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Email Tips for Avoiding the Spam Folder

One of the biggest complaints I hear is that emails end up in the spam folder. I know that no one wants to hear this...but there are many reasons that could cause your email to go into the dreaded SPAM folder. Let's discuss a few of the biggies!

General Tips for Avoiding the Spam Folder 📩 :


Tip #1: Try to get responses and remind them to add your email address to their contacts.


All of these actions have very positive metrics on your sender reputation. Include a good call to action (CTA) - ask a question in order to get a response. When your potential customer responds and answers your question, that will immediately tell the software companies (Google, Yahoo, etc…) that you are someone this person wants to talk to. Therefore, your chances of going to spam after this is reduced significantly.


Tip #2: Avoid “Advertisy” verbiage as much as possible


For example, your title says “FREE MONEY!” This means you have included language that resembles a get rich quick scheme and is likely to be flagged as spam. 

Here is a short list of terms you may wish to avoid:

  • $$$
  • 100% Free
  • Act Now
  • Amazing Stuff
  • Apply Now
  • Guarantee
  • Income from Home
  • Increase Sales
  • Increase Traffic
  • Incredible Deal
  • Info You Requested

Tip #3: Include an Unsubscribe Link  


The larger your unsubscribe font is, the better. This will help you to avoid spam complaints which are so much worse than an unsubscribe. Never try to hide your unsubscribe link - this will hurt your ability to deliver. The reality is that if you are sending them value-added content they are not likely to unsubscribe. If they do decide to opt-out then it is probably just as well. Cut them loose, don't take it personal, and move on spending time with the others in the contact list that DO want to hear from you!


Tip #4: Avoid sending too many images or strange links to who-knows-what


Quite often we tend to send images of Flyers in our emails. A flyer with just one image and there is no actual typed content this email will more often than not get sent directly to Spam. And... here is an example of a strange link: http://bit.ly/2ZlwEPX. If you use a link shortener software like Bit.ly, you can personalize the link some to identify what you are sending. Be sure to keep the number of links in an email to a minimum. 


Tip #5: Get More Opens!


If you are already sending emails, and the emails are getting opened and customers are clicking on links within your email then you have that authority that the email services will acknowledge. This is really the single best way to avoid the spam folder. It really is all about the content. Engaging, Non-Spammy, Non-Advertisy looking subject lines will be so key!


Tip #6: Use a sender name/from address your recipients are most likely to recognize at a quick glance. 

The “From” Line vs “Subject” Line:


Getting mail open is the difference between who is sending it and what it is you are sending. This information should be readily understood the minute your email is in the inbox. 


The FROM line is the name of the person sending it. Edit that in your email settings to make it clear for the recipient who you are.



The photo above is an example of a spam folder. Let’s dissect this a little bit to fully understand the reason why these emails went to spam and offer some good examples of what not to do.

  • Lauren Dumont: the Re: and the (1) are suspect to spam. 
  • Overstock.com: the 👀  is probably the reason it ended up there. Usually, any kind of symbol usually sends it to spam. In addition, there are also too many exclamation marks and the word clearance could have been the problem here.
     
  • ~Wholesale Deal Ale.: Actually the "~" at the beginning of the name was an eye catcher and it's clear that they are trying to sell some real estate from the subject line. This is a great example of a clearly understandable From and Subject line so I would venture to say that the email contained a flyer or only an image and that is why it went to spam.

  • www.AzFlip.com: No doubt, the subject line starting with “REDUCED!” did the trick on this one. All the words in capital letters and too many exclamation marks. This one is a spammy mess and deserves its location in the spam box.  

Bad Examples of From and Subject Lines 😟 :  

From:                 Subject:

Patti Sampson         Just Left you a Voice Message

Patti Sampson         PLEASE RESPOND NOW!

Patti Sampson         I have been trying to reach you


Good examples of From and Subject Lines 😀 : 

From:                 Subject:

Patti Sampson - AZ Realtor Mary, Quick Question about your Home Search

Patti Sampson - Home Info Tom, Welcome to your Home Search Portal

AZ Home Info Team         Sam, Scottsdale Home Listings from Patti


So the point is you need to identify yourself and what you do in the From Line and be clear in the Subject Line what you are sending them. Adding the first name to the Subject Line also helps because it adds a touch of personalization that denotes that you care about whatever it is you are trying to sell them.  Need some ideas for better subject lines? Download our free list here.


Getting 100% of your email in the inbox is not realistic. Increase your inbox delivery rate with...

  • More opens
  • Increased Responses
  • Engaging Subject Lines
  • More engaging content with true calls-to-action (ask a question)

If you think you are struggling with this, it may take some time to clean up your sketchy bad email history, but it's not too late to get started.


We love follows, comments and suggestions - you can find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 👍

Are you looking for more tips of the sales trade or a content ready CRM? Check out EngageMore CRM today and see how easy it is to get automated. 😉

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