-in dashboard for in-depth analytics.
- Detailed metrics such as opens, clicks, and response times are not readily available within Outlook’s interface.
Lack of automated features
- Internal communicators can request read receipts for emails, but employees might ignore them.
- Requesting delivery reports to track email delivery is possible, but it’s a manual process.
- Users need to set up reports themselves, and there’s no automation involved.
How to Focus on Meaningful Metrics
You will also need to be certain that the tracking tool you opt for meets your needs. Important considerations include integration, usability, and the kinds of tracking and analytics features it offers.
New Outlook missing features
Microsoft is already switching customers to the new Outlook. New devices come with the new Outlook, and Microsoft is actively encouraging those with older devices to start the migration process immediately. The add-ins that these users have been using will be disabled. Anyone opting to continue using the old, classic Outlook can carry on using the add-ins they value, but they won’t be supported and they won’t be able to update them.
Make the Switch to Cerkl Broadcast
For the millions of customers who will be switching to the new Outlook, the question that focuses on how to analyze Outlook email data remains a vital issue.
If you’re serious about tracking meaningful metrics, now’s the time to compare what Outlook offers and what you will gain from switching, not to the new Outlook, but to Cerkl Broadcast.
Broadcast vs Outlook
| Feature | Outlook | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Personal email services and office productivity | Mass email communication platform |
| Target audience | Individual users and teams | Groups, departments, and entire companies |
| Email creation | Standard text editor with rich formatting | Drag-and-drop builder with pre-designed templates |
| Personalization | Limited merge field | Dynamic content customization based on recipient HRIS data |
| Engagement features | Limited interactivity | Polls, surveys, quizzes, and embedded videos |
| Analytics | Basic open and click-through rates | Detailed reporting on opens, clicks, engagement, and maps that show engagement |
| Integrations | Primarily Microsoft products | CRM, HRIS, LMS, Payroll, and other business tools |
| Cost | Free (with ads) + paid premium versions | Paid subscription |
| Security | Microsoft’s security infrastructure | SOC 2 Type II compliance and additional security features |
Broadcast email blasts are tested on several different email clients and devices. Emails can be previewed, saved, and scheduled without logging in to send.
Additionally, Cerkl Broadcast is a cloud-based platform while Outlook is web-based and requires the installation of software.
How to Track Employee Email Opens Using
Cerkl Broadcast
Overall Campaign Performance
Broadcast shows the overall percentage of recipients who opened your email, offering a broad perspective on campaign reach and audience interest.
Click-through rates allow you to track the percentage of recipients who clicked on specific links within your email, providing insights into content engagement and user interest in individual topics.
Vital Engagement Scores
- Internal communicators require insights into email content engagement to optimize future designs.
- Broadcast calculates recipient engagement scores using open rates, clicks, and other interactions.
- These scores identify segments with differing engagement levels, facilitating targeted follow-up communication.
Feedback Mechanisms
- Broadcast allows embedding surveys or polls directly within emails for immediate feedback from recipients.
- This gathers quantitative data on employee understanding and sentiment towards communication.
- Quick insights help gauge employee feelings and the effectiveness of engagement efforts.
Benefits of Cerkl Broadcast
Tailored for internal comms
Broadcast is an employee communication platform designed to help organizations effectively inform and engage their workforce. It goes beyond basic email functionalities.
No individual tracking
Broadcast doesn’t track individual email opens for privacy reasons.
Versatile comms platform
Organizations of all types and sizes can use Broadcast. It offers robust features to help you understand recipient engagement with your internal communication efforts.
Analytics and tracking
Broadcast’s real-time analytics and tracking tools allow communicators to measure message impact. This enhances the planning process with data-driven insights for adapting and improving communication strategies.
Acknowledgements
Internal communicators can ask readers to acknowledge receipt of emails, which Broadcast then reports on in analytics.
Track campaign performance
Broadcast will enable you to determine overall campaign performance and engagement scores. It also enables testing and reporting that provides metrics including not just opens, but also clicks, engagement scores and more.