Words and Phrases to Avoid in Your Email Marketing Campaigns to Avoid Spam Filters

Did you know that the word “free” is one of the top spam triggers? Spam filters are getting smarter every day, and if your email marketing campaign isn’t strategic, you might get flagged as a spambot. There are certain words and phrases that trigger spam filters, whether they appear in your subject line or body of your message. These include anything that could be interpreted as promotional, such as price-related terms like “discount” or “sale”. Even something as simple as the word “you” can trip up spam filters, since spammers often address their messages to generic user names like “Dear User’ or ‘Hello Friend’. If you want to avoid your emails being flagged as spam, here are some words and phrases to avoid using in your email marketing campaign:

Words to Avoid in Your Subject Lines

Spambots are everywhere. You need to be aware of what terms trigger spam filters and avoid them as much as possible. No one wants to receive spam emails, especially when they’re coming from a company that they are interested in. Spammers often use common phrases that are less likely to stand out in your recipient’s inbox. If you use these same phrases, you run the risk of your email getting flagged as spam, or worse, getting blocked entirely.

Free

The word “free” is a huge red flag for spammers, which is why it’s one of the top spam triggers. If you want to promote a product as “free,” use an asterisk to indicate that there are strings attached. Spammers often use the word “free” to entice people to claim a bogus offer where they’ll be required to give out their personal information or credit card details. Using the word “free” in your email marketing campaign could actually send your message to the spam folder and not your intended audience.

Discount

When was the last time you saw an advertisement that said “discount” or “sale”? Sure, you may see signs in the storefronts of your local stores, but those are often put up by the employees, not the company itself. Choose another term if you want to inform your customers about a great sale or discounted price. “Discount” and “sale” are common spam triggers that could send your email straight to the spam folder.

Halls

The word “halls” is often used to refer to your local event center, or convention center where large events take place. Unfortunately, spammers have caught on, and now use this word often in their ads. There are many event marketers out there that have fallen victim to this word, because they simply don’t know any better. If you’re wanting to promote an event, you need to use a different word than “halls.” Otherwise, your email could end up in the spam folder, or worse, blocked entirely.

Exclusive

If you’re promoting a product or service that is exclusive to one group of people, spammers will use this word to entice people who don’t qualify to “act now” before it’s too late. You may want to promote your product as “exclusive” to your email subscribers, but keep in mind that spammers often use this word to lure people into their trap. If you want to promote a product or service as “exclusive” to your email subscribers, try using a different word. You may choose a word that is more general and less likely to trigger spam filters.

Only/no longer available

This is one of the most common spam triggers, so many email service providers have added it to their blacklists. If you want to let your subscribers know that a product is only available for a limited time, or not available at all, you may want to avoid using the words “only” or “no longer available.” Spammers often use this word to lure people into clicking on the link and giving them their personal information.

Bottom line/ Final words

This one may seem a bit silly, but it’s true. Spammers love to use these two words because they are often overlooked and don’t seem suspicious. Spammers often use them to promote some type of get-rich-quick scheme, or a questionable product that no one should buy. If you want to end your email marketing campaign with a “Bottom line” or “Final words,” try rewording your sentence to avoid the spam triggers.

Urgent

If you’re offering any kind of sales pitch, you should avoid using the word “urgent”, since this is a common spam trigger.

Amazing

Spammers often use the word “amazing” in their emails, so again, any emails bearing this word could be automatically deleted by a spam filter.

Words and Phrases You Shouldn’t Use to Avoid Spam Filters

Avoid Obvious False Promises

1. Save money
2. Free gift
3. 100% free
4. Best prices
5. Get your special bonus
6. Fast and easy money
7. Get a free gift now!
8. Free membership
9. Free trial now
10. Free products
11. Free investment
12. Get your money back
13. Risk-free investment
14. Quality guaranteed
15. Save big today
16. Limited promotion
17. One time sale
18. Start saving now
19. Next order free
20. Free item inside
21. Special sale inside
22. Last chance to get your free item
23. You can’t miss this offer

Avoid Phrases that Create Excessive Pressure

24. Limited time offer
25. Open before is too late
26. Order before is gone
27. You are the winner
28. Congratulations! You are the 100th customer!
29. Last chance!
30. Hurry before is gone
31. This won’t last
32. Order now
33. New limited items
34. Almost out of stock
35. Urgent
36. Supplies almost gone
37. You have been selected
38. Get it shipped today
39. Special deal inside
40. Open now to get this offer
41. We need you
42. You won’t believe this
43. Become a member now
44. Apply now
45. Click and discover this deal
46. Limited time offer inside
47. Discount inside
48. Order now
49. Do it today
50. Get it today
51. Call now for a free item
52. Best offer just today
53. Deal countdown

The worst thing about spam filters is that you won’t know they’ve blocked your email until you’re trying to reach your audience. In some cases, you may never know, which is why it’s better to stay on the side of caution and avoid these spam triggers altogether. If a word is listed here, there’s a good chance it’s going to be flagged as spam by at least one spam filter. If you want your email marketing campaign to be successful, avoid using these spam triggers as much as possible. Spammers often use common words to lure people into their trap, so if you want to reach your intended audience, you need to do your best to avoid these spam triggers

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