Why isn't Gmail recognizing Customer.io unsubscribe links and what makes an unsubscribe link compliant?

Email marketer from Reddit explains that Gmail might not recognize unsubscribe links if they are hidden, use confusing language, or require multiple steps to unsubscribe. It is important to make the process as simple as possible.

Email marketer from Email Geeks shares that, according to aboutmy.email, the email is compliant.

Email marketer from Mailchimp shares that best practices for unsubscribe links include making them easy to find, using clear language (e.g., "Unsubscribe" or "Opt-Out"), and providing a one-click unsubscribe option. Also, respecting the subscriber's decision and promptly removing them from your list is important.

Email marketer from Neil Patel Blog shares that to be CAN-SPAM compliant, every email must include a clear and obvious way for recipients to opt out of receiving future emails. This includes an unsubscribe link that works immediately and doesn't require recipients to jump through hoops.

Email marketer from HubSpot explains that compliance includes providing an unsubscribe link in every email, honoring unsubscribe requests promptly, and ensuring that the unsubscribe process is simple and straightforward for the recipient.

Email marketer from EmailOnAcid shares that ensuring your unsubscribe link is accessible by using sufficient contrast, alt text, and a clear call-to-action will make it easier for all users to find and use.

Email marketer from Campaign Monitor says that the unsubscribe link should be clearly visible in the email design, typically in the footer. The design of the link should not make it difficult for users to find or click.

Email marketer from StackOverflow explains that the List-Unsubscribe header should be properly formatted and included in the email. Ensure that the URLs in the header are valid and accessible, and that the email server is configured correctly to send this header.

Email marketer from SendGrid shares that consistently honoring unsubscribe requests and maintaining a clean email list can improve sender reputation, which may influence how Gmail and other providers handle your emails. Make sure that you are not continuing to send to people after they unsubscribed.

Expert from Word to the Wise responds that a likely reason for Gmail failing to properly recognise unsubscribe links is if they use a POST command, but that some people would want this approach as it stops subscription bombing.

Expert from SpamResource.com shares that maintaining good list hygiene by promptly removing unsubscribed users can help improve sender reputation and prevent Gmail from misinterpreting unsubscribe links. Using double opt-in is also something they suggest.

Expert from Email Geeks shares his thoughts on complaints, forged subscribes, or spam and says a single instance doesn't necessarily warrant a severe penalty, but rather should be considered as a data point among many others.

Expert from Email Geeks mentions the gmail tool is looking at live traffic, which makes it more complex and seems to be very much an alpha release, even by Google standards.

Expert from Email Geeks suggests sending an email to aboutmy.email to check if it's compliant by sharing the result link.

Expert from Email Geeks talks about list washing, explaining the difference between a single occurrence versus ongoing, mass actions, and emphasizing the importance of allowing mail senders to stop sending emails upon request.

Expert from Email Geeks says that Gmail's unsubscribe checker may not be ready for prime time.

Expert from SpamResource.com explains that to comply with CAN-SPAM, an unsubscribe mechanism must be honored within 10 business days and must be a simple opt-out method. Gmail might flag emails if the unsubscribe process is difficult or takes longer than required.

Documentation from Litmus explains that email marketers should test their emails across different email clients, including Gmail, to ensure that unsubscribe links are properly displayed and functional. Some platforms have pre send testing that can check for these things.

Documentation from RFC Editor explains that the List-Unsubscribe header should be included in email messages, providing a mechanism for users to easily unsubscribe from mailing lists. This header can contain a mailto: URL or an HTTP URL for unsubscribing.

Documentation from Google explains that bulk senders must include a one-click unsubscribe option in their emails and ensure that unsubscribe requests are processed within two days. Additionally, the unsubscribe process should not require recipients to log in or visit more than one page.

Documentation from Customer.io explains that unsubscribe links must be clearly visible and easily accessible within the email. They should lead to a page where the user can unsubscribe with a single click, or manage their subscription preferences.