Why is my domain or IP blocked by Spamhaus and how do I resolve it?
Summary
What email marketers say12Marketer opinions
Marketer from Email Geeks shares questions to consider when diagnosing a Spamhaus block, including identifying sending platforms, recipient opt-in methods, and whether unsolicited mail is being sent.
Email marketer from ActiveCampaign explains that If you're using a new IP address, gradually increase your sending volume over time to establish a positive sending reputation with ISPs.
Email marketer from SendGrid details maintaining a good sender reputation by consistently sending valuable content, avoiding spam trigger words, and providing easy unsubscribe options.
Email marketer from MailerCheck details using a blocklist lookup tool to regularly check if your domain or IP address is listed on any major blocklists, including Spamhaus. This allows you to identify and address issues promptly.
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that the entire domain is listed at Spamhaus, which is why the IP resolving to that domain is also listed. They suggest there may be a serious spam problem on the network.
Marketer from Email Geeks says you don't detect users who report to Spamhaus; you identify problematic senders.
Marketer from Email Geeks suggests segregating customers with good reputation IPs, reviewing others, ranking customers by FBLs, requesting proof of consent from customers with numerous FBL complaints, and eliminating cold email practices.
Email marketer from Mailjet explains that to get delisted, identify the cause (e.g., compromised account, spam complaints), resolve the issue (secure accounts, improve email practices), and then contact Spamhaus to request delisting, providing evidence of the steps taken.
Email marketer from Email Marketing Forum notes that if you're on a shared IP address, the actions of other users can affect your reputation. Consider switching to a dedicated IP if deliverability is consistently an issue.
Email marketer from Reddit shares that reviewing recent email campaigns for high complaint rates or unusual sending patterns can help identify the source of the problem, before contacting Spamhaus.
Email marketer from StackOverflow explains the importance of implementing strict opt-in processes (double opt-in preferred), regularly cleaning your email lists to remove inactive subscribers, and segmenting your audience to send more relevant emails.
Email marketer from GlockApps shares that proactive monitoring of your IP and domain reputation is crucial. Use tools to check if you're on any blocklists and identify potential deliverability issues before they escalate.
What the experts say3Expert opinions
Expert from Spam Resource explains that Spamhaus listings can result from various factors, including spam complaints, sending to spam traps, poor list hygiene, compromised accounts, or being associated with known spammers.
Expert from Email Geeks explains the root cause of the Spamhaus block is likely customers sending unsolicited email. The solution involves identifying and stopping those customers from sending non-opt-in mail. Users don't report to Spamhaus; customers send mail to spam traps due to the absence of opt-in processes.
Expert from Word to the Wise responds that to understand why you are listed on spamhaus you should check the spamhaus listing itself as that will include the reasons.
What the documentation says6Technical articles
Documentation from DKIM explains that DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) uses a digital signature to authenticate your emails, verifying that the email was sent by an authorized source and hasn't been tampered with.
Documentation from Digital Ocean shares how to prevent blacklisting by securing your server, using strong passwords, and setting up proper authentication methods (SPF, DKIM, DMARC).
Documentation from Spamhaus.org indicates domains can be listed if they are associated with spamming activity, including being used to host spam websites or being heavily linked to from spam emails. Resolving this requires cleaning up any spam-related issues and requesting delisting.
Documentation from Spamhaus.org explains that IP addresses are listed on the SBL (Spamhaus Block List) because they appear to Spamhaus to be under the control of, used by, or made available for use by spammers and abusers in unsolicited bulk email or other types of Internet-based abuse that threatens networks or users.
Documentation from RFC explains that having a properly configured SPF (Sender Policy Framework) record to your domain's DNS records specifies which mail servers are authorized to send emails on behalf of your domain, helping to prevent spoofing.
Documentation from Spamhaus.org describes the CSS (Composite Spam Block List) as listing netblocks that Spamhaus deems to have a significant spam problem. This often involves a high volume of spam emanating from a particular network range.