Want to keep your emails out of spam folders? Avoiding certain words can make all the difference. Spam filters flag emails that use language associated with scams, urgency, or exaggerated claims. Here's what you need to know:
Quick tip: Pair thoughtful word choices with strong email infrastructure (e.g., dedicated IPs, pre-warmed domains) to improve your chances of landing in inboxes.
Ready to learn which words to avoid and why? Let’s dive in.
Spam filters are designed to catch emails that exhibit patterns commonly associated with spam. These systems evaluate your email's language, structure, and technical setup to decide whether it belongs in the inbox or the spam folder. Both the content of your email and how it's technically configured play a role in this decision.
Certain words and phrases can raise red flags. For example, terms like "act now", "urgent", or "limited time" create a sense of pressure and are often used in scams. Similarly, exaggerated promises, such as "double your income" or bold guarantees, are rarely made by trustworthy businesses and can trigger spam filters.
Formatting matters too. Overusing uppercase letters, excessive exclamation points, or heavy punctuation can make your email look aggressive and unprofessional, which spam filters are quick to flag.
Technical issues and poor engagement metrics also hurt your chances. For instance, mismatched link text and URLs, sending emails from generic domains, or using free email addresses like Gmail or Yahoo instead of a proper business domain can damage your sender reputation. On top of that, if recipients frequently ignore or delete your emails, Internet Service Providers may interpret this as a sign that your content is unwanted.
"When someone marks your newsletter as spam, it can have disastrous consequences for your email reputation and ability to reach your subscribers' inboxes." - AI bees
Other pitfalls include relying too heavily on images, especially single large images without accompanying text. While visually appealing, this approach can make your email look suspicious to spam filters. According to data, about 80% of legitimate emails successfully reach inboxes, leaving a significant margin for improvement.
Understanding these triggers is essential for better email deliverability. Spam filters don’t just look at individual words - they assess the overall tone, structure, and intent of your message. If you're involved in cold email outreach, combining thoughtful content strategies with reliable email infrastructure - like the solutions provided by Infraforge (https://infraforge.ai) - can help ensure your emails land where they’re supposed to.
The word "free" is one of the most infamous triggers for spam filters in email marketing. While it can grab attention, using it carelessly may jeopardize your email's deliverability.
Spam filters are wary of "free" because it's frequently tied to scams, gimmicks, and exaggerated promises. Think of phrases like "free gift" or "free money" - these often set off alarm bells for both spam filters and recipients. As the saying goes, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is". Including "free" in subject lines significantly increases the likelihood of emails being flagged as spam.
Roughly 20% of emails are intercepted by spam filters, and "free" is a known culprit in raising that percentage. Adding to the challenge, 69% of email recipients judge an email as spam based solely on its subject line. However, it’s not all bad news - research shows that using "free" in subject lines can sometimes boost open rates by 10%. This demonstrates how modern spam filters weigh multiple factors, not just individual words.
"There's so much more that goes into it than just the words you use. It's important not to overuse spammy words, of course, but what really matters is that your subscribers want to receive the emails you're sending. That they're actively engaging with your content. If an ISP sees that nobody's interacting with your emails, they're going to say, 'Nobody wants this. Must be spam.'" - Carin Slater, Manager of Lifecycle Email Marketing at Litmus
This quote underscores the importance of balancing your word choices with meaningful, engaging content.
"Free" often appears in emails alongside exaggerated or misleading promises - something legitimate businesses tend to avoid. When overused or paired with other trigger words, it signals potential deception to spam filters.
To avoid pitfalls, consider alternatives like "exclusive", "limited", or "alert". Research also highlights effective subject line keywords such as "upgrade", "just", "content", "go", and "wonderful". The key is to use "free" sparingly, focusing on delivering genuine value rather than hard sales.
For cold outreach, combining thoughtful language with tools like Infraforge (https://infraforge.ai) can help ensure better deliverability. A mix of precise wording and solid email infrastructure can make all the difference in your campaign's success.
The phrase "Act Now" might seem like a harmless call-to-action, but for U.S. spam filters, it’s a major red flag. Emails containing this phrase often end up in junk folders, even when sent by legitimate marketers. This can seriously impact your email deliverability and the effectiveness of your outreach.
Over time, "Act Now" has become closely associated with spam emails. Spammers frequently use it to create a false sense of urgency, bombarding recipients with unsolicited messages they never asked for. As a result, this phrase has earned a bad reputation, making it a top target for spam filters.
Spam filters are designed to catch overly aggressive or "spammy" language, and "Act Now" is a common offender. Even if your email is legitimate, using this phrase - especially alongside inconsistent formatting or when targeting inactive email addresses - can set off alarm bells for these filters. The phrase suggests a push for immediate action, often at the expense of providing real value, which is why it’s flagged so often.
One of the biggest issues with "Act Now" is its tone. It can come across as manipulative, prioritizing quick conversions over genuine engagement. This is particularly problematic in cold outreach campaigns, where trust and credibility are key.
If you're using advanced tools like Infraforge's dedicated IPs and pre-warmed domains, you already have a solid technical foundation to avoid spam filters. But even the best infrastructure can’t compensate for poor word choices. Careful language is just as important as a robust technical setup when it comes to ensuring your emails land in your recipient’s inbox.
Instead of relying on "Act Now", consider using alternative phrases that still convey urgency but without the aggressive undertone. Here are some examples:
| Spam Triggers to Avoid | Alternative Phrases |
|---|---|
| Act now | Take action today, Act today |
| Act now to secure | Reserve your spot, Secure your place, Claim your offer |
These alternatives strike a balance - they encourage timely action but in a way that feels respectful and less pushy. For example, using phrases like "explore options" can nudge recipients to engage without making them feel pressured. By focusing on clear, considerate language, you can maintain trust while still driving results.
The phrase "Limited Time" might seem harmless, but it’s one of the riskiest terms you can use in email campaigns. In the U.S., spam filters often associate it with pushy sales tactics and misleading marketing, which can seriously impact your email deliverability.
Spammers love "limited time" because it creates a sense of urgency, pressuring recipients to act quickly without thinking things through. This tactic has been overused to such an extent that spam filters now treat it as a warning sign, even if your offer is legitimate. The phrase’s reputation for being part of manipulative strategies makes it a frequent target for filtering.
Urgency-driven language, especially when paired with other high-risk words, is a major trigger for spam filters. Marketing expert Kristen McCormick provides a useful comparison:
Less likely to be flagged: "I'd love to get you scheduled for a free estimate"
More likely to be flagged: "Book your FREE estimate NOW!"
This shows how subtle differences in tone and word choice can make a big impact on whether your email lands in an inbox or a spam folder.
One of the biggest downsides to using "limited time" is how it can come across as manipulative or overly aggressive. This is especially problematic in B2B communications, where decisions often involve multiple stakeholders and require careful consideration. Using language that feels rushed or pushy can make your business seem unprofessional or even desperate. Even with strong email infrastructure, like Infraforge’s dedicated IPs, relying on such language can damage your credibility.
Another reason "limited time" is so problematic is that it’s often used in offers without real deadlines. Recipients have become wary of these claims because they’ve seen "limited time" deals that either never end or keep reappearing. To maintain trust and avoid spam filters, it’s better to use clear, transparent language. For example, instead of "limited time", you could say "available this month" or "while supplies last" if there’s a genuine time constraint. The key is to avoid artificial pressure and be honest about your timeline.
The phrase "Buy Now" might seem like a straightforward call-to-action, but it's a risky choice that can land your emails in the spam folder. Many U.S. spam filters flag this phrase because it's widely associated with unsolicited promotions, even when used by legitimate businesses. In fact, using "Buy Now" has been linked to higher spam rates, with nearly one in five emails being caught by filters.
Email providers actively scan for terms like "Buy Now", and spotting them can lower your deliverability score. While technical solutions such as Infraforge's dedicated IPs and pre-warmed domains can help, your email's content plays a crucial role in avoiding these pitfalls. Beyond technical concerns, phrases like "Buy Now" often create a sense of artificial urgency that doesn't sit well with readers.
Although urgency can sometimes work wonders - one experiment showed a 147% increase in conversions when urgency was used effectively - phrases like "Buy Now" often feel manipulative and can backfire. Experts caution against overusing urgency, as it can weaken your overall message and erode trust.
Instead of pressuring readers with "Buy Now", consider using alternatives that focus on value and engagement. Phrases like "Learn More", "Get Started", or "See How It Works" are more inviting and less likely to trigger spam filters.
"Congratulations" might sound warm and inviting, but it’s a red flag for many email filters. Why? Scammers have overused it in fake prize announcements and lottery schemes, making it a term that spam filters often associate with deceitful intentions.
Spam filters don’t just flag "Congratulations" randomly - it’s all about patterns. Scammers frequently use phrases like, "Congratulations! You've won a huge prize!" in their emails, which makes filters wary of this term. Over time, this association has made "Congratulations" a common signal for shady or overly promotional content.
Using "Congratulations" in your emails can increase the chances of them being scrutinized or even blocked. Spam filters analyze both the words you use and the context of your message. Because "Congratulations" is so often tied to exaggerated or misleading claims, it’s a risky choice.
Even if your email makes it past the filters, using "Congratulations" could still raise doubts among recipients. Its overuse in scams has conditioned people to approach such messages with suspicion. Andrew Lee Jenkins, owner of Vizteck Solutions, shared how his team tackled this issue. By replacing "Congratulations, you've won!" with more neutral phrasing, they saw a noticeable improvement in email deliverability.
"To improve deliverability, I revised the language to be more straightforward and less promotional, like 'Exciting news about your account' or 'Here's a special offer just for you.'"
– Andrew Lee Jenkins
Vizteck Solutions shifted from "Congratulations, you've won!" to "Exciting news for you!" and saw better results.
Instead of risking deliverability with "Congratulations", try phrases like:
These options help keep your message genuine while avoiding unnecessary scrutiny. Choosing words that accurately reflect your message not only improves your chances of landing in the inbox but also builds trust with your audience. Even with strong email infrastructure, the right wording can make all the difference.
"Click Here" might seem like a simple call-to-action, but it’s actually one of the riskiest phrases you can use in email marketing. Overused by spammers, it has become a red flag for email filters.
Spammers often use "Click Here" alongside deceptive tactics to hide the actual destination of their links. Email filters are designed to detect this kind of behavior, making the phrase a common trigger for spam detection.
Modern email filters recognize "Click Here" as a signal for low-quality or potentially harmful content. Including this phrase in your email increases the chances of it landing in the spam folder. To avoid this, it’s better to craft CTAs that highlight specific benefits. Not only does this improve clarity, but it also helps bypass spam filters.
Beyond technical issues, "Click Here" can create a poor experience for readers. Nicole Wagner, Internet Marketing Lead at Stevens & Tate Marketing, explains:
"CTAs can be as simple as 'click here' and 'download now,' but can have an infinitely more powerful meaning by adding a few simple words and giving the reader the benefit of what they are getting from the offer."
Generic CTAs like this can make your message feel uninspired or even manipulative. Instead of encouraging genuine interest, they often come across as pushy or vague.
To engage your audience effectively, use descriptive CTAs that clearly communicate value. Phrases like "Learn More" or "View Details" perform better because they provide context and invite action. You can also try options like "Try it for free" or "Contact us for more information" to add a sense of purpose while staying clear of spam filters. By focusing on specific benefits, you’ll not only improve engagement but also enhance the overall effectiveness of your email campaigns.
Using the phrase "Earn Money" in cold email campaigns can be a risky move. It's a term often linked to scammy schemes, which can tarnish your email's credibility and hurt deliverability.
The phrase "Earn Money" has been heavily abused by scammers promoting pyramid schemes or fake investment opportunities. Over time, it has become a hallmark of spam emails. Because of this, even legitimate businesses that use this phrase may find their emails flagged as suspicious by spam filters designed to weed out scam-like content.
Modern spam filters are highly sophisticated, analyzing various factors to determine whether an email is legitimate or unwanted. Words like "Earn Money" are often seen as red flags. Including this phrase in your email can significantly increase the chances of it being filtered out, which means fewer people will see your message. This makes it critical to choose your wording carefully to avoid triggering these filters.
Beyond spam filters, the phrase "Earn Money" can come across as manipulative or overly promotional. It often implies guaranteed financial outcomes, which can erode trust and harm your credibility. Misleading claims not only damage your sender reputation but also reduce engagement with your audience. Using language that overpromises can undermine trust, making it harder to build meaningful connections with your readers.
Instead of relying on phrases like "Earn Money", focus on creating content that provides real value. Whether you're offering insights, educational content, or entertainment, your messaging should prioritize clarity and honesty. Highlight tangible benefits of your product or service without making exaggerated claims.
For those looking to improve email deliverability and maintain a strong sender reputation, platforms like Infraforge offer advanced tools to ensure your emails reach their intended audience. By combining thoughtful messaging with reliable email infrastructure, you can enhance both trust and engagement.
The term "Risk-Free" might sound comforting, but it has become one of the most problematic phrases in cold outreach. Over time, scammers and shady marketers have overused it to promote dubious deals and "free" offers, making it a red flag for many recipients.
Spam filters in the U.S. are particularly sensitive to words like "Risk-Free". Email providers often flag such language as a sign of unsolicited or unwanted messages. This not only increases the chances of your email being filtered out but can also cast doubt on the credibility of your promises.
Beyond spam filters, "Risk-Free" can come across as an exaggerated or misleading guarantee. Instead of inspiring confidence, it often prompts skepticism and makes recipients question the authenticity of your offer.
To avoid these pitfalls, focus on clear and transparent language. Replace "Risk-Free" with alternatives that build trust and provide clarity, such as "30-day money-back guarantee", "cancel anytime", or "no long-term commitment required." These phrases reassure recipients without triggering spam filters or raising doubts.
Infraforge provides advanced private email infrastructure designed to help your emails land in inboxes while maintaining a strong sender reputation.
The phrase "100% Free" is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to triggering spam filters in email marketing. While it might seem like an enticing way to grab attention, this phrase has become heavily associated with scams and misleading offers. Its misuse mirrors the over-the-top claims that often lead to trust issues with recipients.
Over time, scammers and unethical marketers have overused "100% Free" to promote deceptive deals and false promises. This repeated misuse has trained spam filters to recognize the phrase as a warning sign. As a result, even legitimate businesses using it in good faith often find their emails flagged as spam.
Spam filters, which analyze billions of emails daily, rely on machine learning to detect patterns. Phrases like "100% Free" are flagged instantly due to their strong association with misleading content. In fact, nearly 20% of emails end up in spam folders because of these triggers.
Beyond technical issues, "100% Free" raises skepticism among recipients. People have grown wary of absolute claims, especially when paired with overly promotional language. Instead, focus on terms that feel more genuine. For example:
These alternatives emphasize value without sounding exaggerated. Use "free" only when it fits naturally within the context and is backed by clear, honest details. Also, avoid piling on multiple trigger words in subject lines, as this can amplify the chances of being flagged.
To ensure your emails land in inboxes, it’s crucial to have a robust email infrastructure in place. Services like Infraforge provide tools to maintain a strong sender reputation, giving your emails a better chance of bypassing spam filters. Coupled with value-driven, personalized content, this approach helps establish genuine connections with your audience while reducing the risk of being marked as spam.
The phrase "Order Now" has earned a bad reputation among email platforms in the United States, often acting as a red flag for spam filters. While it might seem like a simple and direct call-to-action, its overuse and misuse in spam emails have made it problematic for email outreach efforts. Let’s break down why this phrase can hurt your email campaigns and explore better alternatives.
Over the years, scammers have abused "Order Now" to create a false sense of urgency, often misleading recipients into clicking on dubious offers. Because of this, spam filters are now trained to flag this phrase as a potential threat. It’s commonly associated with emails promoting questionable products or services, which has further tarnished its reputation.
Email systems in the U.S. are particularly sensitive to promotional trigger words like "Order Now." Research indicates that emails containing three or more such words are 67% more likely to end up in spam folders. Even a single trigger word, like "Order Now", can significantly harm your email’s deliverability, especially when paired with other promotional language.
The commanding tone of "Order Now" can feel pushy, especially in cold outreach emails where the recipient doesn’t have an established connection with your brand. This kind of urgency often comes across as manipulative, which can damage trust. On the other hand, genuine urgency - when tied to a real, time-sensitive opportunity - has been shown to improve open rates by up to 22%. The key is ensuring the urgency feels authentic, not forced.
Instead of defaulting to "Order Now", consider softer, more engaging alternatives. Phrases like "Shop our collection", "Explore options", or "Get started today" sound less aggressive and more inviting. If you need to emphasize urgency, try options like "Reserve your spot" or "Secure your discount", especially when the offer is genuinely time-sensitive.
It’s worth noting that some platforms, like UberEats, can effectively use "Order Now" in their communications because their users expect transactional language in that context. However, this approach doesn’t translate well to cold outreach, where recipients are less familiar with your brand.
To improve email deliverability while keeping your calls-to-action effective, focus on building trust. Using platforms like Infraforge can help you maintain a strong sender reputation through features like dedicated IPs and advanced email infrastructure. Combining a thoughtful call-to-action with consistent sender practices and valuable content ensures your emails land in the inbox and resonate with your audience.
The phrase "No Cost" might seem harmless at first glance, but it’s actually one of the riskiest terms you can use in email outreach. This phrase has become a glaring red flag for spam filters, and understanding why can save your campaigns from being banished to the spam folder.
Scammers love using "No Cost" because it’s enticing and sounds almost too good to pass up. Unfortunately, this phrase is often tied to fraudulent schemes aimed at exploiting people’s desire to save money. These scams might promise fake rewards, sweepstakes, or investment opportunities, all designed to lure recipients into sharing personal information or falling for deceptive offers. This tactic, known as social engineering, preys on human emotions to provoke impulsive actions.
Thanks to its widespread misuse, email platforms have become highly effective at flagging "No Cost" as a spam trigger. With nearly half of all emails being classified as spam, filters are now fine-tuned to catch promotional buzzwords like this one. The situation gets worse if you combine "No Cost" with other spammy elements, such as excessive exclamation marks or all-caps text. These patterns can significantly increase your email’s spam score and reduce its chances of reaching the inbox.
Another reason to avoid "No Cost" is its association with manipulative tactics. Because scammers have overused this phrase, email platforms often view it as a sign of urgency designed to mislead recipients. Even if your offer is legitimate, "No Cost" can make your email seem desperate or untrustworthy. Recipients may associate it with scams, which can harm your credibility.
Additionally, the phrase is often paired with exaggerated or misleading claims that trick people into revealing sensitive information or making fraudulent payments. This baggage makes it harder for legitimate businesses to use the term effectively.
Instead of "No Cost", try using alternatives like "complimentary", "included at no additional charge", or simply "free" in a way that feels natural. Highlighting the real value of your offer builds trust and helps your email stand out. For cold outreach, investing in tools like Infraforge’s dedicated IPs and pre-warmed domains can also boost your email deliverability. By choosing your words carefully and steering clear of overused terms like "No Cost", you can protect your reputation and ensure your message resonates with your audience.
Using the word "Urgent" in your emails might seem like a straightforward way to grab attention, but it’s often a one-way ticket to the spam folder. Across the United States, this term has become a major red flag for email filters. Understanding why can help you avoid common pitfalls and improve your email deliverability.
Spam filters are designed to catch manipulative tactics, and "Urgent" is a frequent offender. Spammers use it to create unnecessary pressure and push recipients into quick decisions, which often leads to phishing scams or other fraudulent activity. Because of this, email algorithms are primed to flag messages containing this word, especially in subject lines or body text.
Modern email platforms use advanced algorithms to detect aggressive language and exaggerated claims. Words like "Urgent" are often associated with unrealistic offers or scare tactics, making them a target for these filters. For legitimate email campaigns, this means your message could be flagged as spam simply because of a poor word choice.
Beyond spam filters, the word "Urgent" can also backfire with your audience. Many recipients have grown wary of emails that use this term, associating it with manipulative or spammy content. Instead of creating a sense of importance, it can lead to skepticism and even distrust.
To avoid these issues, think about alternative ways to convey importance without triggering filters or alienating your audience. Subtle and genuine language works far better. For example, phrases like "Important update" or "Don't miss out" maintain clarity while avoiding the pitfalls of "Urgent".
| Industry | Instead of "Urgent" | Try This Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| E-commerce | "URGENT: Buy now and save 50% off" | "Our best personalized offers are waiting for you" |
| Events | "URGENT: Confirm your participation now" | "Join us for an exclusive event this month" |
| SaaS/Tech | "URGENT: Try our solution free for 30 days" | "How to optimize your productivity with our new platform" |
Crafting better language is just one piece of the puzzle. To ensure your emails actually reach inboxes, consider pairing these adjustments with reliable email infrastructure. Services like Infraforge offer dedicated IPs and pre-warmed domains, which improve deliverability and help your well-crafted messages shine. By combining thoughtful word choices with robust technical support, you can avoid spam filters and build trust with your audience.
The word "Winner" is often flagged by U.S. spam filters due to its strong association with lottery scams and fake prize notifications. This can lead to your emails being automatically filtered out, even if they’re legitimate.
Spammers frequently exploit the word "Winner" to create false promises of big rewards. Subject lines like "You're a Winner!" or "Congratulations, Winner!" are common in scams and deceptive promotions. These tactics not only raise red flags for spam filters but also make readers wary. Research on trigger words in cold outreach shows that terms like this are often the first to draw suspicion.
Email providers have trained their algorithms to treat "Winner" as a risky word. It often implies urgency or exaggerated claims, which are hallmarks of spam. Spam filters are programmed to flag terms tied to scams, free gifts, and gimmicks, and "Winner" checks multiple boxes. Since nearly half (47%) of recipients decide to open an email based solely on the subject line, using this word can hurt your chances of engagement.
Using "Winner" without proper context can instantly cast doubt on your email's authenticity. To avoid this, consider alternatives like "You're invited" or "Just for you", which maintain a friendly tone without raising suspicion. Always run spam checks on your emails and be cautious with words that might be misinterpreted as spammy. Even if your email is about a real contest or promotion, the term "Winner" can derail your efforts by keeping your message from reaching its audience.
For businesses focused on improving email deliverability, word choice is just one piece of the puzzle. Pairing clear, honest language with reliable email infrastructure is essential. Tools like Infraforge, which offer dedicated IPs and pre-warmed domains, can help legitimate emails bypass spam filters. By combining thoughtful messaging with advanced tools, you can ensure your emails land in the inbox, not the spam folder.
The phrase "Money Back" often triggers the same concerns as terms like "Free" and "Limited Time." U.S. spam filters frequently flag it because it's commonly associated with exaggerated claims or aggressive marketing tactics. Scammers have long used it in misleading promotions, offering unrealistic refunds or fake guarantees. As a result, even legitimate emails using this phrase can be flagged as risky promotional content, making it a challenge for marketers to get their messages through.
While a money-back guarantee can provide reassurance to some, it may also come across as pushy, especially in cold outreach where trust hasn’t been built yet. This perception of urgency or manipulation can make recipients feel uneasy or rushed into making decisions.
To enhance email performance, steer clear of "Money Back" in your subject lines or email body. Instead, opt for alternatives like "satisfaction guarantee" or "risk-free trial". Additionally, improving your email deliverability goes beyond just the wording. Using tools like Infraforge, which offers dedicated IPs and pre-warmed domains, can help you bypass spam filters and ensure your messages land where they’re meant to - your recipient's inbox.
The phrase "Exclusive Deal" often raises red flags for U.S. spam filters. Why? Because it's frequently overused by aggressive marketers to create a false sense of urgency, making it risky for cold outreach campaigns.
Spam filters are designed to detect words and phrases that are commonly linked to scams, gimmicks, or overly promotional content. "Exclusive Deal" fits this profile since it has been historically associated with deceptive marketing tactics. These systems recognize the term as a potential indicator of spam, which can result in your email being flagged or sent straight to the junk folder.
Using "Exclusive Deal" in your emails increases the chances of being marked as spam. Marketing expert Kristen McCormick explains:
"Spam trigger words are terms or phrases that are commonly associated with spammy, promotional, or misleading messages."
This means even legitimate emails can get caught in the spam filter simply because they use language that raises suspicion.
Beyond technical spam filters, the phrase "Exclusive Deal" can also harm your credibility with recipients. It often creates a sense of pressure or manipulation, implying the recipient has been singled out for a limited-time offer. While this might work in some contexts, in cold outreach - where trust hasn't been established - it can backfire. Recipients may view your email as pushy or insincere, which could damage your sender reputation and reduce response rates.
To avoid these pitfalls, opt for language that feels more transparent and less promotional. Instead of "Exclusive Deal", try phrases like "special pricing", "% off", or "valuable offer". These alternatives are more straightforward and less likely to trigger skepticism or spam filters.
| Spam Trigger Word | Better Alternative |
|---|---|
| Exclusive Deal | Special pricing |
| Exclusive Deal | Valuable offer |
The phrase "Special Promotion" might seem harmless, but it’s a frequent offender when it comes to emails landing in spam folders. Overuse of this term by aggressive marketers has made it a red flag for spam filters. If not used carefully, it can hurt your email deliverability just like other flagged phrases we've discussed.
Every day, around 160 billion spam emails flood inboxes worldwide. "Special Promotion" is a favorite among scammers who use it to create fake urgency around their offers. This association with misleading tactics can cause even legitimate businesses to inadvertently trip spam filters when they use this phrase.
Spam filters in the U.S. rely on advanced algorithms to detect patterns linked to aggressive marketing. Generic terms like "Special Promotion" are a common trigger, with nearly 20% of emails flagged and sent to spam. These systems are designed to catch language that feels mass-marketed or overly promotional, making this phrase risky to include.
Beyond the technical risks, "Special Promotion" can harm how recipients perceive your email. In cold outreach, where trust is everything, this phrase often feels impersonal and generic. Because it’s so often tied to exaggerated claims or empty promises, it can make readers skeptical and less likely to engage. Choosing more specific and honest language can help avoid these pitfalls.
To boost your email deliverability and build trust, focus on personalization and clarity. Instead of using "Special Promotion", highlight the real benefits of your offer. For example, phrases like "Save 20% on your current software plan" or "Tailored pricing for your business size" are more precise and less likely to trigger spam filters. This approach not only improves inbox placement but also strengthens your connection with your audience.
Finally, investing in robust email infrastructure can make a big difference. Tools like Infraforge (https://infraforge.ai) offer features like dedicated IPs, automated DNS setup, and pre-warmed domains to ensure your personalized emails land where they’re supposed to - your recipient's inbox.
The word "Guarantee" might seem harmless in professional communication, but spam filters view it differently. Its frequent use by scammers and aggressive marketers, especially in phrases like "100% money-back guarantee" or "guaranteed results", has made it a common red flag. Even if your email is legitimate, using this term could lead to it being flagged as spam.
Spam filters in the U.S. are equipped with advanced algorithms designed to detect overly promotional language. Over time, "Guarantee" has become linked with high-pressure sales tactics and mass-marketed content. In fact, nearly 20% of emails are intercepted by spam filters and never reach the recipient's inbox.
Beyond the technical filters, the word "Guarantee" can also affect how recipients view your message. It often conveys urgency or a sense of manipulation, pressuring readers to make quick decisions. This can harm your credibility before your email even gets a fair read.
Craig Focht of All Pro Door Repair explains this well:
"100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. It's one of those phrases that sound perfectly innocent, and spam filters can be pretty suspicious of that. Why? Because it is synonymous with pushy selling, and email algorithms have noticed. When you make statements like that, it is a red flag because spam emails have always sworn by exactly that phrase."
To improve your email's chances of reaching the inbox, choose more conversational and trustworthy alternatives. For instance, instead of saying "100% Satisfaction Guaranteed", you can try phrases like:
| Spam Trigger Word | Better Alternative |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | Our commitment |
| Guarantee | We promise |
| Guarantee | Assured |
| Guarantee | Assurance |
These alternatives feel more personal and help maintain trust without triggering spam filters.
When writing cold outreach emails, context is critical. Like other trigger words, "Guarantee" should be used sparingly, if at all. Modern spam filters analyze not just the presence of such words but also how they are used. Focus on clear, straightforward language that delivers real value instead of relying on exaggerated claims. This approach not only increases deliverability but also fosters stronger, more genuine connections with your audience.
If email deliverability is a priority for your business, consider upgrading your infrastructure. Services like Infraforge (https://infraforge.ai) provide tools like dedicated IPs, automated DNS, and pre-warmed domains to help ensure your emails land where they’re supposed to.
To make your emails feel urgent without setting off spam filters, focus on using clear, professional language and steer clear of common spam trigger words like "urgent" or "act now." Instead, write messages that feel personal and relevant, letting the tone and structure naturally create a sense of immediacy.
On top of that, keep your email practices solid by implementing proper authentication methods like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. Maintaining a strong sender reputation is equally important. Striking this balance ensures your emails grab attention while avoiding the dreaded spam folder.
Improving email deliverability requires more than just steering clear of spammy words. Start by authenticating your email domain - this means setting up protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to prove your emails are legitimate. Next, keep your email list in top shape by removing invalid or inactive addresses. Gradually warm up your email domain and IP to establish a trustworthy sending reputation.
Your emails should also be structured and relevant to your audience. Personalize the content, limit the use of excessive images or links, and write subject lines and messages that encourage responses. Don’t overlook the importance of managing your IP and domain reputation - monitor blacklists and stick to consistent sending habits. Tools like Infraforge can make this process easier, offering advanced email infrastructure designed for cold outreach. This can help improve inbox placement and support your email scalability efforts.
Spam filters rely on a mix of factors to decide whether an email is trustworthy or spam. These include the email's content, the reputation of the sender, the presence of trigger words often associated with spam, and whether the email adheres to industry guidelines. They also look at engagement metrics, such as how often recipients open the email or click on links.
Sophisticated algorithms evaluate these details to flag potentially harmful or unwanted emails. To boost your email deliverability, focus on avoiding spammy language and building a strong, reliable sender reputation.