Stay off the Blacklist
Getting blacklisted can ruin your business. It stops your emails from reaching your customers, damages your brand reputation, and can take weeks or even months to resolve. Here is how to stay safe and keep your email program running smoothly.
What are Blacklists?
Blacklists are databases of IP addresses and domains that have been identified as sources of spam. ISPs and email providers use these lists to filter incoming mail. If you're on a blacklist, your emails will likely be blocked or sent directly to the spam folder.
Common Causes of Blacklisting
- High Bounce Rates: Sending to invalid email addresses signals that your list is old or purchased.
- Spam Traps: Hitting a spam trap is a sure way to get blacklisted. These are addresses used solely to catch spammers.
- User Complaints: If too many people mark your emails as spam, ISPs will take notice.
- Sudden Volume Spikes: Sending a massive amount of email from a cold IP can trigger alarms.
How to Protect Your Reputation
- Don't buy email lists: Purchased lists are full of bad data and spam traps. Build your list organically.
- Clean your list regularly: Use a service like MailBolt™ to remove invalid addresses and inactive subscribers.
- Monitor your sender score: Keep an eye on your reputation metrics using tools like Google Postmaster Tools.
- Warm up your IP: If you're sending from a new IP, start slow and gradually increase your volume over time.
What to Do If You're Blacklisted
If you find yourself on a blacklist, don't panic. First, identify the cause. Then, fix the issue (e.g., clean your list, secure your server). Finally, submit a delisting request to the blacklist operator. Be honest and transparent about the steps you've taken to resolve the problem.
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