You’ve spent time drafting your email with an engaging subject line, hoping to hit an all-time high email open record, only to discover that your emails didn’t even get to the recipient’s inbox but were flagged down by spam filters. This brings you to ask, “How do I avoid spam filters?”
As you’ll soon discover, avoiding spam filters goes beyond eliminating suspicious words in your subject line and email copy. In this blog post, you’ll learn proven strategies to avoid spam filters. We also share all the email spam words you should avoid.
Table of Contents
What are Spam Words?
Spam words refer to specific words or phrases that trigger email filters, suggesting your message might be unsolicited or misleading. Email service providers (ESPs) like Gmail and Hotmail use spam filters to identify and send these categories of emails to the spam folder. Stuffing your email copy or subject lines with spam trigger words can potentially send your email to the junk box, which does the following:
- Reduces your email deliverability rate
- Harms your sender’s reputations
- Decreases your email open rates
A study by Validity found that about 16% of emails, which translates to one in six emails, get blocked from the inbox and land in the spam folder. This is why you must avoid triggering spam filters when sending out emails.
How Do Email Filters Identify Spam Words?
Beyond spam words, other factors can cause your email to be flagged as spam by email filters. After going through the emails in my spam folder, here are the common characteristics the flagged emails have in common.
- The use of certain spam words is often associated with scams, gimmicks, gifts, and adult content
- Links pointing to questionable or untrustworthy websites
- Messages or subject lines written entirely in capital letters
- Use of fonts in different colors and sizes
- Poorly structured HTML code
- Emails without a clear option to unsubscribe
Consequently, to avoid your emails being flagged down as spam, it’s best to steer clear of the above.
Read also: Avoiding the Spam Folder: An Intro to Email Deliverability
How Spam Filters Evolved Over the Years
Detecting spam messages wasn’t as sophisticated in the past as it is today. Email filters were designed to spot only simple spam trigger words like “free” or “guarantee.” However, with the growth of email marketing, spam emails have become more sophisticated, making them more challenging to detect.
Additionally, email spam trigger words were tweaked and often hidden in images to bypass filters, pushing email service providers to develop more advanced systems to detect spam messages. Here’s a progressive overview of how spam filtering technologies have evolved over the years:
- Heuristic analysis: This technology uses complex algorithms to analyze an email structure, word frequency, and sender’s reputation.
- Bayesian filtering: This was introduced in the early 2000s. It used the principles of Bayesian probability to learn from spam and non-spam messages, continuously refining its ability to differentiate between them.
- Machine learning and AI: One of the latest evolutions in spam filtering that incorporates machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to learn, analyze, and identify spam messaging patterns. Machine learning algorithms can adapt to new spamming techniques and provide a dynamic defense against spam.
- Sender reputation and authentication: Evaluate the sender reputation using techniques like SPF (Sender Policy Framework), DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) to verify the sender’s identity. This ensures that emails from reputable senders are less likely to be flagged as spam.
Email filters are continuously improving to spot spam messages and prevent them from misleading recipients.
Read also: The Impact of Spam Complaint Rates on Email Deliverability
Spam Words to Avoid in Your Email Marketing
Words often too salesy, pushy, or just too good to be true are known to trigger email spam filters, pushing your emails straight to the junk folder. By knowing examples of such words, you can easily avoid them while drafting your email messages so they land in your recipient’s inbox and not the anti-spam filters.
Financial and promotional spam words
Financial and promotional spam words often affect recipients’ desires to get rich quickly or their fear of missing out (FOMO). Here are common spam trigger words in this category to avoid.
- 100% free
- 100% satisfied
- Act now
- Apply now
- Avoid bankruptcy
- Bargain
- Best price
- Big money
- Billion
- Bonus
- Cash bonus
- Cashback
- Chance
- Cheap
- Cash subject
- Clear debt
- Congratulations
- Initial investment
- Credit
- Deal
- Discount
- Dollar
- Double your cash
- Double your income
- Money order
- Earn extra cash
- Easy terms
- Online biz opportunity
- Expect to earn
- Hidden costs
- Hidden fees
- Extra cash
- Extra income
- Fast cash
- Financial freedom
- For just $ (amount)
- Free call
- Free access
- Save big money
- Free gift
- Free hosting
- Free info
- Free investment
- Free membership
- Free money
- Free offer
- Free preview
- Free quote
- Free trial
- Full refund
Urgency and pressure spam words
Creating a sense of urgency or applying pressure is a common tactic in email marketing; however, it requires caution. Common spam triggers like “Act now!” or “Limited time offer!” spur email recipients to take action fast, but when used too much, they don’t give the desired outcome. Here’s a list of urgency and pressure trigger words to avoid.
- Act now
- Immediate action is required
- Don’t miss out
- Limited time offers
- Urgent
- Instant access
- While stocks last
- Exclusive deal
- Hurry
- Last chance
- Offer expires
- Final sale
- Today only
- Clearance
- Before it’s too late
- Deadline
- Time-sensitive
- Only a few left
- One time
- Flash sale
- Act fast
- Rush
- Instant savings
- Don’t delay
- Closing soon
- Last minute
- Once in a lifetime
- Never again
- Now or never
- Tick-tock
- Countdown
- Expires soon
- Short-term offer
- Buy now
- Immediate response
- Limited availability
- Special promotion
- Quick
- Fast action bonus
- End soon
- Save big
- For a short time only
- Exclusive offer
- Final offer
- Last call
- Limited edition
- Limited number
- Limited time
- Must end soon
- Offer ending soon
Unethical and shady spam words to avoid
Email spam trigger words like “no credit check,” “miracle cure,” and “get rich quick” make exaggerated claims. A study by the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) highlighted the importance of trust in email marketing, noting that emails perceived as ethical were 50% more likely to be opened. Here’s a list of shady and unethical spam words to avoid.
- 100% free
- 100% satisfied
- Act now
- All-natural
- one hundred percent guaranteed
- Avoid bankruptcy
- Be your own boss
- Best price
- Big bucks
- Billions
- Cash bonus
- Cashcashcash
- Casino
- Celebrity
- Cheap
- Claims
- Clear debt
- Congratulations
- Credit card offers
- Cures baldness
- Direct email
- Direct marketing
- Double your cash
- Double your income
- Earn extra cash
- Earn money
- Easy terms
- Eliminate bad credit
- Email marketing
- Exclusive deal
- Expect to earn
- Fast cash
- Financial freedom
- Free access
- Sign up free today
- Free gift
- Free hosting
- Free info
- Free investment
- Free membership
- Free money
- Free preview
- Free quote
- Free trial
- Full refund
- Get out of debt
- Get paid
- Get started now
- Gift certificate
- Great offer
Medical and health-related spam words
Not all messages are perceived equally, especially regarding your health. Words like “instant weight loss,” and “miracle pill” are tagged as very harmful and are often flagged as spam words. Why? These terms are frequently used in misleading or fraudulent offers, promising quick fixes to complex health issues.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has reported that misleading health claims are a significant concern, with thousands of complaints filed yearly. To prevent your emails from being sent to the email spam folder, here are examples of email spam words to avoid.
- Lose weight fast
- Miracle diet
- Fat-burning
- Herbal supplements
- Bodybuilding
- Detox cleanse
- Cure for diabetes
- Cancer treatment
- High blood pressure solution
- Cheap health insurance
- Affordable meds
- Discount prescription drugs
- Erectile dysfunction
- Instant arousal
- Libido booster
- Anti-aging
- Wrinkle remover
- Skin rejuvenation
- Anxiety relief
- Depression cure
- Stress reduction
- Muscle gain
- Fitness secrets
- Extreme workout
- Acupuncture
- Homeopathic remedy
- Energy healing
- Botox
- Liposuction
- Hair transplant
- Immunity booster
- Miracle cure
- Breakthrough formula
- Limited time offer
- Act now
- Online pharmacy
- Before it’s banned
- Discreet shipping
- No prescription needed
- Secure purchase
- Free trial
- 100% guaranteed
- No side effects
Read also: How To Set Up DMARC: Safeguard Your Business From Phishing
Six Strategies to Stay Safe From Spam Filters
With the information we’ve provided about spam trigger words, you may feel overwhelmed and wonder how you could write an email that ends up in recipients’ inboxes. Consequently, it’s essential to understand that it’s not just a single word that tips the balance. Instead, spam filters evaluate factors contributing to your email’s spam score.
This score determines whether your message is flagged as spam or not. The exact measurement varies across different email service providers. Still, the principle remains the same: higher scores increase the likelihood of your email being marked as spam.
To help you avoid increasing your spam score, we’ve put together some strategies for crafting effective emails without triggering spam filters.
1. Focus on context and personalization
Tailor your message to fit your audience’s needs and interests. Personalized emails resonate more with recipients and are less likely to be marked as spam. According to a study by Campaign Monitor, emails with personalized subject lines are 26% more likely to be opened. Additionally, write as if conversing with a friend.
This approach helps avoid the stilted language that spam filters often detect. Conversational email copy achieves a 3.7% higher open rate than traditional marketing language.
2. Be mindful of your word choices
Avoid overused sales language like “Buy now!” or “Limited offer!” as they can trigger spam filters. Instead, opt for language that invites engagement without pressure. HubSpot reports that emails without spammy phrases have a higher click-through rate (CTR) than those with many spam phrases.
Having said that, if you must use terms commonly associated with spam, find synonyms that convey your message without setting off red flags. According to a study by Return Path, using less common, more specific words can decrease spam scores by up to 20%.
3. Engage, don’t overwhelm
A survey by Mediabuzz found that 34% of consumers prefer less promotional and more informative emails. Provide valuable content without overwhelming your readers with too many calls to action or links. A balanced email is more engaging and less likely to be seen as spam. Offer insights, tips, or stories that add value to your readers’ lives.
Emails that educate tend to have lower spam scores. Content Marketing Institute found that educational emails see a 19% increase in click-through rate compared to sales-focused messages.
Read also: Email Spam Defense 101: How To Protect Your Inbox
4. Optimize your email structure
our email subject line should reflect the content of your email accurately. Misleading email subject lines can increase spam scores and erode trust with your audience. According to a report by Yesware, clear and direct subject lines result in an open rate increase of up to 50%. For example, Instead of using “Important financial update inside!” as your subject line, use “Your April Account Statement.”
Secondly, format your email properly. Use a clean layout with proper text formatting. Emails that are difficult to read or filled with excessive bolding, colors, or exclamation points may trigger spam filters. A study by Litmus shows that emails optimized for readability see a 40% increase in engagement.
5. Maintain a healthy sending reputation
A report from Sender Score shows that senders with a score above 90 see inbox placement rates of 92% or higher. Your sender score influences how email service providers view your emails. A high score means you’re less likely to be flagged as spam.
This is what a sender score metrics look like:
Additionally, regularly clean your email list. Remove inactive subscribers and those who have opted out. This improves engagement rates and decreases the chance of being marked as spam. According to Email List Verify, regular email list hygiene can improve email deliverability by up to 20%.
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively communicate with your audience without being triggered by email filters.
Read also: How To Remove Your Email From The Spam List: A Guide
Quick Tips to Maintain Healthy Email Deliverability
Maintaining a healthy email deliverability profile is essential for ensuring your messages reach your audience’s inbox. Here are some tips that can be implemented to improve email deliverability.
- Clean your email list regularly: Remove inactive subscribers who haven’t engaged with your emails in a set period. This helps to determine subscribers who are still actively engaging with your message.
- Engage your subscribers: Only send relevant content to them. Use segmentation to tailor your messages so they’re relevant. The more they engage, the better your deliverability.
- Always get their permission: Ensure you have explicit consent to email someone. This improves engagement and is a legal requirement under the CAN-SPAM Act.
- Include an unsubscribe link: You must provide your subscribers with a means to stop receiving your emails and honor their requests promptly. This is not just good practice; it’s the law.
- Monitor your sender reputation: Use tools like Sender Score and Mx toolbox to check your sender score, which affects your email deliverability. A poor score can land you in the spam folder.
- Comply with the CAN-SPAM Act: This means no misleading headers, clear identification as an ad, and including your physical postal address in emails.
By focusing on these strategies and practices, you can improve your email deliverability, engage more effectively with your subscribers, and ensure your campaigns comply with legal requirements.
Read also: How to Comply with Email Laws and Win Customers
Conclusion
It is important to note that while you’ve crafted a compelling message, you won’t see any results if the emails ends in the spam folder. Spam trigger words can trip up even the best emails. By avoiding these red flags your message will reach its destination.
Brands that frequently send spam messages are at a higher risk of being perceived as untrustworthy, leading to their emails being flagged as scams, harming their domain reputation. Spamming also damages a brand’s email deliverability and reputation, making it increasingly difficult for your communications to reach the intended inbox.
So, if you are an email marketer looking to improve your email deliverability rate and sender reputation, ensure you steer clear of the spam words highlighted in this blog post and every other practice that can trigger spam filters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check if my email is likely to be marked as spam?
To see if your email might get marked as spam, use tools like SpamAssassin. These tools check your email’s content and tell you if it looks spammy. Ensure your subject line and email body don’t have too many spam words.
Are there exceptions where using ‘spam words’ is acceptable?
Yes, sometimes, using words that are seen as spammy is okay. If you’re talking about an actual sale or a special offer, and it’s essential for your message, then it’s okay. The key is not to overuse them so they don’t tip your spam score.
How frequently should I clean my email list?
You should clean your email list regularly, considering a three—to six-month period. This means removing people who don’t open your emails anymore. Cleaning your list helps improve your sender’s reputation and email performance, which can help your emails stay out of the spam folder.
