Episode 25 Brief: Why do your emails go to spam and what to do about it!

Send us Fan MailOne of the reasons people tell me that they don't have an email newsletter or don't use email marketing is that they don't want to send spam.A spam email is any unsolicited email usually sent out in bulk and is irrelevant, annoying, and sometimes malicious.However, those of us who send out email marketing know that we aren't spammers! Instead, we send emails that add VALUE to our subscribers. Our emails contain information they need and could benefit from.Despite these intentions, a valuable email might get sent straight to the spam folder instead of the recipient's inbox. So, let's discuss why your email might get caught in spam filters—and how you can change this!#1 Email AuthenticationEmail authentication is the most significant and easiest issue to fix. I am not techy—even though I love software solutions that make my life easier—but I have made it to the point where I can troubleshoot my client's emails and ensure they are making it to the inbox.For example, if you are using an email service provider like Constant Contact or ConvertKit—both of which I recommend—you can add DKIM keys. So what's a DKIM Key? I define them as a magic code that tells your recipients' email provider that they are getting an actual email from you and that it isn't spoofing.#2 Your content is setting off spam flags everywhereKeep an eye out for spam trigger words. These words feel sleazy, needy, manipulative, and far-fetched. Avoid using words or phrases like Urgent, Don't Delete, Free Money, Lose Weight, Billions, and Help!Look through the spam emails in your junk folder. Notice that many of them are riddled with spelling and grammar errors.I understand you're excited about your content, but monitor how many exclamation points you use. The occasional exclamation point won't hurt, but don't overdo it!Be mindful when you use big fonts and flashy colors.Don't use a URL shortener. Spammers love them.Avoid image-only emails. It's just a best practice.Make sure your email size is reasonable. If it is too big, it won't get delivered. Yes, this includes the image and attachment sizes.Always include an unsubscribe link. Yes, you've worked hard to find subscribers, but they have the freedom to unsubscribe when they want.#3 Not having a custom domainYour "from" email address is crucial! AOL and Yahoo emails get caught in spam filters more often than others.#4 People reporting your emails as spam.Be careful when adding people to your email list. Only add people who signed up or gave you explicit permission. This is important!#5 An inactive listEnsure you keep your list clean and remove people who aren't interacting with your emails. You want a small, engaged audience over a large, unengaged audience. List hygiene is essential, so keep cleaning up your list.Have any questions? Let me know, and I will happily help however I can!Resources:Just embarking on your email marketing journey? You can always download my beginner's guide to email marketing here!Are you ready to discover your list-building style and make email your best business asset? Then, check out my quiz!Learn more about list hygiene.Click here to read my article about developing your email list. Looking to leverage AI? Want better results? Want to think about what you want to leverage?Check and see how I am using it for FREE on YouTube. From "Holy cow, it can do that?" to "Wait, how does this work again?" – I've got all your AI curiosities covered. It's the perfect after-podcast snack for your tech-hungry brain. Watch here