Avoiding The Spam Filter - Email Marketing Best Practices

This week on the 2nd Act Entrepreneur show we dive into 5 ways to avoid the spam filter with your email marketing.

Some are based on tech and some are simple tweaks you can make to your email marketing practice that will ensure you get more eyeballs on your emails.

Be sure to stay tuned until the end because you won't want to miss the bonus tip toward the end of the episode.

Consistently showing up in the inbox is a great way to build rapport with your new email subscribers.  But did you know that it is also a GREAT way to ensure you stay out of the SPAM filter too?

More on that in the episode.

One of your first opportunities to practice consistency is with your welcome email series. 

This simple series ensures that you show up in the inbox of a new subscriber 5-7 times.

Yet that pesky sequence can sometimes feel overwhelming to create.

You're not alone if you feel that way.

I've met so many entrepreneurs who struggle with creating a powerful welcome sequence.

If you have blank screen syndrome, struggle with what to include, and rush through sales phrasing just to put something out into the inbox.

Fear not, help is on the way!

Download your free copy of the Welcome Sequence Guide and get the step-by-step system to write a compelling email sequence that not only gets emails opened but also builds rapport and trust which will lead you to the sale and out of the SPAM folder.

Download your free copy here.

All of the tips at the beginning of this week's episode are tech-focused. 

But fear not if you don't like the tech pieces of email marketing.

Each of these tips can be implemented or changed by you OR you will know what to ask for when you meet up with your website/email tech person.

1. Ensure that you are training your subscribers to find and look for your emails. 

This starts with your thank you page.  You will find some great tips on what to include during the episode. This step starts before you hit the inbox, so be sure to tune in.

2. Ensure that your email domain has met all the spam prevention criteria. 

Including setting up your website URL with SSL and also having your DMARC and other spam requirements set up as DS records with your website host.  If all of those acronyms through you off, don't worry.  You can use this tool to spit out a report for your website, email, and more so that you can show your tech guru what needs to be done.  Don't have a tech person, schedule a free call, and let's see if we are a good match.

3. Get permission and track that you have.

Adding people to your email list or buying email lists is not only horrible for your email marketing reputation it can get you in some hot water legally.  Be sure to follow all the email marketing guidelines like GDPR and CAN-SPAM for your country and state.  A great rule of thumb is don't add anyone to your list unless they have explicitly said it's okay to do so.

The other tool I mention in the episode helps you analyze the health of your list.  You can sign up for a free account with Emailable to do that here.

4. Avoid writing spammy headlines and headlines that include SPAM triggers.

Headlines can be tricky.  Other marketers have ruined some of the best phrases and symbols and now if you use those words or symbols, bummer you will get sent straight to SPAM, junk, or even the trash bin.  Need some help deciphering which words to avoid?  No problem, download this free guide and get 350 words to avoid in your headlines and copy.

5. Use an email service provider that is well-known and has a good reputation.

Not all email service providers are built the same.  My two favorites are Convertkit and ActiveCampaign.  They have excellent functionality and deliverability.  I recently looked at another provider and when I started to review their email deliverability it wasn't good.  It caused me to not switch to them for my email and other needs.  The short way to find out if an email service provider has a good reputation is to Google their reputation and reviews.

Don't forget to tune into the entire show to hear the bonus tip.

Comment with your favorite tip or even one I missed below.

Until next week,

Stay well and take care!
~Alisa