There’s nothing more annoying than having your business emails filtered as spam. However, what we share with our Northland customers, is that a few simple steps can help to ensure your customers actually get your emails in their inbox.
Understanding SPAM
Mail or internet service providers (ISPs) use algorithms, and custom configurations to filter emails. These filters aim to stop emails with ill intent (e.g. viruses, phishing, or ransomware).Yet, as filters get smarter and stronger to ward off cyberattack, you need to do more to actually get your emails out to your customers. Ensure your emails get through to the intended audience with these strategies.
#1 Get permission from recipients
In some countries, if your recipients didn’t ask or agree to hear from you, and the email is of a commercial nature, the email you’re sending is spam. That’s why buying a bulk email list hurts your sender reputation. You don’t want your business associated with spam.
#2 Avoid spam trigger words
Content filters are set to be sensitive to words that typically indicate a spammer’s efforts. These include:
- “Dear friend”
- “Toll-free”
- “Risk-free”
- “Special offer”
- “Free prize”
#3 Don’t rely on an image
An email which uses only an image will trigger a content filter. Even if you have an image in your email, you should always have something to say about it as well.
You’ll also want to avoid ALL CAPS and overusing exclamation points, too!!!!!
#4 Drive engagement
Mail providers and ISPs are able to track how people receive your emails and whether they react positively. If they immediately delete the email without even looking at it, you could be labeled as spam. If they open the email, click on a link, respond or send it on to someone else, that’s positive engagement. This improves your sender reputation, which improves your chances of reaching recipients.
#5 Work with a reputable internet service provider
Your business may be sending from a shared IP address. If someone else has been sending spam from that address, you will be a suspect, too, at least by those who filter based on IP. This is particularly painful, as you’re suffering as a result of someone else’s bad deeds.
If you are sending mass marketing emails, use an email marketing platform such as Mailchimp or ActiveCampaign. These platforms manage their own sender reputation.
#6 Always include a way to unsubscribe, plus your contact information
When mailing a list, provide updated and valid contact information for your company. Also, make sure you offer a clear opportunity to unsubscribe. If you don’t, you risk noncompliance with regulations against unsolicited marketing.
#7 Pace yourself
Sending too many emails at once will prompt filter scrutiny. That’s why many marketers take a “drip campaign” approach. Instead of sending hundreds of emails at once, you schedule a staggered send.
Stay in touch successfully
The success of your email marketing and day-to-day communications relies on your getting through spam filters. It can help to ask new subscribers to whitelist you. That means they’ll add your “From” address to their contact list. This tells the service provider that they asked for this communication.
If you need any more help with navigating this, please feel free to reach out to our team here.