Why are ESP customer domains getting listed in Spamhaus, and what can be done about it?
Summary
What email marketers say11Marketer opinions
Email marketer from Reddit shares that Spamhaus often lists domains due to spam complaints or the detection of spam traps. It's essential to maintain good list hygiene and avoid sending to unengaged recipients. Regularly cleaning your list can help avoid getting your domain listed.
Marketer from Spamhaus explains that domains get listed on Spamhaus blocklists due to involvement in spamming activities, hosting malware, or other malicious online behavior. They may also be listed if they're associated with a network or service known to facilitate spam. Poor security on a domain also may lead to being listed.
Email marketer from Email on Acid says to improve sender reputation you can clean up email lists, authenticate email using SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, consistently send emails, and monitor IP and domain reputation. Consistent volume and engagement improves sender reputation, reducing the chances of being listed.
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that the landing page behind the tracking URL is likely being blacklisted. As email sent would contain tracking URLs with the same tracking domain, but each may lead to different landing pages and websites, you may have to check every link to find the blocklisted domain. Benjamin suggests the problem might be that the ESP allows open redirections, which are being abused by phishers.
Email marketer from StackOverflow shares that you should determine the cause for blacklisting before requesting removal. Rectify the issues by fixing your email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), improving list hygiene, and removing spam traps. Once rectified, follow the specific delisting procedures provided by each blacklist.
Email marketer from SendPulse highlights the importance of regularly cleaning your email list to remove inactive or unengaged subscribers. This reduces the risk of sending to spam traps and decreases the likelihood of being listed on spam databases. SendPulse recommends regularly segmenting and re-engaging subscribers.
Marketer from Email Geeks shares if several of the tracking domains are listed, that supports the theory of the ESP having open redirectors.
Email marketer from Mailjet highlights the importance of following email deliverability best practices to maintain a good sender reputation. This includes obtaining explicit consent from subscribers, using double opt-in, and providing an easy way to unsubscribe. This helps to avoid spam complaints and improve deliverability.
Email marketer from ReturnPath highlights the importance of sender reputation as a key factor in email deliverability. Sender reputation is calculated based on various metrics such as email volume, complaint rates, and engagement. Maintaining a good sender reputation helps to ensure emails reach the inbox and avoids blacklisting.
Email marketer from Litmus highlights the importance of regularly monitoring your sender reputation. This includes checking your IP and domain reputation, analyzing bounce rates, and monitoring spam complaints. Early detection of issues allows you to take corrective actions before getting blacklisted.
Email marketer from GlockApps explains that the Spamhaus ZEN is a combination of multiple Spamhaus blocklists, including the Domain Block List (DBL). If a domain is listed on ZEN, it means it's also listed on one or more individual Spamhaus lists. GlockApps provides tools for monitoring your domain's listing status.
What the experts say4Expert opinions
Expert from Spamresource.com explains that to be delisted from Spamhaus, you must first identify the reason for the listing and correct the issue. This often involves addressing spam complaints, securing compromised systems, and implementing better email practices. Then, follow Spamhaus's specific removal process, which may involve submitting a delisting request.
Email marketer from Email Geeks shares that most phishing destination sites that they see are compromised Wordpress installs.
Expert from Spamresource.com answers that Spamhaus lists domains for various reasons, including spam activity, phishing, malware distribution, and being part of a compromised network. They emphasize the importance of monitoring your domain's reputation to detect and address issues proactively.
Expert from Word to the Wise shares that sender reputation is built over time by engaging in proper practices which can include authenticating email, using confirmed opt-in, honouring unsubscribe requests, and ensuring that your mail server is not an open relay. They recommend monitoring your reputation regularly and taking action if it declines.
What the documentation says5Technical articles
Documentation from DMARC.org answers that implementing DMARC helps protect your domain from email spoofing and phishing attacks. It allows you to define how recipient mail servers should handle emails that fail SPF and DKIM checks. This prevents malicious actors from using your domain and helps prevent getting blacklisted.
Documentation from MXToolbox explains that you can use MXToolbox to check if your domain or IP address is listed on various blacklists. It can also test your mail server and diagnose potential problems. Regular monitoring can help identify and address issues that can lead to blacklisting.
Documentation from RFC Editor specifies that SPF (Sender Policy Framework) records are used to prevent sender address forgery. Ensuring that an SPF record is correctly configured can prevent unauthorized use of your domain in email campaigns and prevent being listed in spam databases.
Documentation from Google Support suggests to authenticate your email with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. They also suggest ensuring that sending servers have valid forward and reverse DNS records (PTR records), keeping spam rates reported in Postmaster Tools below 0.10%, and using a dedicated IP address.
Documentation from Microsoft explains that a good sender reputation is based on responsible sending practices. You should authenticate your email, avoid sending unsolicited email, maintain clean email lists, and provide an easy unsubscribe process. A good sender reputation helps prevent domains from being blacklisted.