
There are a few (very practical, common sense) things that you can do to avoid spam filters. Many of these steps you may have seen or heard before…and there’s a good reason why they are often repeated...because they work! Everyone hates Spam and it’s our job to help get your mail delivered, so here's some advice from our experts @ officeVP.
1. Use clear headers and unique subject titles:
Your messages are less likely to end up in a spam folder if you use clear headers that are not deceptive. Keep your subject line short, concise and succinct with the purpose of your message. After all you have a great product, service or cause, and there’s no need to be ambiguous about it. If you’d like some guidance on creating powerful subject lines, connect with us for recommendations tailored to your campaign.
2. Include a physical mailing address and an unsubscribe link:
It’s the LAW! To avoid being labeled as a spammer, it is important that you include a physical mailing address, and an unsubscribe link in each message. The unsubscribe link must work for thirty days, and you should remove recipients from your mailing list within ten business days. When you use the officeVP system, each message is compliant and if a contact unsubscribes, they are automatically removed from your active email status.
3. Avoid generic sales terms:
Spam filters are more likely to divert your emails if they contain generic sales terms. These terms are popular, so you may find it a challenge to avoid them, however when you take the time to find alternative terms, you’ll be ensuring a better opportunity for your message to get through. What are some of these words? advertisement, cash, cheap, congratulations, credit, deal, debt, degree, disclaimer, free, guarantee, income, investment, marketing, opportunity, offer, profit, promotion, rich, risk-free, sales, save, spam, subscribe, trade, and winner. These terms are more likely to trigger a spam alert when it’s a first time recipient. Creating a list of alternative terms can be fun and informative. If you’d like to strategize with us on finding alternative terms, please connect with us for a consultation.
4. Use a simple format and include fewer graphics:
Avoid creating email messages that read like brochures. Aside from leaving out sales lingo and generic terminology, you should also avoid using multiple fonts, large fonts, and lots of background color. Spam filters assume that any message that includes several small images is pornographic or adult content. Graphics do not add merit to your email content; in fact, they hurt your merit. Your email is much more likely to end up in the inbox if it is modeled like a business memo or an interoffice email. Use one font, one size, and one color, and put your time and energy into developing effective content rather than classic advertisements. officeVP templates are created to help get your messages delivered. We can help you format a great campaign
5. Limit the use of URL links:
Most spammers use several URL links sprinkled throughout their emails so that readers are more likely to click on at least one of them. For this reason, spam filters are suspicious of messages that contain a lot of URL links. Rather than including multiple links in your emails, establish the “next step” as a return email, and if you want the recipient to follow a link, include a single, prominent URL that does not seem dubious or deceptive. We have a special tip to help you guide your readers to the links you want them to visit , yet avoid loading your campaign up with URLs.
6. Provide good content:
Content is King. Always was…always will be. Including content that is reflective of your reader’s interests and attention span will always be a key element of a successful campaign. There is no point in getting your email into reader’s inboxes if your content is suspicious or irrelevant. Your email should effectively communicate your content to the recipient in a way that is refreshing and engaging. We have talented editors to help you express your ideas. Connect with us for help creating or editing your content.
7. Consider coordinating your campaign with your blog:
Take an example from us. You probably reached this page from a link in our newsletter. There was only one link directing the recipient to all of the information we want to share with our audience. In other words, don’t try to put everything in your newsletter or campaign. Include the most important points like a commercial …and then direct the reader to your blog where you can put on an entire show! We can help you hook up a great blog to your campaign. Appreciate multiple benefits when you tie your email campaign to a blog, including adding fresh new content to your Website.
In summary: You may think …”If I follow all these rules I’ll end up a with a bland newsletter or campaign that no one wants to open or read!”…
We say, not so at all.
Keep in mind that with the officeVP platform you have tools to attract your audience like video and audio email! You can create highly deliverable messages and stay below the SPAM METERS!
We say….You concentrate on your content and your call-to-action…we’ll help you along the way!
Connect with me for consultation!