Improving Email Deliverability
2024-03-05
Deliverability is the foundation of successful email outreach. If your emails land in spam, nothing else matters.
What Affects Deliverability?
- **Sender reputation** – ISPs track your sending history. Bounces, spam complaints, and low engagement hurt your reputation.
- **Content** – Certain words and formats trigger spam filters. Avoid ALL CAPS, excessive links, and spammy language.
- **Technical setup** – SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records help prove you're a legitimate sender.
Practical Tips
- **Warm up new domains** – Start with low volume and gradually increase. Don't send thousands of emails on day one.
- **Use suppression lists** – Remove bounces and unsubscribes immediately. Never re-email them.
- **Segment your list** – Send relevant content to engaged contacts. Inactive contacts can hurt your reputation.
- **Monitor metrics** – Track bounce rate, complaint rate, and engagement. Act quickly when something drops.
- **Authenticate** – Set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. Many tools, including Mailwise, can help you verify your setup.
The Bottom Line
Deliverability is ongoing work. Focus on list hygiene, relevant content, and proper technical configuration. Your future self will thank you.