If you get an Alert that you're blacklisted or see it on your dashboard, here's why and how to fix it.
Getting blacklisted can be frustrating, but it’s usually due to email practices or technical issues. Blacklists flag domains that are suspected of sending spam, and even small issues can trigger this. For example, if only 2-3 people out of 1,000 recipients mark your emails as spam, your domain could end up blacklisted.
What Is Blacklisting?
Blacklisting happens when your domain or email server is flagged by certain databases as a potential source of spam. This means your emails might not reach inboxes and could be sent directly to spam folders. Blacklists are used by email providers and spam filters to protect users from unwanted or harmful emails.
If your domain is blacklisted, it’s usually because of issues like sending emails without permission, recipients marking your emails as spam, or technical problems like improper email authentication settings.
Why Does Blacklisting Happen?
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Sending Emails Without Permission:
If you’re emailing people who didn’t sign up to receive your messages, they may mark your emails as spam. -
Poor Email Content:
Emails that aren’t relevant, useful, or engaging might be seen as spam by recipients, even if they signed up for them. -
Shared Hosting or IP Issues:
If your hosting provider shares an email server with other websites that send spam, your domain can be flagged too.
How to Fix It
Here are some steps to resolve blacklisting and prevent it from happening again:
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Check the Blacklist:
Use a tool like MXToolbox to check if your domain or IP address is on any blacklists. -
Contact the Blacklist Providers:
Most blacklist sites provide a process for removal. Reach out to them, follow their guidelines, and take the steps they recommend to fix the issue. -
Improve Your Email Practices:
- Only email people who have opted in to receive your communications.
- Make your email content relevant, valuable, and professional.
- Avoid excessive links, salesy language, or poorly formatted designs.
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Review Your Technical Settings:
- Set up proper DMARC, SPF, and DKIM email authentication protocols. These help verify that your emails are legitimate and not spoofed.
- Work with your hosting provider to check for any email server issues or shared IP problems.
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Identify Root Causes:
If blacklisting happens repeatedly, you may need to reevaluate your email marketing system. This could involve technical adjustments or ensuring you’re not unintentionally spamming.
Helpful Resources
Preventing Future Issues
To avoid blacklisting in the future, focus on building a clean email list, engaging your audience with relevant content, and optimizing your email settings for better deliverability. Addressing these areas can significantly reduce the risk of being flagged again.