If you’ve noticed that your emails are being flagged as spam by Gmail, it can be a frustrating and disruptive issue. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to resolve this problem. Here’s a detailed guide to help you ensure your emails land in the inbox, not the spam folder.
1. Ensure There Are No Compromised Pages on Your Website
Compromised pages on your website can negatively impact your email reputation. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities to send spam emails from your domain, leading to your emails being flagged. To prevent this:
- Regularly scan your website for malware and vulnerabilities using security tools.
- Keep an eye on unusual activity or unauthorized changes to your site.
- Use robust security measures such as firewalls and security plugins to protect your website.
2. Update All Plugins/Themes on Your Website
Outdated plugins and themes can be a gateway for malicious attacks, which can result in your domain being blacklisted. Keeping everything up to date helps secure your site.
- Regularly check for updates and apply them promptly.
- Remove any plugins or themes that are no longer in use or are not actively maintained by their developers.
- Consider using security plugins that automatically update your plugins and themes.
3. Change All Email Passwords
Compromised email accounts can be used to send spam, damaging your sender reputation. Changing passwords regularly helps prevent unauthorized access.
- Use strong, unique passwords for each email account.
- Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for an added layer of security.
- Educate your team about phishing scams and other tactics used to compromise email accounts.
4. Update the SPF Records
Sender Policy Framework (SPF) records help prevent spammers from sending emails on behalf of your domain. Properly configured SPF records can improve your email deliverability.
- Ensure your SPF record includes all the IP addresses and domains authorized to send emails on your behalf.
- Use tools like MXToolbox to verify the correctness of your SPF record.
- Keep your SPF record updated as your email-sending sources change.
5. Update the DKIM Records
DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) helps ensure your emails are not altered during transit. It also verifies the sender’s domain, improving email authenticity.
- Generate a DKIM key for your domain and add it to your DNS records.
- Configure your email server to sign outgoing emails with the DKIM key.
- Use DKIM validation tools to ensure your DKIM setup is correct and working.
Additional Tips for Improving Email Deliverability
- Maintain a clean email list: Regularly remove inactive or invalid email addresses from your mailing list.
- Engage your audience: Send relevant and engaging content to your recipients to reduce the likelihood of your emails being marked as spam.
- Monitor your sender reputation: Use services like Google Postmaster Tools to keep track of your sender reputation and address any issues promptly.
- Provide an easy opt-out option: Make it simple for recipients to unsubscribe from your emails to avoid spam complaints.
By following these steps, you can significantly improve the chances of your emails being delivered to the inbox rather than the spam folder. Regular maintenance and proactive security measures are key to maintaining a good sender reputation and ensuring your emails reach your intended audience.
