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  • 1.  Email Appends

    Posted 07-24-2025 09:23 AM
    Hi all,

    I'm curious to hear how other development teams approach the analysis, validation, and integration of email append results. Specifically, I'd appreciate insights on the following:

    • Which vendor(s) do you use to append emails in your database? Why or any specific reasons?
    • How frequently do you perform email appends?
    • What kind of matching logic and confidence scoring do you apply to evaluate appended emails?
    • What validation steps do you take before loading appended emails into your database?
    • Do you rely on any third-party tools or internal scripts for verification (e.g., syntax validation, domain checks, deliverability scoring)?
    • How do you handle duplicates, mismatches, or low-confidence matches?
    • Do you load appended emails directly into your CRM or marketing platforms, or do you use a staging/QA process first?
    • Have you implemented any QA (quality assurance) workflows or audit trails that have proven especially effective?
    • Are there any lessons learned or best practices you'd be willing to share from your experience?

    Whether you respond to all or just a few, I'd love to hear how others are handling this process. Thanks in advance!

    LaKiesha



    ------------------------------
    LaKiesha Gayden
    The George Washington University
    lgayden@gwu.edu
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Email Appends

    Posted 08-05-2025 11:32 PM

    We use Blackbaud Target analytics for data appends, including emails. We do that because we use Blackbaud CRM as our CRM systems, so it's an easy process. Blackbaud does the validation and contacts the constituents on our behalf before we get the new emails from them.



    ------------------------------
    Ala Rasoul
    Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
    ala.rasoul@elca.org
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Email Appends

    Posted 08-06-2025 07:47 AM

    Hi Ala,

    Thanks for the response. Is the validation contact from Blackbaud in the form of an opt-out letter or other specific messaging? Do you all receive the constituent responses in a file from the vendor or through a general org mailbox that comes directly to you? Also, how do you all handle duplicates, mismatches, or low-confidence matches?

    Thanks again. Your response is helpful.

    LaKiesha



    ------------------------------
    LaKiesha Gayden
    The George Washington University
    lgayden@gwu.edu
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Email Appends

    Posted 08-07-2025 08:20 AM

    I've used Blackbaud Target Analytics for email appends in the past, but we did not have great results and it created a fair amount of data issues. This was probably 6 or 7 years ago, so hopefully it's improved since!  Regardless, I recommend that if you do import the appended data, ensure the email addresses are clearly marked so that you're easily able to identify which addresses came from an appended source/may not be reliable.  



    ------------------------------
    Jaimie Lane
    Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
    jaimielane@fas.harvard.edu
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: Email Appends

    Posted 08-08-2025 07:48 AM

    Jaimie, thanks for the response and note to clearly source the appended emails. Previously, we entered "vendor" as the source but we will be more specific in the source code to easily identify emails from each append. Thanks again.

    LaKiesha



    ------------------------------
    LaKiesha Gayden
    The George Washington University
    lgayden@gwu.edu
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Email Appends

    Posted 08-08-2025 08:50 AM
    Hi LaKiesha,

    In your source field, I recommend being vendor-specific-meaning you should note the name of the vendor used for each particular append. It's essential to ensure that the vendor name is retained alongside the email address when it is marked as bad or invalid.

    Additionally, I suggest creating a code or flag to indicate when a vendor has provided an invalid email address. This information can be valuable when evaluating vendor performance in the future.

    As a best practice, I also recommend periodically changing vendors, even if you are generally satisfied with your current provider. New vendors enter the market each year, and many offer better-quality data at lower costs. Regularly reassessing your options can help you avoid complacency and ensure you're getting the best value.

    For what it's worth, these recommendations apply to all append services-not just email.

    John


    John H. Taylor, Principal
    John H. Taylor Consulting, LLC
    2604 Sevier Street
    Durham, NC     27705

    919.816.5903 (cell/text)

    Serving the Advancement Community Since 1987





    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Email Appends

    Posted 08-08-2025 09:21 AM
    John -- I really like the vendor-specific source code and the 'invalid email via vendor' code to measure vendor results-great and practical suggestions. For our next append project, I will explore other vendors to ensure we're getting the most accurate, comprehensive, and cost-effective results. 

    Thanks again for the helpful tips!
    LaKiesha




    Original Message


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