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How do they do it? "didtheyreadit.com"

by Marski
3 replies
How do they do it? "didtheyreadit.com"

The Best Email Tracking Software Sends You Email Message Read Receipts

I can't find any hint of them tracking it in any email headers.

???

Thanks for any info,
Marski
#didtheyreaditcom
  • Profile picture of the author Speedyapoc
    One way, and the way that I would do it if I made a script like that, would be to add 1px by 1px transparent image to the email. This email would then link to your own PHP script. You can send with HTML mail headers. Therefore, you can have an <img /> tag within the email linking to a PHP script, which lets you know that the email is read.
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    • Profile picture of the author Workman
      They may use a few methods including @Speedyapoc's suggestion, but since a growing number of modern web clients prevent image loading, it may produce spotty results.

      There's a well conformed RFC specification much more ideal for tracking purposes. A few email headers may be used for that purpose like "X-Confirm-Reading-To" or "Return-Receipt-To".

      You can read more on email tracking here and here.

      Generally speaking, it may be easier to simply use a 3rd party service like aweber or mailchimp and utilize their API for your own custom reports.
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  • Profile picture of the author SebastianJ
    I've actually implemented a solution like this using the approach Speedyapoc describes. 1x1 transparent pixel that triggers a callback to your server when it is loaded.

    But like Workman says, it isn't that ideal if people have clients that automatically block images etc.
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