What are Spam Complaints?
Spam complaints occur when recipients mark an email as unwanted or unsolicited by flagging it as
spam. This feedback is sent to the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and can severely impact your
sender reputation.
Why Do High Spam Complaints Matter?
High spam complaints can harm your email marketing efforts by lowering your
deliverability rate. When ISPs detect high spam complaints, they are more likely to divert your emails to the spam folder or block them entirely. Consistently high complaints can also lead to blacklisting, where emails from your domain are automatically flagged as spam.
How to Identify High Spam Complaints?
To identify high spam complaints, monitor your
email metrics regularly. Most Email Service Providers (ESPs) provide reports that include the number of complaints. Typically, a spam complaint rate above 0.1% (1 complaint per 1,000 emails) is considered high and should be addressed immediately.
Causes of High Spam Complaints
Best Practices to Reduce Spam Complaints
1. Obtain Explicit Consent
Ensure that all subscribers have
opted-in to receive your emails. Use a
double opt-in process where the user confirms their subscription through a follow-up email.
2. Segment Your Email List
Segment your email list based on
demographics, buying behavior, and interests. This allows you to send more targeted and relevant content, reducing the likelihood of your emails being marked as spam.
3. Maintain a Consistent Sending Schedule
Find a balance in your
email frequency. Sending too many emails can annoy subscribers, while infrequent emails can make them forget they subscribed, leading to spam complaints.
4. Provide an Easy Unsubscribe Option
Always include a clear and easy-to-find
unsubscribe link in your emails. Making it easy for users to opt-out reduces the chances of them marking your email as spam out of frustration.
5. Monitor and Clean Your Email List
Regularly clean your email list by removing
inactive subscribers and those who have not engaged with your emails over a certain period. This helps maintain a healthy list and reduces spam complaints.
6. Use a Recognizable Sender Name
Use a consistent and recognizable
sender name and email address. This builds trust and reduces the chances of your emails being marked as spam.
7. Test Your Emails
Before sending out your emails, use tools to test their
spam score. These tools can help you identify elements that might trigger spam filters, allowing you to make necessary adjustments.
What to Do If You Have High Spam Complaints?
If you notice a high spam complaint rate, take immediate action: Pause your campaigns and analyze the reasons behind the complaints.
Segment your list to identify problematic segments and address their concerns.
Review your email content and make it more
relevant to your audience.
Reach out to the ESP for advice and implement recommended changes.
Conclusion
High spam complaints can jeopardize your entire email marketing strategy. By understanding the causes and implementing best practices, you can significantly reduce spam complaints and improve your
email deliverability. Always prioritize your recipients' preferences and provide valuable content to maintain a healthy sender reputation.