Spam Trigger Words To Avoid in 2024

What is a Spam Trigger Word?

A spam trigger word is a term or phrase commonly used in spam emails. These words can alert email service providers’ spam filters, increasing the likelihood of an email being marked as spam.   

What Can Trigger Spam Filters?

Spam filters are designed to protect users from unwanted or potentially harmful emails. They use various criteria to identify spam, and certain elements in an email can trigger these filters.

Below, you’ll find a few factors that can impact triggering spam filters.

Overuse of Common Spam Words

Excessive use of words like “big money,” “extra cash,” or “free call” can alert spam filters. These terms are often associated with deceptive or promotional content.

Suspicious Subject Lines

Subject lines containing phrases like “not spam,” “dear friend,” or “special promotion” can trigger filters. They resemble language used in unsolicited or misleading emails.

Frequent Use of Sales Language

Using phrases like “sign up free today,” “save big money,” or “one hundred percent guaranteed” in emails, especially in the subject line, can be a red flag for spam filters.

Inclusion of Risky Topics

Topics related to “online pharmacy,” “lose weight,” or “hidden fees” are often linked with spam emails. Their presence can prompt email providers to filter out such messages.

Excessive Capitalization and Punctuation

Overuse of capital letters and exclamation marks, especially in phrases like “ACT NOW!” or “WIN BIG!” can be perceived as aggressive or spammy, leading to filtering.

Common Spam Trigger Words in 2024

These are terms that, when used in emails, particularly in subject lines or the main content, can alert spam filters. Understanding these words helps in crafting emails that are more likely to reach the recipient’s inbox.

Categories of Spam Trigger Words

1. Financial Offers and Promises
   • Spam Trigger Words to Avoid: “Big money,” “extra cash,” “totally free,” “hidden costs.”
   • Perception by Filters: These phrases often signal unrealistic promises or scams.
   • Misuse Scenario: A legitimate business offering a genuine discount might mistakenly use “save big money,” triggering spam filters.
2. Urgency and Exclusivity
   • Email Spam Words to Avoid: “Act now,” “limited time offer,” “exclusive deal.”
   • Perception by Filters: Implies pressure tactics often used in spam emails.
   • Misuse Scenario: A time-sensitive legitimate offer could be flagged as spam if phrased too aggressively.
3. Health and Medical Claims
   • Spam Trigger Words to Avoid: “Lose weight,” “medical exams,” “miracle cure.”
   • Perception by Filters: Associated with misleading health claims and pharmaceutical spam.
   • Misuse Scenario: A wellness newsletter discussing weight loss tips might be misclassified as spam.
      
4. High-Risk Investments and Opportunities
   • Spam Words to Avoid: “Multi-level marketing,” “initial investment,” “get rich quick.”
   • Perception by Filters: Often linked to pyramid schemes or fraudulent investment opportunities.
   • Misuse Scenario: An email about a legitimate investment seminar could be misinterpreted as a scam.
5. Technical and Internet-Related Terms
   • Such Words to Avoid: “Online biz opportunity,” “domain reputation,” “internet service providers.”
   • Perception by Filters: Common in phishing emails and online scams.
   • Misuse Scenario: A digital marketing agency promoting online business strategies might inadvertently use these trigger words.
      
6. Financial Transactions and Terms
   • Email Spam Trigger Words to Avoid: “Money order,” “credit check,” “consolidate debt and credit.”
   • Perception by Filters: Often associated with financial fraud or phishing attempts.
   • Misuse Scenario: A legitimate financial advisory service discussing debt consolidation might unintentionally trigger spam filters.
7. Business Opportunities and Employment
   • Spam Words to Avoid: “Own boss,” “work from home,” “business opportunity.”
   • Perception by Filters: Common in deceptive job offers and pyramid schemes.
   • Misuse Scenario: A genuine remote job offer or entrepreneurial blog post could be misclassified as spam.
8. Legal and Claims
   • Email Spam Trigger Words to Avoid: “Legal claims,” “spam law claims,” “lawsuit.”
   • Perception by Filters: Associated with legal spam and fraudulent claims.
   • Misuse Scenario: An email from a law firm offering legitimate legal advice might be flagged due to these trigger words.
9. Marketing and Promotions
   • Spam Words to Avoid: “Email campaign,” “new customers,” “special promotion.”
   • Perception by Filters: Often used in aggressive marketing and unsolicited promotions.
   • Misuse Scenario: Marketing emails, even with legitimate offers, risk being marked as spam if they overuse these terms.
10. Technology and Internet Offers
    • Email Spam Trigger Words to Avoid: “Instant access,” “dodgy websites,” “auto email removal.”
    • Perception by Filters: Linked to online scams, malware, and phishing.
    • Misuse Scenario: Tech newsletters or blogs discussing internet security might inadvertently include these trigger words.
11. Personal Finance and Investment
    • Spam Words to Avoid: “Bad credit,” “hidden fees,” “investment decision.”
    • Perception by Filters: Common in financial scams and misleading investment opportunities.
    • Misuse Scenario: Financial advisories or investment blogs could be flagged when discussing these topics.
12. Urgent Calls to Action
    • Spam Words to Avoid: “Act immediately,” “urgent response required,” “don’t delete.”
    • Perception by Filters: Resemble language used in urgent scam emails.
    • Misuse Scenario: Emails requiring prompt attention, such as event reminders, might use these phrases and be marked as spam.

Best Practices to Avoid Spam Words

1. Craft Clear and Direct Subject Lines

Avoid vague or sensational phrases in subject lines, such as “big money” or “urgent message.” Instead, opt for clarity and specificity.

For example, replace “Incredible Offer Inside!” with “New Seasonal Discounts Available.”

This approach not only helps bypass spam filters but also improves recipient engagement by setting clear expectations, enhancing email deliverability.

2. Use Natural Language in Content

Prioritize natural, conversational language over aggressive sales terms like “act now” or “limited offer.”

For instance, instead of saying, “Buy now to avoid disappointment,” try “We invite you to explore our latest collection.”

This strategy helps in avoiding spam triggers and enhances the overall readability and effectiveness of your email, ensuring it doesn’t end up in the email spam folder.

3. Personalize Your Emails

Personalization reduces the risk of being marked as spam.

Replace generic greetings like “Dear Friend” with the recipient’s name.

Personalized emails are less likely to contain spam trigger words and more likely to engage the recipient, thereby improving email deliverability and avoiding the junk folder.

4. Avoid Over-Promising and Exaggerations

Stay away from exaggerated claims such as “guaranteed success” or “revolutionary results.”

Instead, use realistic language, like “proven strategies for improvement” or “effective solutions.”

This approach maintains credibility and ensures your emails reach the recipient’s inbox, not marked as ‘not junk.’

5. Regularly Update Your Email List

Maintain a clean email list to avoid spam traps. Regularly remove unengaged subscribers and ensure all recipients have opted in. This practice not only reduces the chances of your emails being marked as spam but also complies with the CAN-SPAM Act, enhancing your relationship with mailbox providers as they hate spam.

6. Test Your Emails Before Sending

Use email testing tools to check against spam filters. Identify potential red flags, like certain spam words or formatting issues, that might cause your email to land in the spam folder.

For example, test different versions of your email with variations in the subject line and content to see which performs better.

Also, test email subject line emojis and unsubscribe button placement so you don’t land in a spam filter net.

7. Stay Informed About Spam Trends

Keep updated with the latest trends in spam filters and email marketing practices. Understanding the evolving nature of spam triggers, such as compliance with the CAN-SPAM Act and changes in email providers’ policies, is essential for effective email marketing.

For instance, be aware of new spam words identified by anti-spam filters or changes in the algorithms of major email service providers.

8. Monitor Email Campaign Performance

Analyze the performance of your email campaigns regularly. Check metrics like open rates and click-through rates to gauge if your emails are reaching the recipients’ inboxes. Monitoring these metrics can provide insights into whether your emails are being flagged as spam, helping you make necessary adjustments.

For example, if you notice a sudden drop in open rates, review your recent emails for potential spam triggers and adjust accordingly.

9. Avoid Misleading Claims and Phrases

Steer clear of phrases that might be misleading or deceptive, such as “risk-free investment” or “instant weight loss.” Instead, use honest and straightforward language.

For example, replace “Get rich quick” with “Learn about our investment training program.”

10. Be Cautious with Promotional Language

Excessive use of promotional language, like “exclusive deal just for you” or “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” can trigger spam filters. Balance your promotional content with informative and valuable information.

For instance, instead of “Buy now and get 50% off,” try “Explore our latest sale items, available at a discount for a limited time.”

11. Optimize Email Formatting

Avoid using excessive capitalization, multiple exclamation marks, or overly flashy HTML elements. These can be red flags for spam filters. Keep your email format clean and professional.

For example, instead of “HUGE DISCOUNTS!!!!,” use a more subdued “Enjoy significant savings this season.”

12. Educate Your Audience About Spam Filters

Inform your subscribers about how to whitelist your emails and the importance of not marking them as spam. This can be done through a brief note in your emails or a dedicated section on your website.

For example, include a message like, “To ensure you keep receiving our emails, please add us to your address book.”

13. Use a Reputable Email Marketing Platform

Employ a trusted marketing automation platform for sending emails. These platforms are usually better at managing deliverability issues and are less likely to be flagged by major email providers.

For instance, platforms like Mailchimp or HubSpot have built-in features to optimize email deliverability.

14. Avoid Overuse of ‘Spammy’ Phrases

Be cautious with phrases that are commonly associated with spam, such as “free money,” “no strings attached,” or “this is not spam.” Replace these with more trustworthy language.

For example, instead of “Claim your free prize now!” use “Learn more about our customer rewards program.”

15. Regular Compliance Checks

Ensure your email practices comply with laws like the CAN-SPAM Act. This includes providing a clear unsubscribe button, not using deceptive headers or subject lines, and including your physical address. Regular compliance checks will help maintain your domain reputation and reduce the likelihood of being marked as spam.

16. Engage in Responsible Linking

Be careful with the links you include in your emails. Avoid linking to dodgy websites or using URL shorteners, as these can be red flags for spam filters.

Ensure all links are relevant, trustworthy, and add value to your content.

For example, link directly to specific pages on your website rather than using a generic homepage link.

Avoid That Spam Folder!

Always choose your words wisely – this rule applies to email marketing, too. With the right selection of words used in subject lines or email body, you can enhance email deliverability and ensure your message is heard. And that’s what you should be always on the lookout for!