Why are my emails going to spam after changing the 'from' address?
Summary
What email marketers say11Marketer opinions
Email marketer from Campaign Monitor explains the importance of closely monitoring sender reputation after changing the 'from' address. Tools like Google Postmaster Tools can provide insights into deliverability issues and help identify the cause.
Email marketer from Quora shares that a new 'from' address may be inadvertently associated with a blacklisted IP or domain. Check if the 'from' address or sending IP is listed on any email blacklists.
Email marketer from Litmus explains that a sudden drop in email engagement after changing the 'from' address can indicate a problem. If recipients are no longer opening or clicking on emails, it signals to email providers that the emails are unwanted, leading to spam filtering.
Email marketer from GlockApps explains that using a tool to test email placement in different inboxes (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) is crucial. These tools can help identify if emails are landing in spam and provide insights into potential issues.
Email marketer from HubSpot explains that inconsistent branding between the 'from' address and the email content can raise red flags for spam filters. Ensure the 'from' address aligns with the brand name and content.
Email marketer from Sendinblue Blog explains that emails going to spam after changing the 'from' address could be due to a lack of proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC). If these records are not correctly configured for the new 'from' address, it can signal to email providers that the emails are not legitimate, leading to spam classification.
Email marketer from Mailjet Blog explains that changing the 'from' address impacts sender reputation. If the new address is associated with a new IP, the lack of IP warming can cause emails to be flagged as spam. New IPs require a gradual increase in sending volume to build a positive reputation.
Email marketer from Email on Acid explains that poor list hygiene coupled with a new 'from' address can exacerbate spam issues. If the email list contains a high number of invalid or unengaged addresses, the new 'from' address will quickly develop a poor reputation, leading to spam placement.
Email marketer from Reddit shares that a sudden change in the 'from' address can cause deliverability issues if the new domain doesn't have a good reputation. Email providers track domain reputation, and a sudden shift to a new or unknown domain can trigger spam filters.
Email marketer from an Email Marketing Forum shares that if you switch 'from' addresses, make sure you have a dedicated IP with a good reputation. Shared IPs might have a history of spam, which impacts deliverability for everyone using them.
Email marketer from Gmass explains that when using a new 'from' address, it's essential to gradually increase sending volume. Sending a large number of emails immediately can trigger spam filters and damage the sender's reputation.
What the experts say5Expert opinions
Expert from Email Geeks explains that rejections and bulk foldering at consumer domains typically result from recipients reacting negatively to the mail, signaling to filters that the mail is unwanted, and a spam score of 0 just means that a particular spam filter doesn’t think you’re copying patterns of spammers.
Expert from Spam Resource explains the need for proper sender authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is paramount. A change in the 'from' address necessitates updating these records to ensure that email providers recognize the sender as legitimate. Incorrect authentication can lead to emails being flagged as spam.
Expert from Email Geeks explains the differences between bounce address (envelope from = return-path = 821.From), from address (From: = 822.From), and reply-to address (Reply-To:). They are all different and used for different things.
Expert from Spam Resource explains that it's crucial to sign up for feedback loops (FBLs) with major ISPs. These loops provide valuable information about spam complaints, allowing senders to identify and address issues that might be contributing to spam placement after a 'from' address change.
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that while not directly related to 'from' address changes, a compromised account could be used to send spam which uses the new address, thus damaging the new address reputation. Always take care when implementing changes such as 'from' addresses and ensure accounts are secured.
What the documentation says3Technical articles
Documentation from RFC explains that SPF records must be updated to authorize the new 'from' address domain to send emails on your behalf. Failure to do so can result in emails being rejected or marked as spam by receivers.
Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help explains that consistently using the same 'from' address and ensuring proper authentication helps build a positive sender reputation with Gmail. Abrupt changes can trigger spam filters.
Documentation from Microsoft explains that maintaining consistent sending practices, including the 'from' address, and ensuring proper authentication can improve email deliverability. Changes should be made gradually and monitored closely.