While sending emails for your cold outreach you should consider a lot of things to ensure they don’t end up in the spam folder. These factors go way beyond email warmups, and involve various other things.
Here is a complete list of what you should do to avoid the spam folder.
Avoiding Spam Filters in Cold Emails
SPF/DKIM/DMARC
The SPF will ensure that your email is sent from an authorized IP address, and DKIM will add a digital signature to ensure the message hasn’t been altered in transit. Along with it, DMARC will tell the email providers how to handle emails if they fail SPF or DKIM checks.These protocols together will verify that your email is legitimate, and help you pass the spam folder.
Content of the Copy
Overly promotional words, excessive capital letters and salesy words can negatively impact your chances of avoiding the spam folder. Instead focus on clarity and avoid any words that seem purchase-heavy.
Check for Blacklisting
This step is actually very important to ensure that your cold emails pass the spam list. Check that your domain has not been blacklisted or flagged before by email providers. For this you can take the help of various online tools like MXToolbox, Debouncer and more.
Avoid Sending too Many Emails too Quickly
Sending high volume cold emails could signal email providers about potential spam. So to avoid it, don’t send more than 30-50 emails per day. And if it’s a new account try following the 40/40/40 rules. Avoid sending more than 40 emails per day, with at least a 40 minute gap in between for the first 40 days. It has high a chance of inbox placement.
Refrain from Using External Links
Unnecessary links can flag your emails as potential spam. So, avoid the usage of any link in your email that could hint towards irrelevant or suspicious websites.
Refrain from Using Personal Accounts For Testing
Using personal and free accounts for email testing is the most common mistake. These accounts are specifically meant for personal usage and have a high filter threshold, and can flag your emails as spam. Instead use your business ID to test your campaigns and get more accurate results about how your emails will be treated by spam folders.
Use Spintags for Personalization
Bulk-looking emails often get flagged because spam filters can easily detect when the same email is blasted out to hundreds of people with no personalization. It signals automation and low relevance. So to avoid this, use spintags to personalize each email with details like the recipient’s name, company, or something specific you noticed about them.
Pro Tip: Send emails in plain texts as they’re simpler and avoid spam filters.
Follow these tips and improve your cold email’s deliverability and avoid spam folders. Always remember to comply with cold email best practices and guidelines and they land in your prospect’s inbox.