How do I determine the severity and mitigate different email blocklists?
Summary
What email marketers say18Marketer opinions
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that blocklist severity is relative, stating that if a blocklist is mentioned in your bounce logs, it's severe to you, regardless of general perception. They also mention that well-run mail servers usually provide a link to the blocklist's site for remediation.
Email marketer from Reddit emphasizes ensuring proper email authentication using SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. This helps verify your identity and reduces the chances of being flagged as spam.
Email marketer from GlockApps recommends using blocklist monitoring tools like GlockApps or MultiRBL to proactively check if your IP address or domain is listed on any blocklists. This allows for early detection and faster mitigation.
Marketer from Email Geeks recommends using log analysis to determine the impact of blocklists.
Email marketer from EmailAcademy shares that one way to mitigate blocklists is by segmenting email lists. Segmenting lists ensures that you are sending emails to engaged users, reducing the chance of being marked as spam, which subsequently mitigates the likelihood of blocklisting.
Email marketer from Email Marketing Forum explains that actively monitoring your sender reputation, using tools like Sender Score and reputation monitoring services, helps you understand how mailbox providers view your sending practices and identify potential issues before they lead to blocklisting.
Marketer from Email Geeks states that the importance of a blocklist depends on its measurable impact on your list/deliverability, allowing senders to prioritize them based on their specific situation.
Email marketer from SMTP2GO explains that if you find yourself on a blocklist, identify the specific blocklist and follow their delisting process. This usually involves filling out a form or contacting the blocklist provider directly.
Email marketer from Email Marketing Forum suggests warming up new IP addresses gradually to establish a positive sending reputation. Start with small volumes and gradually increase the sending volume over time, monitoring deliverability closely.
Marketer from Email Geeks provides a list of domains that are blocking based on Truncate.
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that blocklists that charge for removal are not typically referenced by serious inbox providers.
Email marketer from SendGrid suggests that maintaining consistent sending volumes is key. Avoid sudden spikes in email volume, as this can trigger spam filters and lead to blocklisting.
Marketer from Email Geeks identifies UCE as a blocklist that is not worth the cost of getting removed.
Marketer from Email Geeks shares that if a blocklist affects your mail, it should be taken seriously. Otherwise, it might not be worth worrying about.
Email marketer from Reddit shares that analyzing bounce messages is key to identifying which blocklists are affecting your email delivery. The bounce message often contains the name of the blocklist and a URL for remediation.
Marketer from Email Geeks clarifies that the provided domains are blocking based on Truncate, not domains that trigger Truncate blocklisting.
Marketer from Email Geeks shares an example of SORBS listings, noting minimal bounce issues over four years, suggesting not all listings require immediate action.
Email marketer from Mailjet explains that monitoring blocklists is crucial to gauge your sender reputation and identify deliverability issues. Tools like MXToolbox and GlockApps can assist in this monitoring process.
What the experts say4Expert opinions
Expert from Word to the Wise emphasizes the importance of monitoring for blacklisting, including monitoring deliverability, sender score, and using tools to identify blacklistings as soon as they happen to help determine their severity.
Expert from Spam Resource explains that understanding the listing criteria for each blocklist is crucial. Some blocklists focus on spam traps, while others target open relays or compromised hosts. Knowing the reason for the listing helps determine the severity and mitigation steps.
Expert from Word to the Wise emphasizes the importance of proactive reputation management. Regularly monitor your sending reputation with tools such as Google Postmaster Tools and Microsoft SNDS, implement feedback loops, and address any identified issues promptly to prevent blocklisting.
Expert from Email Geeks shares that most public blacklists (excluding Spamhaus) have little effect on general deliverability but can serve as an early warning sign of underlying issues.
What the documentation says4Technical articles
Documentation from AWS explains that setting up feedback loops (FBLs) with major ISPs provides information about when recipients mark your emails as spam. Addressing these complaints promptly helps improve your reputation and prevent future blocklisting.
Documentation from Google explains that you should use the Postmaster Tools site to monitor your domain's reputation and other relevant data. This can help diagnose sending issues.
Documentation from Microsoft explains that using the Junk Email Reporting program (JMRP) you can receive reports about messages that their users marked as junk. This feedback can help you identify questionable or unintended sources of spam coming from your infrastructure
Documentation from Spamhaus explains that Spamhaus maintains several blocklists, each with different criteria for listing. Understanding which Spamhaus list you're on (e.g., SBL, XBL, PBL) helps determine the severity and the steps needed for delisting.