Having a channel that lets you establish a direct connection with your audience is pivotal for the success of a WordPress site. One such channel that acts as a direct bridge between your brand and its potential customer is WordPress Email!
However, since this approach makes effective communication easy, it also increases spam concerns, which have emerged as a pressing issue. Also, this inadvertent misplacement of emails into spam causes an interruption in communication and evades trust.
In this blog, we will address the rising challenge of emails ending up in spam folders by delving into the five key reasons. Also, knowing why it’s happening lets you take proactive measures to boost email deliverability.
Without further ado, let’s dive right in!
Reason #1: Hosting Server’s IP is Flagged as Spam
Imagine you are all gearing up to inform your subscribers about exciting discounts or important updates through WordPress emails. The email you sent was compelling and personalized, but here’s the twist: it ended up in spam. You are confused about why it was flagged as spam when you followed all the protocols.
One such reason could be the reputation of your hosting server’s IP address. Internet service providers are responsible for maintaining the complex algorithm that evaluates IP addresses’ reputation.
So, whether you’re using shared hosting or dedicated hosting, if your hosting server’s IP has been linked to spammy behavior in the past, it might get flagged, causing even legitimate emails to be suspicious. Additionally, shared hosting can be problematic if other users on the same server engage in spammy practices; it could negatively impact the IP’s reputation and affect all the websites hosted on it. To avoid such issues, consider a reputable platform like Ultahost that actively monitors and disallows spammy activities.
Learn valuable insights and best practices to ensure your emails are delivered efficiently and reliably by exploring the article below.
Reason #2: Using Sensitive Keywords in the Content
Usage of words or phrases in your email content can also trigger spam filters, causing your email to be marked as spam. Spammers often use keywords with scammy or deceptive practices. These keywords can include phrases like free, guaranteed, urgent, act now, no cost, earn $, and others that imply a sense of urgency, financial gain, or unreliability.
To ensure that this issue doesn’t occur, before sending emails, don’t forget to review your content, and if it contains any such words that can be the reason to trigger spam, try to omit or modify it.
Take it as a tip: Always focus on creating original, valuable, engaging, and relevant content that aligns perfectly with subscribers’ expectations.
Reason #3: Email Spoofing
A technique that malicious individuals use to manipulate an email’s “From” field to portray it as coming from a legitimate source, when in reality it’s not, known as email spoofing.
The main purpose of this is to deceive recipients into opening emails containing phishing links, malware, or suspicious content. Suppose your WordPress emails fall victim to spoofing. In that case, recipients might receive messages appearing to originate from your domain, but in reality, they’re coming from entirely different sources that trigger spam filters.
To prevent spoofing and protect your email reputation, remember to verify the authenticity of your emails.
Discover more about safeguarding your digital identity and strengthening your cybersecurity measures with our insightful article
Reason #4: No DKIM/SPF Records
The absence of DKIM and SPF records in your email setup can impact your WordPress email deliverability and potentially make their way to spam folders. These records are crucial for email authentication, which lets email providers verify the sender’s validity and confirm that emails are not forged or altered in transit.
DKIM involves the digital signature to your emails, while SPF specifies the authorized servers allowed to send emails on behalf of your domain.
These records are necessary for your emails to have crucial validation, making it easier for spammers to impersonate your domain and send fake emails. As a result, email providers are more likely to treat your messages with suspicion and divert them to a spam folder.
Reason #5: Employing the WP_mail() PHP Function
Using the default WP_mail() PHP function to send emails can also become the reason to take your emails to spam. This built-in email functionality of WordPress doesn’t have advanced email delivery features, so users face issues with email headers and content formatting that trigger spam.
To avoid such difficulties, always opt for a third-party service like an SMTP WordPress plugin.
Tips to Prevent WordPress Emails From Being Marked as Spam
Now you know the primary reasons why your emails end up in spam folders. You will need some helpful tips to prevent such issues in the near future. So here are some valuable suggestions that you can consider to keep your emails from triggering spam filters and reaching recipients successfully.
1. Use an SMTP Plugin
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is one of the reliable ways to improve your email delivery. By configuring SMTP in WordPress, you can ensure emails are sent from a trusted source. This minimizes the chances of your email being flagged as spam.
To set up SMTP on your WordPress site, install a WordPress SMTP plugin, configure the SMTP server of your choice, and establish a secure connection.
2. Engage Your Subscribers
You can avoid spam filters at any cost by keeping your subscribers engaged. It is good to clean your list regularly to remove inactive or bounced email addresses. Most engaged subscribers open and click your emails, giving email providers the impression that your content is desired.
So, encourage your recipients to add your email address to their contact list or secure sender list that helps you to establish your credibility. Also, segment your list based on user preferences to send targeted content and reduce the likelihood of spam complaints.
3. Avoid Image-Heavy-Emails
Too many images in your emails can also take you to the spam folder. Many email providers consider heavy-image emails as suspicious and promotional. Instead, create a balanced mix of text and images. Use clarifying alt text for images so that your message still comes through even if images are blocked. Go for a responsive design that works perfectly on every device.
4. Analyze Deliverability Metrics
Ensure consistent monitoring and analyzing deliverability metrics to keep your emails from being marked spam. Pay attention to click-through, open rates, and bounce rates. A high bounce rate means damage to the sender’s reputation.
Utilize email analytics tools to track these metrics and make necessary measures. Keep spam complaints under surveillance so in case you notice any increase, you can handle it before it harms your credibility.
5. Execute Proper Email Authentication
If you prioritize security, implementing an email authentication protocol is significant. Use SPF (Sender Policy Framework), DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mails), and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) to confirm your email legitimacy.
Consider configuring these settings in your DNS records and frequently check them to maintain security and deliverability.
Final Remarks
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is one of the reliable ways to improve your email delivery. SMTP configuration in WordPress makes sure emails go through a trusted server. By doing this, you don’t have to worry about your email getting flagged as spam.
To set up SMTP on your WordPress site, install a WordPress SMTP plugin, configure the SMTP server of your choice, and establish a secure connection.
If you found these insights valuable, consider upgrading your email hosting to Ultahost for a reliable and secure email delivery service. Don’t let spam filters hinder your email marketing efforts; choose Ultahost and enhance your email deliverability today.
