Should I block emails containing the word unsubscribe?
Summary
What email marketers say10Marketer opinions
Email marketer from Email Geeks mentions they understand using the hammer approach to email filtering, especially when small organizations are overwhelmed by unwanted emails. They also use similar tactics with a text blocker app to stop political text messages.
Email marketer from EmailOctopus Blog recommends against solely relying on keyword-based blocking. They suggest employing a combination of techniques such as using a reputable email service provider (ESP) with strong spam filters, educating recipients on how to mark emails as spam, and implementing proper email authentication protocols.
Email marketer from Reddit's r/emailmarketing responds that blocking emails with "unsubscribe" is a bad idea as it will block legitimate newsletters. Focus on marking as spam and using filters based on sender.
Email marketer from Sendinblue shares a list of ways to build a good list, which helps you not need aggressive filters. Start by using signup forms, not buying lists.
Email marketer from Email Geeks shares that blocking the word "unsubscribe" will stop cold outreach in some cases, but not all, as not all cold outreach uses the word unsubscribe.
Email marketer from Mailchimp highlights that focusing on reducing spam complaints is more effective than blocking specific keywords. They recommend practicing good email marketing hygiene, such as sending to engaged subscribers, using clear unsubscribe links, and segmenting lists.
Email marketer from Litmus details avoiding spam traps, which is easier than blocking by word because you can send higher quality email. Use double opt-ins to start.
Email marketer from Webmaster Forum shares that aggressive filtering almost always catches wanted emails. Recommends using a good spam filter instead.
Email marketer from Neil Patel's Blog cautions against using simple keyword filters like "unsubscribe" to block emails, as legitimate emails may contain these words. He suggests focusing on sender reputation and authentication methods like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for more effective spam filtering.
Email marketer from StackExchange says blocking common words like "unsubscribe" will result in losing important emails. Whitelisting is better than blacklisting.
What the experts say6Expert opinions
Expert from Email Geeks explains that blocking emails containing the word "unsubscribe" might block a tiny bit of real mail but would block a whole bunch of crap.
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that simple keyword blocking is a poor solution. Good filtering is difficult, expensive and complex.
Expert from Email Geeks adds that countless illegitimate emails never use the word "unsubscribe".
Expert from Spam Resource states that content filters can block desired email content. Instead Spam Resource suggests filtering on spam scores to reduce unwanted email.
Expert from Email Geeks suggests that for emails without unsubscribe, perhaps blocking "to stop receiving" could be another approach.
Expert from Word to the Wise indicates the unreliability of blocking emails simply because of the presence of a word.
What the documentation says5Technical articles
Documentation from Cisco details the ways in which their system filters emails but highlights the importance of allowing users to unsubscribe from marketing emails, rather than blocking them.
Documentation from Microsoft details creating a Safe Senders List to ensure messages from trusted sources don't get blocked by aggressive filtering. Does not recommend keyword blocking.
Documentation from Spamhaus advocates for using comprehensive blocklists based on IP addresses and domain reputations rather than simple keyword filtering. It suggests that blocking based on content can lead to false positives.
Documentation from ietf.org specifies the Internet Message Format, noting that while headers like "List-Unsubscribe" are commonly used for one-click unsubscription, blocking based on header content alone could interfere with legitimate automated email processes.
Documentation from Google advises email senders to implement feedback loops and monitor spam complaint rates. They recommend providing easy unsubscribe options but don't suggest blocking based on the word "unsubscribe".