How Spam Filters Work
Email marketing resources.
Spam filters help sift through massive amounts of useless virtual trash to prevent inbox implosions. But, stands as the largest obstacle between marketers and customers. How do you ensure your company emails do not simply filter out as spam? Here are some tips to consider when writing the company newsletter.
Subject Headline:
The first and foremost rule of being spammed. Create a subject line relevant to its content. Regardless if the email survives spam filters, the reader can still delete an uninteresting headline on reflex. Inform quickly who is the sender and general content within the first two seconds. Unrecognizable information will automatically be junked. Avoid cliché marketing one liners like act now, sale!!!!, FREE, limited time…etc. Using excessive!! punctuation!!!! is also unappealing. And refrain from YELLING AT READERS IN CAPS.
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To: You
Computer generated terms are readily recognizable. Personally addressing the receiver increases the likelihood of staying in the inbox. Incorporating first and last names into the user field helps greatly.
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Real Content
Spam filters specifically look out for cheesy catch phrases "Click now!!", "Free Free Free", "open immediately", or "HURRY, buy now!!!". Don’t insert one large graphic either. Otherwise, you’ll appear to be a spammer. A balance between text and graphic image is key.
In addition to writing substantial content, the coding needs to be legitimate. Unorganized code, missing tags, broken images are sure flags. Some filters even throw out Microsoft Word generated code. Allowing readers to opt for a plain-text version is vital as well. Plain-text give readers the choice to read the content even if the html is not working properly. Spammers don’t spend the time creating alternative text. Spend equal time composing interesting content and coding.
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IP Address
Spam filters network together in publishing a list of spam IP address on a "blackhole list". Unfortunately if your IP address is listed, emails will automatically be filtered out. There is a chance if a spammer is using a server at your ISP, all addresses inclusive could be blacklisted. Even those in charge of email servers can create a blackhole list and exchange with other email servers. Sadly, "spite listings" can occur. But don’t be too intimidated, most mail servers filter spam according to responsible blackhole lists. Large networks and registered users are surveyed, then compile a responsible blackhole list. The list only consists of repeated offenders, which is regularly updated.
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E-mail Address
Make sure subscribers "whitelist" your email address to ensure its arrival into the inbox. You can attach a friendly reminder when clients sign up for subscriptions if they could add your company email into their address book. Another method is inserting a reminder on the top of company newsletters. Your company email appearing in the sent box works as well. In addition, establishing your own domain name makes your company more credible. Don’t send company newsletters from free email account (hotmail, google, yahoo).
All of these concerns raise flags when spam filters sort through endless piles of virtual trash. Each spam-like characteristic are tagged with certain points. When the email totals up to an excessive amount, it is trashed. Think from the stand point of a spam filter while writing and distributing company emails, thus you will overcome the fearless spam filters.
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