4 Tips for Avoiding Spam Filters

It can take a lot of time and effort to create an email. The last thing you want is for it to go to spam filters where none of your intended recipients will see it. Try using the tips listed below and hopefully your email will show up right in the inbox, where you want it.

1. Create small, targeted email lists and content that applies to the recipients. One of most important parts of creating a good email campaign is creating a small, targeted recipient list. You want to make sure your email applies to everyone you are sending it to. Are they going to be interested in the content? Do you think they open it to learn more? If your answer to those questions isn’t a resounding yes, don’t hit send! If your recipients mark your emails as spam often enough, email providers will mark you as a spammer and all of your emails will bypass the inbox automatically. Make sure you clean up your email lists occasionally as well.
2. Limit “spammy” content. Watch your text. Using a lot of CAPS, using too many exclamation points, or using words like “free” tell email providers that your message may be spam, even if your recipients have opted-in. The visible content isn’t the only thing that’s important though; you also have to be careful of your coding. If you copy and paste your email from Word, all of the HTML will come over. Bad coding can be an indicator of spam.
3. Text > Pics or Attachments. Most personal emails are plain text, so if you don’t want email providers to think you are spamming, you should make sure your email isn’t too image-heavy. Stick to one large or two smaller pictures, if you can, and try to make sure you add more words than pictures. You should also try to avoid attachments, if possible. Attachments can stop your email from hitting the inbox if they are too large in file size. It’s a better idea to host any attachments on your website, then add a link to them within the email content.
4. Test your email. Send your email to yourself and preferably to each of the larger email providers as well (e.g. someone with a Gmail address, MSN address, etc.), so you can make sure that it’s formatted well and doesn’t go to spam. When you’re testing your email, make sure there is a visible unsubscribe link for all bulk email sends. Remember, if someone unsubscribes from your email, you need to remove the recipient from your list within 10 business days!

Still having spam problems? Check out the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 for more tips on avoiding spam filters!