{"id":9715,"date":"2020-01-02T16:29:02","date_gmt":"2020-01-02T15:29:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vexels.com\/blog\/?p=9715"},"modified":"2022-09-16T17:46:34","modified_gmt":"2022-09-16T15:46:34","slug":"7-simple-rules-to-ensure-your-emails-stay-out-of-the-spam-folder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/blog\/7-simple-rules-to-ensure-your-emails-stay-out-of-the-spam-folder\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Simple Rules to Ensure your Emails Stay Out of the Spam Folder"},"content":{"rendered":"

How frustrating is it to spend time and effort designing that perfect email, only to realize it\u2019s ended up in the recipient\u2019s spam folder?<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s alarming to note that spam costs businesses <\/span>approximately $20.5 billion every year<\/span><\/a> in terms of reduced productivity and technical expenses.<\/span><\/p>\n

After all, none of your email marketing efforts matter if your emails are not getting successfully delivered, in the first place.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In order to bypass spam filters and improve deliverability, you need to make your emails seem authentic and humanize communication. So, don\u2019t let your efforts go down the drain \u2013 follow these seven simple rules to ensure you stay out of the email spam folder<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Get People\u2019s Consent\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Nothing puts people off than receiving emails from brands or people they did not subscribe to. It instantly puts people off and can harm your <\/span>brand reputation<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

While email marketing is a powerful tool to engage with your prospects and customers, it\u2019s very important to ask for their permission and get their consent before you start targeting them with newsletters and email campaigns.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Be ethical and transparent while collecting email addresses for your email list. Clearly demonstrate the value you\u2019ll be offering (eBook, white paper, infographic, email course, blog subscription, etc.) in return of their email address.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s a good idea to go for a double opt-in which requires people to verify their email address after filling the form. This ensures a clean and engaged list of subscribers who are likely to be more interested in what you have to offer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what a double opt-in confirmation email looks like.<\/span><\/p>\n

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2. Segment your Email List<\/b><\/p>\n

Did you know that segmented email campaigns <\/span>achieve a 14.31% higher open rate<\/span><\/a> than non-segmented email campaigns?<\/span><\/p>\n

This isn\u2019t surprising because sending targeted emails shows that you understand what your subscribers want which in turn keeps them more engaged and invested in your brand, thereby giving out positive signals that prevents your email from reaching the spam folder.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Segment your email list according to their demographics, interest and website behavior and send across personalized emails that they will be compelled to click.<\/span><\/p>\n

Personalization is not just about addressing recipients by their name, it\u2019s also about tailoring your email content such that it appeals to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s an example of an email by Netflix which is customized as per the subscriber\u2019s viewing history.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n3. Give Recipients the Option to Unsubscribe\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Whether you like it or not \u2013 you should make it easy for subscribers to unsubscribe whenever they wish to. Not abiding by this basic rule is not only poor email etiquette, but it\u2019s also unethical.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, display a clear \u2018unsubscribe\u2019 button in the email footer where it can be easily found. It\u2019s also advisable to mention that subscribers can choose to opt out whenever they want to in the email sign-up form.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Doing this sets the tone for a more transparent relationship which is always appreciated by customers and prospects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Check out this email by Booz Allen Hamilton wherein they have a \u2018Unsubscribe\u2019 call-to-action.<\/span><\/p>\n

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4. Avoid Spam Trigger Words<\/b><\/p>\n

Yes, you want your emails to attract, <\/span>hook<\/span> and engage readers but there are certain words that end up working against you because they scream \u2018spam\u2019.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Strictly refrain from using those words in the subject line and body of the email because they are bound to trigger the spam filter. Example include – amazing, free, $$, risk free, order now, congratulations, and cancel any time among others.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Take a look at the <\/span>ultimate list of email spam trigger words<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Apart from being mindful of the words you use, be careful about using too many exclamation points and writing in all capital letters because they have the tendency to trigger spam filters too.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Use a Mix of HTML and Plain Text<\/b><\/p>\n

HTML vs plain text \u2013 hasn\u2019t that been the age-old debate when it comes to running email marketing campaigns?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While HTML emails are more visually-appealing and attention grabbing, the truth is that they have more chances of ending up in the spam folder.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The key is to <\/span>design<\/span><\/a> it such that it has a good mix of HTML and plain text, and always include a plain text version of the content when you send an HTML version.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what a mix of HTML and plain text email looks like.<\/span><\/p>\n

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6. Use Spam Checking Tools<\/b><\/p>\n

Fortunately, there are spam checking tools that let you test your email and ensure deliverability before you hit \u2018send\u2019. Here are some free tools you should use \u2013\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n