Email Delivery Issues: Troubleshooting Delays

by | 12th July 2023

You might have experienced a scenario where you promptly hit the ‘send’ button, expecting your email to traverse cyberspace at breakneck speed. However, it instead embarks on a meandering journey. It might arrive several hours later or even take an entire day to reach its destination.

 

Digital Congestion – The Phenomenon of Emails Caught in Traffic

Consider the following analogy: your email is like a vehicle speeding down the information superhighway. Occasionally, digital congestion occurs. This typically happens when email servers, the technological marvels responsible for transporting our messages, are inundated with excessive traffic. Much like how a parade can bring a town to a standstill, your email can also become stuck.

 

Sending Limits – The Postage Stamp Analogy for Emails

Certain email service providers implement what is known as ‘sending limits’. This is comparable to having a finite number of stamps in your postage book. If you attempt to send numerous emails in a brief period, your email provider may caution you to slow down and temporarily halt your mass mailing. You might have to wait before you can resume sending emails.

 

Attachments – The Digital Equivalent of Snail Mail

Let’s now consider attachments – usually photos or documents. On occasion, if your attachment is particularly large, your email might progress at a snail’s pace. Ensuring that your attachments are compact and lightweight can help your email travel faster.

 

Troubleshooting – Identifying and Rectifying Issues

If you notice that your emails are consistently sluggish, it’s time to investigate. Firstly, ascertain if your internet connection is not functioning optimally. A slow connection can delay emails. Secondly, inspect your email settings. Certain email platforms include a ‘schedule send’ feature – ensure it’s not accidentally set to delay your email.

 

If all other strategies fail and your emails continue to be slow, it might be wise to contact us here at EMCS.

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