Why is my IP listed on Spamhaus and how do I resolve it?
Summary
What email marketers say7Marketer opinions
Email marketer from Email Marketing Forum recommends improving IP reputation by implementing best practices, such as using double opt-in, segmenting your email list, and removing inactive subscribers. They suggest you also monitor bounce rates and spam complaints and address any issues promptly.
Email marketer from EmailDeliverabilityBlog.com shares that if you're using a shared IP address, the actions of other users on that IP can affect your reputation and lead to blacklisting. It's essential to choose a reputable email service provider (ESP) that monitors and manages IP reputation.
Email marketer from Mailjet shares that it is important to monitor your sending reputation using tools like Google Postmaster Tools. This provides data on spam rates, IP reputation, and domain reputation, helping you identify and address potential deliverability issues.
Email marketer from Litmus stresses the importance of proper email authentication using SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. She says that these protocols help verify the sender's identity and prevent spoofing, improving email deliverability and reducing the risk of being blacklisted.
Email marketer from GlockApps explains that blocklist monitoring tools can alert you when your IP address is listed on a blocklist. This allows you to take immediate action to investigate the cause and request delisting.
Email marketer from SendGrid answers that if you're using a new IP address, it's important to warm it up gradually by sending small volumes of email to engaged subscribers. This helps build a positive reputation with ISPs and improves deliverability.
Email marketer from Reddit explains that identifying the cause of the listing involves checking your email sending practices, looking for compromised accounts, and reviewing feedback loops. He says also check that you are fully authenticating your email with SPF, DKIM and DMARC.
What the experts say5Expert opinions
Expert from Spamresource.com shares that maintaining a clean IP reputation requires ongoing effort and vigilance. This includes monitoring your sending practices, addressing spam complaints promptly, and implementing technical measures to prevent abuse. They also state that proactive reputation management is crucial for long-term email deliverability success.
Expert from Spamresource.com explains that there are different types of blacklists, including those based on spam traps, honeypots, and complaint data. Understanding the type of blacklist your IP is on can help you determine the cause and the appropriate delisting process.
Expert from Email Geeks says that the multiple domain names used by the company look a bit like snowshoe spamming. He notes domains like mininaked.com and ajdaristore.com are present on the same /24 IP range. He also states that the various reverse DNS records pointing to Cloudflare is not clean. Although not a direct cause, he suggests this could make Spamhaus suspicious of the network space.
Expert from Email Geeks advises Stephan to contact Spamhaus CSS removals and explain that their network space (162.251.4.0/24 and 162.251.5.112/28) should not be sending problematic mail. He suggests asking Spamhaus for more details about their concerns to either fix the issue or put pressure on the hosting provider.
Expert from Word to the Wise responds that Spamhaus listings are often due to spam complaints, poor list hygiene, or compromised accounts. He stresses that focusing on sending relevant, wanted email to engaged subscribers is key to avoiding blacklists.
What the documentation says5Technical articles
Documentation from Spamhaus explains that IP addresses are listed due to involvement in spam activities, including sending unsolicited bulk email, hosting malware, or being part of a botnet. They may also be listed if they are associated with a network that doesn't adequately prevent spam.
Documentation from Spamhaus shares that you can check your IP address status on the Spamhaus website using their IP and Domain Reputation Checker. This tool will show if your IP is listed in any of their blocklists.
Documentation from Google says to maintain a low spam rate. Keep user-reported spam in Gmail below 0.10% and avoid ever reaching a 0.30% spam rate. If you are, you may encounter delivery issues
Documentation from Spamhaus answers that the delisting process varies depending on the specific blocklist. For some lists, you can request removal directly through the Spamhaus website. For others, you need to contact your ISP or hosting provider to resolve the underlying issue.
Documentation from Microsoft says that the Sender Network Data Services (SNDS) program provides data about your IPs reputation and Spam Trap hits within Microsoft's email services