In today’s world, email is one of the most popular forms of communication. Whether it’s for work, personal, or promotional purposes, email is a convenient way to stay in touch and up to date with the latest information. However, many people have encountered issues with their emails getting sent to the junk mail folder instead of the primary inbox. This can cause frustration and inconvenience, especially if important emails are missed.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of your emails ending up in the junk mail folder. Here are a few tips:
Use a recognizable name and email address
When you send an email, it’s important to use a recognizable name and email address. If the recipient doesn’t recognize your name or email address, they may assume the email is spam and send it to junk mail. Make sure your name and email address are easily identifiable, so the recipient knows it’s a legitimate email. Also a free email account should not be used as your “from” email.
You should use an email address for the business or organization from which you are sending an email, not your free/personal one like @gmail.com.
Don’t use all caps or excessive punctuation
Using all caps or excessive punctuation can make your email appear spammy and increase the likelihood that it will be marked as junk mail.
Avoid spam trigger words
Email providers use complex algorithms to detect spam emails. These algorithms look for certain keywords or phrases that are commonly used in spam emails. To avoid triggering these algorithms, avoid using words like “free,” “prize,” or “deal.” Instead, focus on providing valuable information that is relevant to the recipient.
Also avoid using language that is commonly associated with spam emails, such as using excessive capital letters, using too many exclamation points.
Some of the more highly flagged words are:
- Free
- Double
- Earn
- Cash
- Save
- Risk-Free
- Anything with Now (Order Now etc.)
- No hidden… (costs, fees, obligation etc.)
- Any trade drug names like Ozympic
However, you can use one or two of the above words but in context (‘Save on our product this week’ – or one strong call to action like ‘See More Savings’)
Send personalized emails
Sending personalized emails is a great way to increase the chances of your email being read. With Critical Impact, you can merge in any custom field data directly into the email.
Including the recipient’s name in the email, referencing their past interactions with your brand, or offering personalized recommendations can all help make your email feel more relevant and important.
Ask the recipient to add you to their safe senders list
Many email providers allow users to create a safe senders list. This is a list of senders whose emails are trusted and will always go to the primary inbox. Encourage your recipients to add your email address to their contacts or whitelist to ensure that your emails always reach their inbox.
Provide an unsubscribe option
Make sure that your emails include a clear and easy-to-find unsubscribe option. This will help prevent your emails from being marked as spam.
Keep your mailing list clean
Regularly clean your email list by removing inactive subscribers or addresses that bounce back.
Avoid heavy use of graphics
Sending emails with solely graphics is a surefire way to have delivery problems. Instead of using simply one image, you should take the time to develop an email containing content and images. On the other hand, sending emails in plain text isn’t always a good idea. A nice, balanced blend of graphics and text is the usual guideline. Make sure your photographs are size optimised as well because large images might set off antispam and hurt the user experience.
Conclusion
Getting emails sent to junk mail can be frustrating, but it’s not an insurmountable problem. By following these tips, you can reduce the likelihood of your emails being sent to junk mail and increase the chances that your important messages are seen and read.
Until next time, keep those emails rolling!
– Jim
Jim Gibbs, Senior Account Executive at Critical Impact
Jim Gibbs is Critical Impact’s Growth Channel team lead and has been selling and closing for a long time. Jim is known to be able to sell bottled water to fish.