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Why Do Emails Go to Spam? Here's What You Need to Know!
Why Do Emails Go to Spam? Here's What You Need to Know!
Updated over a week ago

Ever sent an email and wondered why it ended up in the spam folder? It’s super frustrating, especially when you’ve crafted the perfect message! But don't worry—you're not alone. Let's dive into the reasons why emails sometimes get lost in the spam abyss and how you can avoid it.

1. What's in Your Email?

Spam filters are like email guardians. They scan every email and decide if it’s safe or if it looks like spam. If your email is stuffed with too many links, flashy images, or words like "FREE" or "WIN BIG," the spam filter might think it's junk. Keep your emails simple and clear, like you’re writing to a friend!

Also, it’s a good idea to avoid sending HTML emails, especially for cold outreach. Stick to plain text when you can, and make sure the font isn’t too big. You want your emails to feel natural, not like a billboard!

2. Who Are You Sending It To?

Imagine you got a letter from someone you don’t know—it’s a bit weird, right? The same thing happens with emails. If you’re sending emails to people who’ve never heard of you or didn’t sign up to receive them, the spam filter might block your email. It’s always better to send emails to people who’ve given you permission.

3. Is Your Domain Ready?

If your domain is brand new, sending emails right away can be risky. Spam filters are suspicious of new domains, especially if they start sending emails immediately. It’s like meeting someone new and they start talking nonstop—kind of overwhelming! It’s best to let your domain age for at least three weeks before sending out emails. This gives email providers time to recognize and trust your domain.

4. Are You Warming Up?

Before jumping into sending tons of emails, it's important to warm up your email account. Think of it like warming up before a big game—if you go all out without warming up, you might get blocked! Our Warmup Tool helps you build a good reputation with email providers, so they know you’re not a spammer.

5. Check Your Email Settings

Ever tried sending a letter without a stamp? It wouldn’t get very far! Similarly, your emails need to be set up correctly to reach their destination. This includes things like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC settings (don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds!). These settings tell email providers that your emails are legit. Our InboxHub can help you with this!

6. Your Email Reputation Matters

Just like in real life, your reputation matters. If people often mark your emails as spam, email providers will start to think you’re sending unwanted messages. That’s why it’s super important to send emails that people actually want to read.

7. Mind Your Frequency

Imagine getting the same message every day—pretty annoying, right? Sending too many emails too often can irritate people, leading them to mark your emails as spam. Try to find a balance and avoid overwhelming your recipients.

8. No Unsubscribe Link? Uh-oh!

If you don’t include an unsubscribe link in your emails, people might get frustrated. When they can’t find a way to opt out, they might just mark your email as spam to stop receiving them. Always make it easy for people to unsubscribe—it's better for your reputation and keeps your readers happy.

9. You’re Using a Flagged IP Address

Sometimes, the problem isn’t your email, but the IP address you’re sending it from. If the IP is flagged, your emails could be marked as spam automatically. You can check if your IP is flagged using tools like Mail Tester: https://www.mail-tester.com/. Just send a test email, and it will show you the results.

10. Avoid Direct URLs

Including raw URLs like `https://google.com` in your emails can trigger spam filters. Instead, use hyperlinks. For example, write "Google" and hyperlink the text to `https://google.com`. This looks cleaner and is less likely to be flagged by spam filters.

11. Check the Quality of Your List

Using a clean email list is crucial. If you’re sending emails to old or invalid addresses, they’ll bounce back, and too many bounces can hurt your email’s reputation. Our Lead Finder Tool can help you get fresh and valid email leads, ensuring you’re reaching real people.

12. Watch Out for Listed Domains

If your emails include a domain that’s listed on SURBL, URIBL, or Spamhaus DBL, they’re likely to end up in spam. These lists track domains associated with spammy behavior. Make sure the domains you’re linking to are clean and trusted.

Final Thoughts

Emails going to spam is a common issue, but with the right steps, you can make sure your messages land where they belong—in the inbox! Whether you’re using our Warmup Tool, InboxHub, or Lead Finder, we’ve got your back in making sure your emails are seen and read. Keep your emails friendly, relevant, and clear, and you’ll be on your way to email success!

Remember, the key is to think like the person receiving your email. Would they want to read it? If the answer is yes, you’re already halfway there!

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