Why is my IP listed on blocklists despite sending legitimate email?

Email marketer from Postmark explains that abruptly increasing email volume from a new IP address can trigger spam filters. Gradually warming up your IP by slowly increasing sending volume over time can help establish a good reputation.

Email marketer from Reddit shares that shared IP addresses can be problematic. Even if your sending practices are good, the actions of other users on the same IP can negatively impact the IP's reputation and lead to blocklisting.

Email marketer from Email Deliverability Forum shares that they experienced a similar issue and discovered their email server had been compromised and was being used to send spam without their knowledge. They recommend checking server logs for suspicious activity.

Email marketer from GlockApps explains that hitting spam traps, even accidentally, can negatively impact your IP reputation and lead to blocklisting. This can happen if you have outdated or poorly maintained email lists.

Email marketer from Mailjet explains that even with legitimate email practices, IP addresses can be blocklisted due to shared IP reputation, spam complaints from recipients (even accidental ones), sudden spikes in email volume, compromised accounts sending spam, and poor list hygiene (sending to old or unengaged addresses).

Email marketer from Validity explains that high complaint rates (recipients marking your email as spam) can significantly damage your IP reputation and lead to blocklisting. Ensure your emails are relevant and easy to unsubscribe from.

Email marketer from Reddit explains that proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is essential. Even if you're not sending spam, lack of authentication can make your emails look suspicious to mailbox providers and increase the likelihood of being blocklisted.

Email marketer from SenderScore explains that your sender reputation, which includes your IP address reputation, is a key factor in deliverability. Even if you send legitimate email, a poor sender reputation can result in blocklisting. Factors affecting reputation include sending volume, complaint rates, and spam trap hits.

Email marketer from Litmus explains that maintaining good list hygiene is crucial for avoiding blocklists. Regularly remove unengaged subscribers and invalid email addresses to reduce bounce rates and spam complaints.

Expert from Word to the Wise explains that understanding the specific reasons for being blocklisted is crucial. They suggest carefully reviewing the blocklist's website for information about their listing criteria and removal processes. They also emphasize that generic "we don't send spam" pleas are unlikely to be effective.

Expert from Word to the Wise explains that even if you are sending legitimate email, getting off blocklists can be challenging. They highlight the importance of understanding each blocklist's policies, cleaning up sending practices, and documenting efforts to improve. They also note that some blocklists are more responsive and reasonable than others.

Expert from Email Geeks explains that it's possible the listings seen in bounce emails were resolved or expired. Mentions the IP is shared and provides a link to check the IP's listings, suggesting most can be ignored unless seen in bounces.

Expert from Word to the Wise explains that a proactive approach to deliverability is key to avoiding blocklists in the first place. They recommend monitoring sending reputation, using feedback loops, implementing authentication, and actively managing subscriber lists.

Documentation from Spamhaus explains that they list IP addresses based on their involvement in sending or supporting spam. Even if you're sending legitimate email, your IP can be listed if it's associated with a network or infrastructure that's also used by spammers or if your server has been compromised.

Documentation from AWS explains that it has policies in place to prevent outbound spam. If your IP address is associated with sending unsolicited email through AWS, it may be blocklisted.

Documentation from DMARC.org explains that implementing a DMARC policy can help protect your domain from email spoofing and phishing attacks. This can improve your email deliverability and prevent your IP from being associated with malicious activity.

Documentation from Google explains how to use Google Postmaster Tools to monitor your IP reputation with Gmail users. Even if you send legitimate email, this tool can help you identify potential issues that may be affecting your deliverability.

Documentation from Microsoft explains that Outlook.com uses various factors to filter email, including IP reputation. If your IP is sending email that Outlook.com's filters identify as unwanted, your email may be blocked or sent to the junk folder, even if you believe it's legitimate.