Navigating the ever-changing world of email marketing can feel like trying to hit a moving target.
But don’t worry I’ve got you covered.
In 2024 Google and Yahoo made significant updates to their email protocols shaking things up for marketers like us.
Ready to level up your email game and dominate those inboxes? 🤘 Check out Clickfunnels and see how it can supercharge your email marketing
The New Rules of the Game
Ready to level up your email game and dominate those inboxes? 🤘 Check out Clickfunnels and see how it can supercharge your email marketing
These changes while initially focused on Yahoo and Google affect a huge chunk of our audiences because let’s face it most people use these platforms.
To keep your emails from ending up in the dreaded spam folder it’s not just about sending compelling content anymore.
It’s about understanding and implementing the new rules.
Think of it like this: If you’re sending out a massive email blast (we’re talking over 5000 emails at a time) you’re now considered a “bulk email sender.” These platforms want to protect their users from unwanted spam so they’ve set up stricter guidelines.
Not following these rules could lead to your messages being filtered straight to the spam folder no matter how amazing your offer is.
The 3 Key Rules to Ensure Deliverability
Here’s the good news: While these new rules might seem daunting they’re actually pretty straightforward and implementing them will help you land in the inbox across other providers too.
Think of it as building a solid foundation for your email marketing strategy.
Rule #1: Make It Easy to Unsubscribe
The first rule is all about giving your subscribers the power to control their inbox experience.
It might sound counterintuitive but making it easy for people to unsubscribe actually improves your deliverability in the long run.
This means saying goodbye to the tiny hard-to-find “unsubscribe” link buried at the bottom of your emails.
Instead you need to implement a functioning “list-unsubscribe header” allowing for a one-click unsubscribe option.
Think of it as a clear “exit” sign for your subscribers.
Here’s how it works:
- List-Unsubscribe Header: This header tells email providers that you’re serious about allowing people to opt out of your emails. It’s like a digital handshake ensuring your messages are delivered to the right people.
- One-Click Unsubscribe: This is the magic button that makes it super easy for people to get off your list. Imagine a clear “Unsubscribe” link right at the top of your emails giving them instant control.
Rule #2: Honor Unsubscribe Requests Promptly
Once you’ve implemented the one-click unsubscribe option the next step is to honor these requests within 48 hours.
Think of it like a promise to your subscribers: If they decide they don’t want to hear from you anymore you’ll respect their choice and remove them from your list quickly.
Rule #3: Keep Your Spam Report Rate Low
This one is all about your reputation.
The spam report rate is calculated by dividing the number of people who mark your email as spam by the total number of emails sent.
Ideally you want to keep this rate below 0.3%.
Why is this important?
- Compliance: Email providers use this data to gauge your trustworthiness.
- List Quality: A high spam rate might indicate that you’re attracting the wrong audience.
- Messaging Effectiveness: It could be a sign that your message is off-target or too aggressive.
Monitoring Your Spam Rate:
It’s important to keep a close eye on your spam rate.
Tools like Google Postmaster and Yahoo Complaint Feedback Loop are your best friends for this.
They provide insights into how your domain is performing and can help you identify potential issues.
Email Authentication: Proving Your Legitimacy
Imagine you’re sending a letter through the postal service.
To make sure it reaches its destination without being intercepted you need to provide a valid address right? The same principle applies to email.
Email authentication protocols like DKIM SPF and DMARC work together to verify your sender identity and ensure that your messages haven’t been tampered with during transit.
It’s like a digital stamp of approval letting email providers know that you’re the real deal.
DKIM: The Digital Signature
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) acts like a digital signature for your emails proving you’re the rightful sender.
Think of it as a secure key that confirms your identity helping prevent spoofing and phishing attempts.
SPF: The Gatekeeper
SPF (Sender Policy Framework) sets up a list of authorized servers that are allowed to send emails on your behalf.
It acts like a gatekeeper ensuring that only legitimate servers can send messages from your domain.
DMARC: The Security Manager
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication Reporting & Conformance) acts as the security manager for your emails.
It tells email providers what to do if your emails fail the SPF or DKIM checks (like reject the email or send it to the spam folder). DMARC also allows you to track any reports of email failures providing valuable insights into your domain’s reputation.
Email Deliverability Hacks: Building a Thriving Email List
Now let’s dive into some practical strategies that will help you build a thriving email list even with the new rules in place.
Engagement is Key: Empowering Your Subscribers
One of the biggest mistakes marketers make is treating their email lists like a captive audience.
Instead give your subscribers the freedom to choose what they want to receive.
- Segmented Lists: If you have different lists for different types of content (like blog posts product updates or promotions) let subscribers choose which ones they want to receive. This personalized approach keeps them engaged and reduces the chances of them hitting that dreaded “unsubscribe” button.
Warm Up Your Domain: Building Trust
If you’re a brand new email sender think of your domain like a new friendship.
You need to take things slowly and build trust with email providers.
- Gradual Ramp-Up: Start with a small number of emails and gradually increase the volume over time. This shows email providers that you’re not a spammer and that you’re sending legitimate messages.
- Engagement Monitoring: Keep a close eye on metrics like open rates click-through rates and unsubscribe rates to see how your subscribers are reacting to your emails.
Double Opt-in: Making Sure It’s a Match
Double opt-in is like a confirmation process for your subscribers.
It’s like saying “Are you sure you want to be on this list?” It may seem like an extra step but it’s worth it.
- Reduced Spam Complaints: Double opt-in helps prevent spam complaints because it ensures that only people who truly want to receive your emails are on your list.
- Higher Engagement: A list of engaged subscribers leads to higher open rates click-through rates and ultimately more revenue.
Tagging for Targeted Content: Personalizing the Experience
Think of tagging like creating personalized labels for your subscribers.
It allows you to send targeted messages that are more relevant to their interests.
- Increased Engagement: When people receive emails that resonate with them they’re more likely to open them click on the links and engage with your content.
- Reduced Email Fatigue: Tagging helps you avoid overwhelming your subscribers with irrelevant emails reducing the chances of them hitting that dreaded “spam” button.
Leverage Clickfunnels for Powerful Segmentation:
ClickFunnels is a powerful tool that can help you create targeted email lists track subscriber behavior and automate your email marketing process.
- Workflows: Create automated email sequences that deliver the right message to the right people at the right time.
- Tagging: Easily tag your subscribers based on their behavior interests or any other criteria you choose.
- List Management: Keep your email lists clean and organized ensuring that your messages reach the right people.
A Word of Caution: Email Deliverability Is an Ongoing Effort
Remember email deliverability is not a one-time fix.
It’s an ongoing process that requires constant monitoring and adjustment.
- Stay Updated: Keep your finger on the pulse of the latest email marketing trends and best practices.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try new strategies and tweak your approach based on your data.
- Be Patient: Building a strong email reputation takes time.
By following these guidelines and embracing the new rules of the email game you can ensure your messages reach your intended audience and build a thriving email list.
Remember building a strong email presence is an investment in your business and it’s one that will pay off for years to come.
Ready to level up your email game and dominate those inboxes? 🤘 Check out Clickfunnels and see how it can supercharge your email marketing