Audit rubric

How we score outbound programs

The Outbound Autopsy and Free Outbound Snapshot use the same six dimensions. The snapshot scopes to the highest-probability external bottleneck; the Autopsy goes deep on every layer with cited artifacts and a prioritized fix stack.

Dimension 01

Sender Infrastructure

What we check

  • SPF, DKIM, DMARC configuration and alignment
  • Domain age, registrar history, and sending subdomain strategy
  • Warmup protocol vs. current send volume
  • Blacklist and blocklist presence (50+ registries where applicable)
  • ESP settings that affect placement (tracking domains, link wrapping, bounce handling)

Without your data: Without ESP login we infer from DNS, public headers, and samples you provide. We cannot see full inbox-placement tests without your sending account.

Dimension 02

List Quality

What we check

  • Sourcing methodology (scraped, bought, intent, referral, hybrid)
  • Verification stack and catch-all handling
  • ICP match estimate from sample rows
  • Bounce, complaint, and unsubscribe patterns

Without your data: Sample CSV strongly improves accuracy. We do not purchase or enrich your list on your behalf.

Dimension 03

Messaging

What we check

  • Subject-line patterns vs. 2026 benchmark data
  • Opener type, value prop clarity, proof, CTA specificity
  • Personalization depth (signal-based vs. mail-merge theater)
  • Sequence arc across touches

Without your data: Requires 1–3 sequences pasted in intake. We score copy; we do not A/B test live without your ESP.

Dimension 04

Timing & Signals

What we check

  • Send-time distribution if logs are provided
  • Trigger-event usage and freshness
  • Follow-up cadence and gap analysis

Without your data: Signal quality audits need examples of triggers you use. We cannot see private intent data you never collected.

Dimension 05

Channel Strategy

What we check

  • Email vs. LinkedIn vs. other channel blend
  • Whether the ICP concentration matches channel choice
  • Handoffs and sequencing between channels

Without your data: LinkedIn activity is assessed from what you share or what is publicly visible — not from logged-in scraping.

Dimension 06

Measurement Maturity

What we check

  • Metrics tracked vs. metrics that predict pipeline
  • Attribution model and blind spots
  • Reply-rate vs. meeting-rate vs. revenue linkage

Without your data: CRM exports help but are optional. We flag when teams optimize vanity metrics.

Impact scoring

Findings are ranked by estimated revenue impact, not ease of fix. The Priority Fix Stack at the end of a paid Autopsy is ordered accordingly — not alphabetically by dimension.

  • Critical

    Likely suppressing replies or deliverability now. Fix before sending more volume.

  • High

    Material drag on performance. Address in the current sprint.

  • Medium

    Real issue but secondary to the primary bottleneck.

  • Low / monitor

    Documented for completeness. Revisit after primary fixes land.