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What to do if Mailchimp emails are going to spam?

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  • 5 min read

Using email as a marketing tool is a great way for businesses to reach their audience, and Mailchimp is a widely used platform that makes the process smoother. Yet, a common problem users encounter is that their emails end up in the recipient’s spam folders. This issue can have a notable impact on the success of your email campaigns.

This article discusses why Mailchip emails are going to spam and how to prevent your email campaigns from going to spam.

Also read: How to know if someone blocked your email?


Why are Mailchimp emails ending up in spam?

If you have noticed that your Mailchimp emails are consistently going to the recipient’s spam folders, there are several potential reasons behind this issue.

Incorrect SPF/DKIM records setup

Mailchimp emails get flagged as spam because of the incorrect setup of Sender Policy Framework (SPF) and DomainKey Identified Mail (DKIM) records. In simple terms, SPF helps identify authorised IP addresses for sending emails on a domain’s behalf, while DKIM provides a digital signature, ensuring the email’s integrity.

Setting up these authentication techniques correctly is crucial. Failure to do so might result in your emails not going through the proper server, ultimately marking them as spam.


Poor domain reputation

Just as individuals build reputations, domains too have reputations when it comes to email deliverability. Your domain’s reputation is a critical factor affecting email deliverability. Factors such as spam complaint rates, bounce rates, spam traps, and engagement contribute to your domain’s credibility.


Low email marketing engagement

Crafting great content and sending it off doesn’t end your responsibility. It’s essential to keep an eye on how your audience interacts with your emails. If your emails are consistently ignored, it signals to Email Service Providers (ESPs) that your content isn’t valuable, increasing the likelihood of being flagged as spam.


Grammar and spelling mistakes

If your emails have many grammar and spelling mistakes, they might be in the spam folder. Scammers often ignore these errors, so if your email has similar issues, it could be flagged as spam. To make your emails look more professional, avoid using flashy colours, too many symbols, and poorly written content.


Usage of Spam trigger words

If your email content includes spam trigger words such as Act Now, Call Now, or Guaranteed, spam filters may quickly divert your messages away from the inbox. To avoid your emails being labelled as spam, avoid using such trigger words in both the subject line and body of your emails.

Also read: Is the Shop app safe?


10 things to do if Mailchimp emails are going to spam

Now that we have identified potential issues, let’s explore actionable steps to enhance the deliverability of your Mailchimp emails:

Check campaign content

Follow Mailchimp’s anti-spam guidelines meticulously to prevent your emails from being flagged as spam. Ensure your email body aligns with best HTML practices to minimise warnings from various email services.


Recheck SPF/DKIM records

Regularly log in to Mailchimp to check and verify your Sender Policy Framework (SPF) and DomainKey Identified Mail (DKIM) records. Users sometimes modify their DNS settings, affecting these records, so a periodic double-check is essential.


Check spam databases

Manually inspect spam databases to identify any warnings associated with your IP address and URL. This proactive approach can help fix Mailchimp emails going to spam and boost your overall sales.


Conduct subscriber outreach

Re-engage with your subscribers regularly, especially if your mailing list isn’t used frequently. Remind them to check their spam folders for marketing emails and encourage them to mark your messages as not spam. Share industry trends and inspiring stories, or use email outreach templates to engage your audience.


Get permission

Don’t assume permission to send promotional emails, even to existing customers or acquaintances. Ask the users to accept emails by adding a sign-up form on your website or allowing customers to subscribe when making a purchase on your E-commerce platform.


Maintain a healthy audience

Improve the deliverability of your Mailchimp campaigns by keeping a healthy audience, those with good email subscription practices. Regularly review and clean up your subscriber list, removing inactive or erroneously added email addresses.


Implement double opt-in

Opt for a double opt-in list (DOI), where users confirm their subscription through a link sent to their email. Although this may result in a smaller email list, it significantly improves the chances of your future emails landing in your subscriber’s inboxes.


Test email score

Before sending out Mailchimp campaigns, check the potential spam-related keywords and other things in your emails using a free online spam checker. Aim for a high score by addressing any issues highlighted in your content, links, resources, or subject lines.


Use Merge tags

Leverage merge tags in Mailchimp to provide additional information about subscribers, enhancing personalisation. Use as many merge tags as needed for a more customised and relevant email experience.


Consider brand consistency

Treat your marketing campaigns as a brand extension to reinforce familiarity. Consistency in design, graphics, and content can positively impact your domain’s acceptance factor, reducing the chances of your emails being marked as spam.

Also read: How to stop spam emails?

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Akash Singh

Akash is a law graduate who likes to go for bike rides on the weekends soul-searching for answers to his many existential questions. You can contact him here: singhakash95@pm.me

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