Crafting engaging marketing emails is critical to driving results, but SPAM trigger words can send your messages straight to the SPAM folder, unseen by your audience. This guide aims to help you spot and avoid spam trigger words in your email content, ensuring your emails reach their intended recipients and make a lasting impact.
What exactly is a SPAM word?
Within the context of marketing emails, a SPAM word is a word or phrase that is overly promotional, creates unnecessary urgency, or relates to sensitive topics, leading email filters to mark these messages as SPAM. It's a fine line between engaging marketing language and potential SPAM triggers, but understanding this balance is key to successful email delivery.
Where can SPAM words appear in an email?
SPAM words can lurk in various parts of your email, from the subject line to the footer. Here’s a quick checklist:
- The subject line.
- The body of the email.
- Header information.
- Hyperlinks and their anchor text.
- Alt text for images.
- The email footer and signature.
- The HTML and CSS code of the email.
- Names of attachments or content within them.
What are the categories of SPAM trigger words?
Knowing which words are likely to trigger SPAM filters can help you craft smarter, more effective marketing emails. These words fall into several categories:
1. Financial Incentives: Words related to financial transactions or benefits, like "Earn," "Discount," and "Investment."
2. Urgency and Scarcity: Phrases designed to create a sense of urgency or limited availability, such as "Limited offer," "Act now," and "Urgent."
3. Promotions and Offers: Heavily promotional words, including "Free," "Deal," and "Special promotion."
4. Calls to Action: Direct requests for reader engagement, for instance, "Click here," "Download now," and "Subscribe."
5. Over-the-top Claims: Words promising extraordinary results, like "Miracle," "Incredible," and "Life-changing."
6. Potentially Unethical: Phrases that could be considered unethical or sketchy, including "Hidden charges," "Offshore," and "Casino."
You can use any of the spam checker tools available online like this one.
How should you communicate instead?
Crafting marketing emails that avoid SPAM triggers while still engaging your audience is an art. The secret lies in providing value through your communication. Teasing enough information to spark curiosity, asking thought-provoking questions, and using a conversational tone to draw your audience in are best practices for writing an effective email.
Additional Tips:
Along with the content writing precautions, you should keep the following in mind:
- Send content relevant to your target audience
- Send emails through a verified email address (We do that with DKIM verification)
- Send emails in accordance with local privacy regulations: GDPR, CAN-SPAM, CCPA, CASL
Conclusion:
Effective email marketing requires careful navigation of SPAM filters. By understanding and avoiding common SPAM trigger words, you can ensure your marketing emails are delivered and have the intended impact. Remember, the aim is to communicate value genuinely and engagingly, allowing you to connect with your audience meaningfully.