How to resolve Office 365 SCL rating issues for corporate email from Google Workspace?

Summary

The responses address how to resolve Office 365 SCL rating issues for corporate emails sent from Google Workspace, covering authentication, sender reputation, content, and infrastructure. Key steps include implementing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC; monitoring IP addresses for blocklisting and ensuring valid reverse DNS records; segmenting email lists; gradual IP warming; cleaning email lists and removing inactive subscribers; using feedback loops to identify and remove problem subscribers; providing easy unsubscribe options; avoiding spam trigger words; monitoring SCL ratings; using dedicated IPs; and separating transactional from marketing emails. It is also important to acknowledge limitations in direct support from Microsoft and to use data-driven solutions. There is also an emphasis on the importance of checking for compromised accounts.

Key findings

  • Authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC): Implementing and correctly configuring SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is crucial for verifying sender identity and improving sender reputation.
  • Sender Reputation: Sender reputation impacts SCL ratings, influenced by sending volume, complaint rates, engagement, and list hygiene.
  • IP Address Management: Monitoring IP addresses for blocklisting, ensuring valid reverse DNS records, and gradually warming up IPs are important for reputation.
  • Email List Hygiene: Regularly cleaning email lists by removing inactive subscribers and providing easy unsubscribe options reduces spam complaints.
  • Content Optimization: Avoiding spam trigger words, providing valuable content, and segmenting email types improves deliverability.
  • Feedback Loops (FBLs): Participating in Microsoft's Junk Mail Reporting Program (JMRP) helps identify and address spam complaints.
  • SCL Monitoring: Monitoring SCL ratings helps identify and address deliverability issues proactively.
  • Microsoft Support Access: Direct free support from Microsoft is limited; consider leveraging support contracts or Gold partners.
  • Compromised Accounts: Someone's account may have been compromised.

Key considerations

  • Assess Authentication Setup: Verify that SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are correctly configured for all sending domains.
  • Monitor Sender Reputation: Monitor sender reputation metrics and address factors negatively impacting it.
  • Optimize Email Content: Refine email content to avoid spam triggers and provide relevant, valuable information.
  • Implement List Hygiene Practices: Implement a process for regularly cleaning and maintaining subscriber lists.
  • Join Microsoft JMRP: Enroll in Microsoft's Junk Mail Reporting Program to receive feedback on spam complaints.
  • Monitor SCL Ratings: Proactively monitor SCL ratings and address any deliverability issues promptly.
  • Evaluate Support Options: Assess the level of Microsoft support available and consider using partners for support tickets.
  • Address Potential Account Compromises: Investigate any potential compromised accounts.

What email marketers say
12Marketer opinions

The primary issue addressed is how to resolve Office 365 SCL (Spam Confidence Level) rating problems when sending corporate emails from Google Workspace. Multiple strategies are suggested, including addressing content, deliverability practices, support and communication practices and IP infrastructure practices. These strategies span support/communication practices, warming up IPs gradually, cleaning email lists, using feedback loops, authentication, ensuring accessible unsubscribe options, improving content quality, monitoring SCL ratings, using dedicated IPs for higher volume, and segmenting transactional from marketing emails. These address a range of issues from general deliverability to MSFT specific concerns

Key opinions

  • Microsoft Support: For direct Microsoft support, leverage existing support contracts or Microsoft Gold partners to submit tickets on your behalf. Understand that direct free support is limited.
  • SCL Determination: SCL ratings are determined by mail servers using anti-spam filters based on factors like spammy content and sender reputation.
  • IP Warming: Gradually warming up IP addresses by slowly increasing email volume can build a positive reputation with Microsoft.
  • Feedback Loops: Signing up for feedback loops with Microsoft allows you to identify and remove subscribers who mark your emails as spam.
  • List Hygiene: Regularly cleaning email lists by removing inactive subscribers improves sender reputation and deliverability.
  • Unsubscribe Options: Providing easy and accessible unsubscribe links reduces spam complaints and improves sender reputation.
  • Email Content: Relevant and engaging email content without spammy keywords improves deliverability.
  • SCL Monitoring: Monitoring SCL ratings using tools helps identify and proactively address deliverability issues.
  • Dedicated IPs: Using dedicated IP addresses isolates your sending reputation and provides more control over deliverability.
  • Email Segmentation: Segmenting transactional emails from marketing emails maintains a positive reputation for critical communications.

Key considerations

  • Support Access: Consider the level of Microsoft support available and explore leveraging partners for support tickets.
  • Content Review: Regularly review email content for spam triggers and ensure it provides value to recipients.
  • Deliverability Practices: Implement best practices for email deliverability, including IP warming, list hygiene, and easy unsubscribe options.
  • Monitoring: Continuously monitor SCL ratings and use feedback loops to proactively address deliverability issues.
  • Infrastructure: Evaluate the need for dedicated IPs and proper authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) for improved control and reputation.
Marketer view

Email Marketer from Litmus answers on the importance of separating transactional emails from marketing emails. This helps maintain a positive reputation for transactional emails, ensuring they are delivered reliably.

November 2023 - Litmus
Marketer view

Email Marketer from Microsoft Learn explains that SCL is determined by the mail server using anti-spam filters, which assess message characteristics like spammy words, sender reputation, and content. High SCL values indicate a higher probability of spam.

August 2024 - Microsoft Learn
Marketer view

Email Marketer from Reddit responds to high SCL issues, and suggests that if emails are consistently marked as SCL 9, check if your domain or IP has been added to a blocklist or if the content is triggering spam filters. Review the email content for potentially problematic keywords or links. He also recommends contacting Microsoft support.

July 2024 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email Marketer from Sendgrid answers the importance of providing an easy way for recipients to unsubscribe from your emails. Make the unsubscribe link clear and accessible in every email. This reduces spam complaints and improves sender reputation.

January 2025 - Sendgrid
Marketer view

Email Marketer from Mailgun shares that regularly cleaning your email lists by removing inactive or unengaged subscribers. Sending emails to active and engaged users improves your sender reputation and reduces the chances of emails being marked as spam.

January 2023 - Mailgun
Marketer view

Email Marketer from MXToolbox shares on the importance of monitoring SCL (Spam Confidence Level) ratings of sent emails using tools like MXToolbox. This helps you to identify and address deliverability issues proactively.

March 2023 - MXToolbox
Marketer view

Email Marketer from Email Geeks suggests having someone on the receiving end with a good Microsoft support contract submit a ticket about not getting the mail. Suggests leverage of a Microsoft Gold partner.

December 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email Marketer from EmailVendorSelection.com explains that signing up for feedback loops (FBLs) with Microsoft and other ISPs allows you to receive reports when users mark your emails as spam. Use this feedback to identify and remove problematic subscribers or content.

November 2024 - EmailVendorSelection.com
Marketer view

Email Marketer from Stack Overflow explains that gradual IP warm up can help to resolve Office 365 SCL rating issues. Slowly increase the volume of emails sent from new IP addresses to build a positive reputation with Microsoft. Start with small batches of emails to engaged users and gradually increase the volume over several weeks.

May 2023 - Stack Overflow
Marketer view

Email Marketer from Email Geeks shares their perspective about Microsoft model supporting corporate products. They mentions how Microsoft legit doesn’t have ANY free support beyond their forums. Mentions how their model is to only handled the most financially juicy support contracts and then let the rest go to the partner ecosystem and the forums where MVPs help folks for free to maintain their MVP status.

March 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email Marketer from HubSpot explains to ensure the content of your emails is relevant, valuable, and engaging for your recipients. Avoid using spammy keywords or phrases and ensure that your emails provide real value to your subscribers.

February 2023 - HubSpot
Marketer view

Email Marketer from Gmass shares if sending a large volume of emails, consider using dedicated IP addresses to isolate your sending reputation from other senders. This gives you more control over your deliverability and reputation.

October 2024 - Gmass

What the experts say
10Expert opinions

The expert insights address resolving Office 365 SCL rating issues for emails originating from Google Workspace. Key strategies involve verifying sender identity, maintaining sender reputation, and addressing content-related issues. Authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is critical, as is avoiding spam trigger words. Engaging in Microsoft's Junk Mail Reporting Program (JMRP) provides feedback on spam complaints. Maintaining a clean subscriber list and monitoring sender reputation are essential. There is no direct line to MSFT and to focus on data driven solutions. Compromised accounts need to be checked.

Key opinions

  • Authentication: Implementing and correctly configuring SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is crucial for verifying sender identity.
  • Sender Reputation: Sender reputation is affected by sending volume, complaint rates, and engagement. A good reputation can lower SCL ratings.
  • List Hygiene: Maintaining a clean and engaged subscriber list reduces complaint rates and improves sender reputation.
  • Content Matters: Avoiding spam trigger words and phrases in email content can significantly improve SCL ratings.
  • Microsoft Feedback Loop: Participating in Microsoft's Junk Mail Reporting Program (JMRP) provides vital feedback on spam complaints.
  • No "Bat Phone": Microsoft and Google do not offer direct escalation paths for deliverability issues.
  • Compromised Account: Someone's account may have been compromised.

Key considerations

  • Authentication Check: Ensure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are correctly configured for your sending domain.
  • Reputation Monitoring: Monitor sender reputation metrics and address factors that negatively impact it.
  • Content Optimization: Refine email content to avoid spam triggers and provide relevant, valuable information.
  • FBL Participation: Enroll in Microsoft's JMRP to receive feedback on spam complaints and take corrective action.
  • List Management: Implement a process for regularly cleaning and maintaining your subscriber list.
  • Compromised Accounts: Check for compromised accounts.
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks states that there's no "bat phone" for Microsoft issues due to legal risks. Suggests using the standard support channels initially, and then rarely contacting people directly.

December 2023 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks suggests checking if someone's account has been compromised.

August 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise stresses the importance of maintaining a clean and engaged subscriber list. Regularly removing inactive or unengaged subscribers can reduce complaint rates and improve sender reputation, positively impacting SCL scores.

July 2022 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource explains that avoiding spam trigger words and phrases can improve SCL ratings. Ensure that your email content is relevant, valuable, and avoids overly aggressive or sales-oriented language.

January 2024 - Spam Resource
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise explains that sender reputation is crucial and affected by various factors, including sending volume, complaint rates, and engagement. Addressing these factors directly can significantly impact SCL ratings.

October 2021 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource shares that if you are sending a decent amount of email to Microsoft domains, it is very important that you are participating in their Junk Mail Reporting Program (JMRP). This is Microsoft’s Feedback Loop (FBL). Without being a part of Microsoft’s FBL, you won’t know if your recipients are marking your email as junk.

October 2022 - Spam Resource
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks emphasizes that there is no "bat phone" for deliverability issues with Microsoft or Google. Escalation is not available just because a client is upset. He suggests to focus on data-driven solutions rather than seeking shortcuts.

March 2023 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks recommends using sender.office.com as the entry point for O365 issues, even for filtering problems and not just blocking.

May 2022 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise shares that implementing and correctly configuring SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is crucial for verifying sender identity. Proper authentication helps build trust with mailbox providers like Microsoft and can reduce the likelihood of emails being marked as spam.

December 2024 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks suggests checking email authentication and cold lead emailing. Provides a link to Microsoft support but notes it's oriented toward blocking, not SCL issues. Mentions potential issues between Google Workspace and O365. Suggests checking domain reputation with GPT and considering a move to O365.

November 2021 - Email Geeks

What the documentation says
4Technical articles

The Microsoft and Google Workspace documentation provides key guidelines for resolving Office 365 SCL (Spam Confidence Level) rating issues for corporate email originating from Google Workspace. Proper authentication using SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is emphasized to improve sender reputation. Monitoring sending IP addresses for blocklisting and ensuring they have valid reverse DNS (PTR) records matching the sending domain are also crucial. Segmenting email lists for targeted content enhances engagement and reduces spam reports, thereby improving SCL ratings.

Key findings

  • Authentication: Proper authentication using SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is essential for improving sender reputation.
  • IP Monitoring: Monitoring sending IP addresses for blocklisting is crucial for maintaining a good sender reputation.
  • Reverse DNS: Ensuring a valid reverse DNS (PTR) record that matches the sending domain helps verify the identity of the mail server.
  • Email Segmentation: Segmenting email lists for targeted content increases engagement and reduces spam reports.

Key considerations

  • Authentication Implementation: Implement and regularly review SPF, DKIM, and DMARC settings to ensure they are correctly configured.
  • IP Reputation: Continuously monitor your sending IP addresses to ensure they are not listed on any blocklists.
  • DNS Records: Verify that your sending IP addresses have valid and matching reverse DNS (PTR) records.
  • List Segmentation Strategy: Develop a strategy for segmenting your email lists to deliver targeted and relevant content to your audience.
Technical article

Documentation from Microsoft Support shares that ensuring your sending IP address has a valid reverse DNS (PTR) record that matches your sending domain. This helps to verify the identity of your mail server and can improve your sending reputation with Office 365.

September 2021 - Microsoft Support
Technical article

Documentation from Microsoft 365 Documentation shares that to improve sender reputation, ensure that the sending domain is properly authenticated using SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. Monitor your sending IP addresses and ensure they are not listed on any blocklists. Also, provide an easy way for recipients to unsubscribe from your emails.

September 2024 - Microsoft 365 Documentation
Technical article

Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help explains that SPF (Sender Policy Framework) records authorize specific IP addresses to send emails on behalf of your domain. Ensure your SPF records are correctly configured to include all sending IP addresses used by your organization.

July 2024 - Google Workspace Admin Help
Technical article

Documentation from Microsoft Documentation shares about the importance of segmenting email lists to target users with relevant content. Sending targeted emails improves engagement rates and reduces the likelihood of users marking emails as spam, thus helping to improve SCL ratings.

January 2022 - Microsoft Documentation