Why is my email going to the spam folder?
How to Improve Your Email Delivery
Email Delivery
'From' Email Check
- Don't use your own 'from' address
- Don't use free domains (e.g. Gmail/Hotmail)
Spam Filter Testing
- Run spam score testing before sending
Email Structure & Design
- Avoid single-image emails
- Use proper HTML
- Avoid JS, forms, video
Content & Subject Optimization
- Avoid spammy / all caps content
- Test subject lines & body
- Avoid copy-paste from Word
Link & Domain Reputation
- Check link reputation
- Avoid URL shorteners
- Avoid linking to bad domains
List Quality & Sender Consistency
- Remove inactive subscribers
- Send consistently from same 'from'
- Keep engaged & relevant
'From' Email Check
- Don't use your own 'from' address
- Don't use free domains (e.g. Gmail/Hotmail)
Spam Filter Testing
- Run spam score testing before sending
Email Structure & Design
- Avoid single-image emails
- Use proper HTML
- Avoid JS, forms, video
Content & Subject Optimization
- Avoid spammy / all caps content
- Test subject lines & body
- Avoid copy-paste from Word
Link & Domain Reputation
- Check link reputation
- Avoid URL shorteners
- Avoid linking to bad domains
List Quality & Sender Consistency
- Remove inactive subscribers
- Send consistently from same 'from'
- Keep engaged & relevant
How to improve your email delivery
With any email service & any set of subscribers you will always have some mail end up in the spam folder. Every receiving ISP is using different spam filtering techniques and some ISP's utilize some pretty crazy ideas to combat spam. So you will undoubtedly have some mail filtered at some point during sending email campaigns.
The good news is that it is not something you should dread or worry about. By following some pretty simple concepts you can dramatically reduce the chance of email being filtered.
Table of Contents
Sender Reputation Issues:
Don't use your email address for the "from" email address
If you send a email that is "from" your email (let's say [email protected]) and you send it to a subscriber with the email ([email protected]) it will most certainly be marked as spam as the "from" and the "to" is the same.
Pay attention to the spam filter testing before sending
This is an option on the summary step of create campaign. It will let you know if it spots any major issues with your email that could affect delivery.
Don't send a single graphic/image
Sending an email that only contains a graphic is a sure-fire way to have delivery issues.
You should take the time to design an email with text and graphics. Not just a single image.
Don't use a free email address as your "from" email
Instead of using your free/personal email address such as @hotmail.com or @gmail.com you should use an email address for the company or organization for which you are sending email.
Test different subjects & email contents
Content does play a major role in filtering email. Avoid using all caps, spammy sounding content, etc. By testing different subjects and email contents you can test responses & delivery.
Pay attention to your links in your email
Spam filters check the URLS that you are linking to. If you link to a domain that has a poor reputation you will be penalized.
Additionally you should avoid linking to URL's that contain folders with 1-2 characters (such as domain.com/e/something/ or domain.com/es/) as some filters will count that as a negative thing.
Don't include links that use link shortening services
Your links should be full links to the real URL. You could experience delivery issues using shortened links from link shortening services.
Take the time to code your HTML correctly
Improper HTML tags, broken tags, etc. could reduce your email delivery.
Remove inactive subscribers
Delete your old & inactive subscribers. Subscriber engagement plays a big role in email delivery. By focusing on your active subscribers you can increase your overall delivery.
Send using a consistent "from" email address
We do not suggest changing your "from" details often. Keeping it consistent can help build your reputation.
Authentication Problems:
Ensure Proper Authentication
Make sure your email server is properly configured with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records. These records help ISPs verify that your emails are legitimate and come from your domain.
Use a Dedicated IP Address
Using a dedicated IP address can help improve your sender reputation. ISPs often view emails sent from dedicated IPs more favorably.
Avoid Sending from Shared IPs
Sending emails from shared IPs can lead to reputation issues. If other users on the same IP send spam, your emails may be flagged as well.
Content and Formatting Issues:
Avoid Spammy Keywords
Avoid using keywords that are commonly associated with spam, such as "free," "guarantee," "winner," "prize," and "limited time offer."
Use Clear and Concise Subject Lines
Subject lines that are too vague or contain spammy keywords can trigger spam filters. Make sure your subject lines are clear and relevant to the content of the email.
Avoid Excessive Use of HTML and Images
While HTML and images can enhance the appearance of your email, excessive use can trigger spam filters. Ensure your email is not primarily composed of images.
Use a Legitimate "From" Name and Address
Use a legitimate "from" name and address that matches your brand. Avoid using generic or misleading names that could be flagged as spam.
Provide a Clear Unsubscribe Option
Ensure your email includes a clear and easy-to-use unsubscribe option. This helps maintain a good relationship with your subscribers and complies with anti-spam laws.
Poor Engagement Metrics:
Monitor Open and Click Rates
Low open and click rates can indicate that your emails are not engaging subscribers. Analyze your engagement metrics to identify areas for improvement.
Segment Your Audience
Segment your email list to send targeted content to specific groups of subscribers. This can increase engagement and reduce the likelihood of emails being marked as spam.
Personalize Your Emails
Personalize your emails with the recipient's name and other relevant information. Personalized content is more likely to engage subscribers and reduce spam flags.
Provide Value in Your Emails
Ensure your emails provide value to subscribers. Content that is informative, useful, or entertaining is more likely to be engaged with and less likely to be marked as spam.
Fixing Deliverability Issues:
Regularly Clean Your Email List
Remove inactive and unengaged subscribers from your email list. This helps maintain a healthy list and improves deliverability.
Use Double Opt-In for New Subscribers
Implement a double opt-in process to ensure that new subscribers have explicitly consented to receive your emails. This helps maintain a high-quality list and improves deliverability.
Monitor and Respond to Bounces
Monitor your email bounces and remove hard bounces from your list. Respond to soft bounces by verifying email addresses and correcting any issues.
Use a Reputable Email Service Provider
Choose a reputable email service provider that offers tools and support for improving email deliverability. They can help you maintain a good sender reputation and avoid spam filters.
Stay Informed About Spam Filter Updates
Keep up-to-date with changes in spam filter algorithms and best practices. This helps you adapt your email strategies to avoid being flagged as spam.
Sarah Johnson
Sarah is a cybersecurity expert and Senior Content Strategist at NetGains, specializing in enterprise email security and compliance.
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